The evocative cello piece Wednesday Addams plays in the first episode of Netflix’s Wednesday is a captivating, albeit brief, rendition of “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones. This iconic rock anthem is given a distinctly melancholic and gothic makeover through Wednesday’s haunting performance.
The Dark Orchestration of “Paint It Black”
The first episode of Wednesday, titled “Wednesday’s Child is Full of Woe,” introduces us to the titular character and her expulsion from a “normie” high school, leading to her enrollment at Nevermore Academy. During a flashback scene showcasing Wednesday’s unique brand of justice, we witness her playing the cello. While only a short snippet is featured, it’s unmistakably a darkly reimagined version of “Paint It Black.”
The choice of this song is brilliantly symbolic. “Paint It Black,” originally a sitar-infused rock song about grief and seeing the world in shades of despair, aligns perfectly with Wednesday’s perpetually gloomy disposition. The shift to the cello, a stringed instrument known for its deep and resonant tones, further emphasizes the somber and gothic atmosphere the show establishes. It’s not just a song; it’s a statement about Wednesday’s character and her unique worldview.
The arrangement itself is crucial. It’s not a direct cover; it’s an interpretation. The melody remains recognizable, but the tempo slows, the harmonies shift, and the instrumentation is stripped down to the cello. This creates a sense of haunting familiarity, instantly drawing the viewer into Wednesday’s world of darkness and intrigue. The music underscores the scene’s tension and reinforces Wednesday’s outsider status.
Unveiling the Significance of Musical Choices in Wednesday
Wednesday masterfully utilizes music to enhance its narrative and character development. The soundtrack, curated by music supervisor Jen Malone, blends contemporary pop songs with classic rock anthems and original compositions, creating a diverse and engaging soundscape. The use of diegetic music – music that originates within the story’s world, like Wednesday’s cello playing – is particularly effective in revealing character traits and driving the plot forward.
The Role of Music in Character Development
Music serves as a window into Wednesday’s soul. Her preference for the cello, an instrument often associated with classical music and melancholy, speaks to her sophisticated and unconventional tastes. The choice to perform “Paint It Black” reflects her dark humor and her affinity for the macabre. It’s a carefully chosen detail that adds depth to her character.
Setting the Tone with Sound
Beyond character development, music also establishes the overall tone of the show. The combination of gothic imagery, dark humor, and eclectic musical choices creates a unique and captivating atmosphere. The soundtrack is integral to the show’s success, enhancing the viewing experience and solidifying its distinct identity.
Decoding the Dark Aesthetic
The dark aesthetic of Wednesday is deeply intertwined with its musical choices. The show draws inspiration from gothic literature, horror films, and the Addams Family franchise, creating a visual and sonic landscape that is both familiar and fresh. The music acts as a bridge between these elements, unifying them into a cohesive and compelling whole.
The use of “Paint It Black” in particular exemplifies this connection. The song’s themes of darkness, despair, and rebellion resonate with the show’s overall aesthetic, reinforcing its gothic sensibilities. The cello arrangement further emphasizes this connection, transforming a rock classic into a haunting and evocative piece of music.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Wednesday’s Musical World
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the nuances of music in Wednesday:
1. Who arranged the cello version of “Paint It Black” for Wednesday?
While an official arranger for the specific cello version played in the scene hasn’t been explicitly named in widely accessible sources, it is highly likely that the arrangement was either commissioned specifically for the show, done in-house by the music team, or a combination of both. Music supervisor Jen Malone would have overseen this process.
2. Where can I find a full version of Wednesday’s “Paint It Black” cello cover?
Currently, there isn’t a commercially released, full version of Wednesday’s cello rendition of “Paint It Black” available on streaming platforms or for purchase. However, many fan-made cello covers inspired by the show can be found on YouTube and other music-sharing platforms. The official soundtrack features many other songs from the series but, regrettably, not this specific piece.
3. Does Jenna Ortega actually play the cello in Wednesday?
Yes, Jenna Ortega did learn to play the cello for her role as Wednesday Addams. She began training several months before filming started and worked diligently to master the instrument. While stunt doubles were used for some complex scenes, Ortega performed the majority of the cello playing seen on screen.
4. What other instruments does Wednesday play in the show?
While the cello is the most prominent instrument associated with Wednesday, she’s also shown playing the piano and drums at other points in the show and in promotional material. This further emphasizes her eclectic musical talents and her ability to express herself through various forms of art.
5. Are there any other Rolling Stones songs featured in the Wednesday soundtrack?
While “Paint It Black” is the most notable Rolling Stones song due to Wednesday’s performance, the show’s soundtrack is quite diverse. No other Rolling Stones songs are prominently featured in the initial season, although the eclectic nature of the music suggests more could appear in future seasons.
6. What kind of cello does Wednesday play?
The cello Wednesday plays appears to be a full-size instrument, likely a model chosen for its tonal qualities and aesthetic suitability for the show. Specific details about the maker or exact model are not readily available, but its dark finish and traditional design complement the overall gothic atmosphere.
7. Who is the music supervisor for Wednesday?
The music supervisor for Wednesday is Jen Malone. She is a highly respected figure in the industry known for her work on shows like Euphoria, Atlanta, and Yellowjackets. Her expertise is crucial in crafting the show’s diverse and impactful soundtrack.
8. What is diegetic music?
Diegetic music refers to music that originates from within the world of the story. Characters in the story can hear diegetic music, such as a radio playing in the background, a character playing an instrument, or a band performing at a concert. It’s opposed to non-diegetic music, which is background music or a soundtrack that only the audience can hear.
9. How does the Wednesday soundtrack compare to the original Addams Family music?
The Wednesday soundtrack differs significantly from the original Addams Family theme and score. While the original music was often lighthearted and humorous, the Wednesday soundtrack is darker, more contemporary, and more eclectic. It blends genres to create a unique and atmospheric soundscape that reflects the show’s gothic aesthetic.
10. Does Danny Elfman contribute to the Wednesday score?
Yes, the legendary composer Danny Elfman co-composed the score for Wednesday alongside Chris Bacon. Elfman’s signature gothic style, evident in his work on films like Batman and The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a perfect fit for the Addams Family universe and brings a sense of dark whimsy to the show.
11. Will there be more cello performances from Wednesday in future seasons?
Given the positive reception to Wednesday’s cello playing in the first season, it is highly likely that future seasons will feature more of her musical performances. The cello has become an integral part of her character, and its inclusion is expected to continue enriching the show’s narrative and atmosphere.
12. What other genres of music are featured in the Wednesday soundtrack besides gothic and rock?
The Wednesday soundtrack is incredibly diverse, featuring elements of pop, electronic music, classical music (naturally), and even some indie genres. This eclectic mix contributes to the show’s unique soundscape and reflects the diverse personalities and subcultures present at Nevermore Academy. The soundtrack is intentionally curated to be unpredictable and engaging.