Requiem for a Dream: Original Music Composed by Clint Mansell featuring Kronos Quartet
Carl owned three soundtracks in his youth:
- Heavy Metal
- The Crow
- Batman Forever
He was not a connoisseur. But on a Thursday morning when he should have been in his Intro to Oceanography gen-ed pretending to pay attention, he instead was browsing at the dusty record shop downtown. Despite a brilliant October day, with a clear cobalt sky the shop was as dark as his mom’s basement. The entrance was literally underground, but that was its only link to authentic credibility. Mostly they just exploited the few state college students who had money to blow by over-charging for Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin CDs.
As a matter of fiscal responsibility, Carl spent much of his time browsing either in the vinyl singles section to bolster his burgeoning frat party DJ record collection, or scanning the dollar CD bin by the entrance in the hopes that something might catch his eye. By definition, dollar bin CDs are those that no one wants: Montell Jordan singles, Michael Bolton albums, and soundtracks. Lots of soundtracks.
He doesn’t really know why he picks it up. It’s clear this is simply a rehash of the film score but the price is right and it will pair well with the DVD back in his dorm room that shares the same cover art. Geoff, the cashier, checks him out without comment. It is the independent record store clerk’s solemn duty to remain indifferent to every customer’s purchase. To show interest, confusion, or anything other than the mildest of praise would demote them to the lowest ranks of music consumers, a mighty fall from their exalted position as gatekeepers of musical worthiness.
But Geoff can’t help but hear the claustrophobic strings of “Lux Aeterna” reaching their maddening crescendo as he scans the barcode and riffles the plastic baggie Carl will use to tote his parcel home. Visions of Canon Powershots and Ryan Smyth dance in his head. By the time Carl had signed his receipt, a single tear cascaded down Geoff’s aquiline nose.