Soundtracking: "200 Cigarettes"

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Chris rings in 2018 by looking back at the 80s via the 90s with 200 Cigarettes!

Remember theme parties? Well, 200 Cigarettes is a film version of an 80s theme party, set over New Year’s Eve as several lovelorn folks slowly make their way to Martha Plimpton’s house. Sounds like a party we would all want to go to, so you would think that the film would have had a longer shelf life than it did. The film is as forgotten as the old acquaintances "Auld Lang Syne" talked about, and shouldn’t be considering its easy charms, famous cast, and relentless gifability. But while parties are meant to be replaced by other parties, the music stays the same.

The party tracks that populate its soundtrack however are all unforgettable: Kool and the Gang, The Go-Gos, The Cars. There’s an entire Blondie medley! No matter what your New Year’s plans, you’ll probably hear half of its songs before the night is through, just as you’re likely to find yourself reflected by one of folks in the film’s ensemble. Whether bemoaning the disappointments of the past year, or making out with someone in a corner, or just along for the ride, 200 Cigarettes has a song and a character for that.

Now mind you, the film isn’t one you would turn to if you are looking for authentic period detail - it’s more of a delightful trifle than a misunderstood classic. But despite all of its humorously aimed pastiche and costume design, the nonstop music throughout is what recreates the era in more lived-in ways. You’ve heard all of these songs in movies before but not used to reflect both the raucousness and ennui of the holiday.

Consider me (like the film’s curmudgeonly Paul Rudd or impatient Plimpton) among those that think that New Year’s Eve simply sucks, and the demonstrative festivities and cheer that surrounding you only exacerbates that feeling. The relentlessly upbeat party music is like a reminder of all the fun you should be having, the abandon you should be allowing yourself, or maybe just the optimism of the holiday.

So let’s use some of it’s songs for a few New Year’s resolutions (and have a quick little 80s party of our own):

Bow Wow Wow - “I Want Candy”
Dance to the silly songs, indulge in confections just for the levity.

The Go-Gos - “Our Lips Are Sealed”
Do you, ignore other people's negative energy.

Harvey Danger - “Save It For Later”
Revamp your best attributes or try what works well for others.

The Cars - “Just What I Needed”
Embrace what you already have, want not.

Nick Lowe - “Cruel to be Kind”
Honestly is the best policy, even with yourself.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Previous Soundtracking Favorites:
Love Actually
Magnolia
Atomic Blonde
Lady Bird
Meet Me In St. Louis
...all installments can be found here!

Comments

[Mareko]

Love it, music and all. Martha Plimpton is MVP. It's a shame no one (in film, at least) seems to understand how to take full advantage of her comic gifts. She's terrific.

[ScottC]

I watch this every year around New Year's Eve, and I listen to the soundtrack often. While you've highlighted a lot of the best bits, I also like the cover of Boogie Wonderland (the Ricci-Hoffman bits of the movie are great fun). I agree with Mareko that Plimpton is MVP, but the movie is filled with entertaining performances.