Ari Aster initially aimed to use Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ hit “Empire State of Mind” for the intense fight scene in Eddington, but the filmmakers could not obtain the licensing rights. This pivotal moment, featuring Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) disrupting Ted’s (Pedro Pascal) campaign party, almost played out against the backdrop of the iconic New York anthem. Instead, Katy Perry’s “Firework” was selected, creating a strikingly ironic tone that enhanced the scene’s chaotic energy. The use of this pop anthem underscored the emotional volatility and unpredictable tension of the confrontation.
The director shared in an interview with Roger Ebert,
We weren’t able to secure the rights, and I really wasn’t expecting to, because it’s such a huge song, but then we spent a lot of time experimenting with different songs in that scene, and “Firework” just fit.
This unexpected choice became a defining musical moment for the movie. The contrast between the scene’s violence and the upbeat, anthemic quality of “Firework” heightened the unsettling atmosphere, making the fight all the more memorable and intense.
The Impact of Jay-Z’s Anthem Missing from the Soundtrack
“Empire State of Mind,” a 2009 chart-topper that stayed at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 for five weeks and achieved 10X Platinum status, was perfectly suited to symbolize the clash of power and chaos in the New Mexico mayoral showdown. However, due to the challenges in securing rights for such a renowned track, the production turned toward a more unexpected musical backdrop.
Ari Aster explained the choice of “Firework” by emphasizing its bass-heavy sound, adding,
It’s a song that’s very heavy on the bass, and that was important because we cranked the bass in that scene so that you would feel it in your chest and your stomach. When you push the bass on that song, it makes it queasy, which worked for my purposes.
This bass-driven element amplified the physicality of the scene, making the audience viscerally experience the turmoil unfolding onscreen. The erratic shifts between the slaps exchanged and the return of the fireworks chorus created an audiovisual tension that mirrored Joe and Ted’s deteriorating relationship during the party.
The Broader Musical Landscape of Eddington
Beyond the fight scene, the soundtrack of Eddington contributes significantly to the film’s unpredictable and intense tone. Composers Bobby Krlic and Daniel Pemberton crafted eerie scores that underscore the movie’s unsettling political drama. The soundtrack also includes deep cuts like “You Are My Love” by Tender Leaf and “Alive” by TOPS, each adding distinct layers to the film’s sonic tapestry. Overall, the music amplifies a world teetering on the edge of chaos, perfectly matching the narrative’s turbulent pace.
Pedro Pascal’s Role Compared Across His Recent Films
Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Ted in Eddington showcased a brooding character entangled in political strife, but the film’s reception was modest. Eddington grossed slightly above $7 million at the box office, securing a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb. While respectable, the film did not reach blockbuster status.
In contrast, Pascal’s work in Materialists brought his complex romantic and morally ambiguous performance to greater commercial and critical heights, grossing $52 million worldwide and holding a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score. Audience ratings on IMDb were a bit lower, reflecting a divergence between critical and viewer responses.
Pascal’s most commercially successful venture this year came with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which earned an impressive $106 million globally during its opening weekend. The superhero film received an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 7.5 on IMDb. This role delivered widespread acclaim and cemented Pascal’s status as a leading figure in high-profile cinema.
The three films currently screen in theaters, highlighting Pascal’s versatility as he moves between brooding political dramas, romantic complexities, and blockbuster superhero adventures.
The Significance of the Soundtrack Choice for Eddington’s Legacy
The decision to replace “Empire State of Mind” with “Firework” reshaped the dramatic sensibility of one of Eddington’s pivotal scenes. The ironic use of Katy Perry’s anthem amidst escalating conflict enhanced the unsettling nature of the event, serving as a powerful auditory symbol of chaos. This choice exemplifies how music rights and creative decisions can unexpectedly influence a film’s tone and audience reception.
For Ari Aster, the inability to secure the original song opened an opportunity to craft a moment that simultaneously clashed with and amplified the scene’s intensity, with “Firework” delivering a punch both literal and emotional.
