Jim Jarmusch’s 2019 horror comedy, The Dead Don’t Die, is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Selena Gomez, Austin Butler, and Tilda Swinton. While it adheres to some conventions of the zombie genre, the essence of The Dead Don’t Die lies in its parody of traditional zombie films.
The narrative delves into significant social issues, portraying zombies as a consequence of fracking, which adds an insightful layer of critique, albeit delivered with a heavy hand at times. This quirky amalgamation of humor and commentary contributes to the film’s divisive reception, creating a surreal experience that reflects its absurdist tone. One of the most prominent elements of this absurdity is the song “The Dead Don’t Die,” which plays a crucial role in the film’s narrative.
The Characters’ Obsession with “The Dead Don’t Die”as a Meta Joke
Adam Driver’s Character References the Song to Establish Tone
The Dead Don’t Die brims with dry wit and encompasses a self-aware satirical layer, embodied in the film’s titular song. Adam Driver plays Officer Ronnie Peterson, who sets the stage for this meta commentary early on. As he and Chief Cliff Robertson (Bill Murray) patrol in their squad car, they switch on the radio, and the theme song begins to play. Cliff quips, “Wow, that sounds so familiar. What is that song, Ronnie?” to which Ronnie humorously responds, “It’s ‘The Dead Don’t Die,’ by Sturgill Simpson.”
Cliff, intrigued yet puzzled, presses, “Sturgill Simpson… Why does it sound so familiar?” Ronnie, in a delightfully self-referential manner, states, “Well, because it’s the theme song.” Their experience of the song intensifies the mood further into the film as Officer Mindy Morrison (Chloë Sevigny) later exclaims, “Oh, God! Not that again,” indicating the song’s frequent repetitions throughout the narrative.
After a particularly exasperated exchange, Cliff declares, “I can’t take anymore,” and tosses the CD out of the car window, further emphasizing the absurdity. Yet, the song resurfaces once more during the end credits, reinforcing its pervasive presence in the film. This interplay between dialogue and the recurring song illustrates the movie’s commitment to its meta-narrative.
Ronnie’s early interaction with the song are precursors to the overall tone of The Dead Don’t Die. Notably, he often hints at the impending doom with statements like, “This is going to end badly.” Tension escalates when Cliff interrogates him about his uncanny foresight, to which Ronnie cleverly replies, “I know because I’ve read the script.” This commentary serves as a direct acknowledgment to the audience that this is not a conventional zombie tale.
Sturgill Simpson’s “The Dead Don’t Die”Was Tailored Specifically for the Film
The Song Serves as a Long-Running Gag
It’s worth noting that “The Dead Don’t Die” was specifically crafted for this film, emphasizing the connection between the song and the storyline. The coinciding titles further amplify this bond, as the song’s constant mention ultimately adds to the humor of the film. The director, Jim Jarmusch, integrated this original piece to enhance the movie’s unique narrative style.
Given the film’s meta structure, having an original song was essential to amplifying the comedic gag throughout the movie. This distinction allows for a stronger integration of music that resonates with the film’s absurdist themes, ensuring that every lyric contributes to the storytelling framework.
Unpacking the Lyrics of Sturgill Simpson’s “The Dead Don’t Die”
A Distinct Message Within the Narrative
Beyond its narrative significance, the lyrics of “The Dead Don’t Die” provide profound commentary on contemporary society. Lines from the song reflect a disenchanted perspective on modern existence, encapsulating themes present in the film:
“In a somewhat-familiar town
That you saw once when you looked up from your phone
Nobody bothers saying ‘Hi’
And you can save all your goodbyes
Stop trying to pretend that we’re all
Related Articles:
Austin Butler’s $15M Horror Film Takes Netflix by Storm & Paves the Way for a Remarkable Career Transformation in the 21st Century
13:04
Bill Murray’s Controversial Zombie Film Competes with His 15-Year-Old Horror Franchise Sequel and Is Trending on Netflix
11:28
Leave a Reply