Friday, October 14, 2016

Act Three Chapter Title Explanation

Well, we're due for this with the last chapters of Act Three going up earlier today...

It's No Good by Depeche Mode

My hands down favorite track from De'Mode and the third track from Ultra that shows up as a chapter title in Philly by Night. Only real reason I chose it is because I like and decided that Michael would play it in his band in this chapter.

And We Danced by Hooters

Hooters is a quintessential Philadelphia rock band from the 1980s. Seeing as the first two chapters of the act are playing catch-up with the time gap between Acts Two and Three, this song is, like the previous chapter, mostly just a fluff choice. It fits the Philly environment nicely.

All the Things She Said by TATU

This one is a little anachronistic, since it was released in 2002, but given the rep of this Russian band as "lipstick lesbians," it fit nicely with Sarah's exploration of her sexuality now that she's a part of Michael and Rebecca's "trinity."

Something in the Air Tonight by Phil Collins

Oh, yeah. Cliche as hell, but still this track is just so cool (even if Phil has not quite the artist he was in Genesis' heyday.) It helps set the mood as the main characters start to realize just how big things really are when it comes to the Dark Brotherhood and who (or more accurately what) is behind them.

Gangster's Paradise by Coolio

I really don't like rap. There are very few rap songs that I like. All that said, I LOVE this track. It fits nicely as Michael begins to expand his criminal empire through the city.

Spirits in the Material World by the Police

Spirit magic is at the heart of this chapter as the main characters race to unlock the secrets of the Brotherhood's new weapon. So, of course, we go to this Police song for our chapter title.

A View to a Kill by Duran Duran

Stealing a James Bond song, the title is really where I found the appeal of this track for this chapter. Given how many people die in this chapter, it seems fitting.

Of Wolf and Man by Metallica & Wolf Moon by Type O Negative

Two chapters back to back that focus on Boar's efforts to use the werewolves to help Michael's ambitions. So we got two wolf themed songs back to back.

Creep by Radiohead

I've been playing coy to some degree with Michael's predatory sexuality. In this chapter, we really confront this ugly element of his character and seek to establish the boundaries of where he will or won't go. Radiohead's song is a perfect description of Michael here. He is a creep, but he's trying to not be quite as creepy as some of his allies (e.g. Monroe.)

Sister of Night by Depeche Mode

Our fourth and final Depeche Mode song from Ultra, this song is about Ai'ma.

The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals

This old classic is about a house of ill repute in New Orleans. Our chapter is about the Tong prostitution ring and Michael's attempted takeover thereof. Given that the phrase "Rising Sun" makes me think Asian (albeit towards Japanese culture rather than the Chinese of the Tongs in the story), it's a nice fit for this chapter.

The Sorcerer's Pledge by Candlemass

This somewhat obscure song fits nicely with Zao finally giving his consent and presence to an attack on the Brotherhood. He is a sorcerer making a pledge to support Michael's assault.

Hotel California by The Eagles

Long misinterpreted to be some manner of satanic tribute, Hotel California is really about the music industry. But I don't care about the truth here, I'd rather go with the misread for our purposes. The Hell Hotel really is a place "you can check out anytime you like, but can never leave."

Carmina Burana: O Fortuna by Carl Orff

I normally do pop or rock songs as chapter titles. But this piece of classical music (which is super overused in modern film) is too fitting here. The whole operatic song that makes up this track is an ode to the whimsies of fate. Given Zao's destiny at the hands of the Brotherhood, it was too fitting not to use. It's really haunting and it fits also with the atmosphere inside the nightmarish Hell Hotel.

Bloodflowers by the Cure

Off of The Cure's late 90s masterpiece album of the same name, this song is all about the capriciousness of life and death. Michael wins a huge victory, but at what cost? So many dead. Was it worth it?

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