Best Modern Songs Used in Period Films: A Blend of Past and Present

Period films, known for their meticulous attention to historical detail, have a unique charm that transports audiences to bygone eras. One often underestimated aspect of these films is the power of their soundtracks. While period films are set in the past, they frequently feature modern songs that complement the narrative, creating a mesmerizing fusion of past and present. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best modern songs used in period films that enhance the viewing experience and bridge the temporal gap.

1. “A Knight’s Tale” (2001) – Queen’s “We Will Rock You”

This medieval adventure film starring Heath Ledger is an unexpected blend of the 14th century and rock music. The film’s iconic jousting scene is elevated to epic proportions with Queen’s “We Will Rock You” playing in the background, creating an electrifying contrast.

2. “Marie Antoinette” (2006) – New Order’s “Ceremony” and Bow Wow Wow’s “I Want Candy”

Sofia Coppola’s biographical drama about the ill-fated queen of France, Marie Antoinette, features anachronistic ’80s pop tunes. These songs inject a modern spirit into the lavish world of 18th-century France, underscoring the film’s themes of youth and rebellion.

3. “Django Unchained” (2012) – James Brown’s “The Payback”

Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” takes place in the pre-Civil War American South and features a contemporary funk track, James Brown’s “The Payback,” in a climactic scene. The juxtaposition of the film’s historical setting and the song’s lyrics adds depth and intensity to the narrative.

4. “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) – Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s “Dawn”

While most of the tracks in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel are evocative of the early 19th century, Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s composition “Dawn” offers a modern touch. The piece’s piano melody beautifully underscores the romantic tension between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

5. “The Great Gatsby” (2013) – Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”

Baz Luhrmann’s take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel features a contemporary soundtrack, with Lana Del Rey’s haunting ballad “Young and Beautiful” serving as the emotional core of the film. The song encapsulates the enduring love and melancholy central to the story.

6. “A Single Man” (2009) – Abel Korzeniowski’s “Stillness of the Mind”

Set in 1962, “A Single Man” is a period drama that incorporates Abel Korzeniowski’s modern composition “Stillness of the Mind.” The instrumental piece accentuates the film’s introspective and melancholic atmosphere.

7. “Atonement” (2007) – Dario Marianelli’s “Elegy for Dunkirk”

While Dario Marianelli’s score for “Atonement” is primarily classical, his composition “Elegy for Dunkirk” features a haunting and modern electronic sound. This choice adds a distinctive emotional layer to the film’s narrative.

8. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) – Alexandre Desplat’s “The Society of the Crossed Keys”

Wes Anderson’s quirky comedy uses Alexandre Desplat’s playful and modern composition “The Society of the Crossed Keys” to create a whimsical atmosphere in a film set in the 1930s.