MovieChat Forums > Something Wild (1986) Discussion > "Total Control" by The Motels

"Total Control" by The Motels


The soundtrack of this film was pretty freaking killer and all the songs were perfectly placed, but I thought The Motels' "Total Control" was especially perfect in the scene when Ray robs the convenience store and that saxophone solo kicks in over the surveillance camera POV as Ray beats Charlie and forces him and Audrey into the car. It's an incredibly violent and surprising and dark scene, yet the song is almost soothing but haunting.

The tone of the song doesn't fit the tone of the scene but it fits the scene perfectly, kind of like "Layla" in GoodFellas. It almost seems completely out of place, which makes the violent scene so much darker. It makes the most pivotal scene in the movie pack even more of a punch because that's where the tone of the film truly shifts. The shift begins when Ray is introduced at the high school reunion but we don't really know where it's going until the scene where Ray robs the convenience store and the movie takes a dark turn and Charlie and Audrey completely lose control and Ray takes over. The song just works so well. Anyone else think "Total Control" was an inspired and powerful song choice for that scene?

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Demme made this film masterfully. I used to sneak and watch this late night on cable as a kid(because, y'know naked chick!!) and I always liked it, but now as an adult I appreciate it for what it is too.

When theres no more room in Hollywood, remakes shall walk the Earth.

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I just came here to post this that the song was PERFECTLY placed in the movie. Especially with that sax solo creeping in.

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Who knows, maybe the scene was an inspired choice for the song?

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The soundtrack of this film was pretty freaking killer and all the songs were perfectly placed


I totally agree, Eddie. "Something Wild" was one of the greatest 80s soundtracks, imo, very under-rated. Jonathan Demme always made smart music choices in his films, but never more so than here.

I still listen to this soundtrack from time to time. I do wish the Motel's Total Control had been included.

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I agree. "Total Control" made for an almost haunting effect with it's dark rhythm and lyrics.

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Absolutely. An iconic and beautiful song. That sax solo sends me every time I hear it. Whenever I think of this film, that scene and that song is the first thing that comes to mind.

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