Soundtracking: "The First Wives Club"
Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 10:30AM Chris Feil's series on music in the movies dips into some actressexuality this week!
Do you and your friend group have a song, one that defines and unites you instantaneously? Or is that just something that happens in the movies? I’ve certainly never had that, but my two best gays from college do namesake ourselves by a set of cinematic galpals that do: The First Wives Club. (I’m the Bette.)
This film has the good sense to capitalize on the musical charms of its legendary actresses Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. This threesome foursome *technically* (RIP Cynthia) has their origins defined by their place in musical history, with Diane Keaton’s opening narration evoking Woodstock and The Beatles. But its the beginning twinkle of Hal David / Burt Bacharach fantasy over the opening credits that more musically defines the feminine fantasy thrust upon their generation - idyllic beauty, subservience to men, etc. By the time Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox have them breaking down literal walls in the third act, these sisters are doin’ “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” for themselves.
But obviously the film’s most enduring and notorious musical impact comes from Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”.
This is their song, performed not only as they’ve reclaimed the togetherness of their youth but also their own agency. It’s an expression of freedom - from self-loathing, addiction, and fear - as much to the world as their two-timing loser husbands. You can tell they carry more joy into it now than ever before, unburdened and unbothered by the bullshit and expectations they’ve carried for years. For us, it’s a joy explosion that only the combined forces of actressing and girlgroup musicality could create.
And that element of “combined forces” is key to what makes the song so special here. Though recent pop culture filmography has reclaimed “You Don’t Own Me”, it hasn’t been nearly as rousing as the film they are indebted to. Built in this sequence isn’t just a stance against one individual unworthy man’s fuckery or even larger gender inequalities, but a larger unified voice. Where other usages of the song have the voice of a single defier, The First Wives Club are taking a stand of solidarity together. Naturally, it invites us to sing along with them.
And maybe, you know, learn the choreo if that’s your thing.
Similarly the choreographed friend group number is back in fashion in recent comedies like Rough Night and Girls Trip (though don’t you think we deserve even more?). But the musical backgrounds and prowess of Bette, Goldie, and Diane ensure the impact of a fully-realized, unironic musical number. While most recent examples are done with a wink, this moment sings with uplifting sincerity that makes that tone of togetherness all the more meaningful and convincing. Exactly what an anthem should do and then some.
Since it gives us one of the definitive musical sequences of the 90s, it’s kind of a shame that The First Wives Club has yet to be given the full-blown musical treatment after some failed attempts. These three already blow the roof off the theatre (or television or laptop these days), can you even imagine the live theatre standing ovations?
The First Wives Club is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Previous Soundtracking Favorites:
Young Adult
A Mighty Wind
Big Little Lies
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Sister Act
but all installments can be found here!
Reader Comments (13)
The First Wives Club is VERY broad, but I watch it over and over all the same. And Stockard Channing's cameo has to be one of my favorites. What's Cynthia's (full) story? Let's see THAT film.
All right, if you want a new musical version, then we have to come up with a cast, right? Kristin Chenowith seems like the obvious choice for Hawn even if she's not quite old enough yet.
It's a great song and a great closing scene. Better than any pill.
This glorious number tingles my spine. It's truly exhilarating all the way through, but by the time they take to that straight in those matching outfits, my goosebumps have goosebumps. The chemistry among these three legends is epic. I bought this CD when the movie came out, and it's a great set.
PS. What a year for Diane! This AND Marvin's Room.
It was a great year for Goldie Hawn also. In many ways I consider EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU later that year her best performance to date - she is absolutely luminous, and the last musical number with her and Woody transcendent.
ooop, street, not straight lol
I always wondered what lyrics Cynthia sang and what was her part in the choreography.
"Don't get mad. Get Everything.";-)
@Yup-And let's hope she gets more when Il Duce gets impeached or killed.
thevoid99
In the current mood in the country I wouldn't be surprised if he gets four more years...
Want to second Goldie Hawn's terrific performance in "Everyone Says I Love You." That sequence on the Seine is sublime moviemaking magic.
I love this movie so much. I could watch it repeatedly (because I do). It's one of my staples of pick-me-up movies when I need to turn off the world.
Could you tell me what recent pop culture filmography has reclaimed You Don't Own Me? I'm drawing a blank.