“Bad Santa 2,” a sequel to the dark comedy film “Bad Santa,” continues the story of the cynical, foul-mouthed Willie Soke. This film, directed by Mark Waters, was released in 2016 and retains the irreverent humor of its predecessor. However, amid the chaos and crass humor, the film surprisingly incorporates classical music into its soundtrack, providing a stark contrast to its otherwise gritty atmosphere. This article delves into the classical music pieces featured in “Bad Santa 2,” exploring their origins, significance, and the impact they have within the context of the film.
I. Overview of “Bad Santa 2”
1. Plot Summary
“Bad Santa 2” follows Willie Soke (played by Billy Bob Thornton) as he reunites with his estranged mother, Sunny (Kathy Bates), and his former partner, Marcus (Tony Cox), for a heist during Christmas. The plan involves robbing a charity in Chicago, which leads to a series of misadventures filled with crude humor, debauchery, and unexpected moments of tenderness. Amid this backdrop, the film’s use of classical music stands out, adding an unexpected layer of sophistication to the narrative.
2. Significance of Music in Film
Music plays a crucial role in shaping a film’s atmosphere and emotional impact. In “Bad Santa 2,” classical music is used to juxtapose the vulgarity and irreverence of the characters and plot, creating a unique blend of highbrow and lowbrow elements. This contrast not only highlights the absurdity of the situations but also adds depth to the characters and their experiences.
II. Classical Music Pieces Featured in “Bad Santa 2”
1. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
One of the most recognizable classical pieces featured in “Bad Santa 2” is Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” This composition, originally written in 1825, is a setting of the Latin prayer “Ave Maria.” It is known for its serene and uplifting melody, which contrasts sharply with the film’s crude humor and dark themes.
Historical Context
Schubert composed “Ave Maria” as part of his Opus 52, a collection of seven songs based on Walter Scott’s epic poem “The Lady of the Lake.” The piece has since become one of Schubert’s most famous works, often performed at weddings, funerals, and other solemn occasions.
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “Ave Maria” is used during a particularly chaotic and comedic scene, providing a stark contrast to the on-screen action. This juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of the situation and adds a layer of irony, making the scene even more memorable for the audience.
2. “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II
Another prominent classical piece in the film is Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube.” This waltz, composed in 1866, is one of the most famous pieces of classical music and is often associated with elegance and grandeur.
Historical Context
“The Blue Danube,” officially titled “An der schönen blauen Donau,” was composed by Strauss as a choral waltz and later adapted for orchestra. It gained immense popularity and became an unofficial national anthem of Austria, symbolizing the beauty and culture of the country.
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “The Blue Danube” is used during a scene where Willie and his accomplices are preparing for the heist. The elegance of the waltz contrasts with the gritty and comedic elements of the scene, creating a sense of irony and highlighting the dissonance between the music and the characters’ actions.
3. “Largo al factotum” from The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini
Gioachino Rossini’s “Largo al factotum” from the opera “The Barber of Seville” is another classical piece featured in the film. This aria, known for its energetic and lively melody, adds a dynamic element to the film’s soundtrack.
Historical Context
“Largo al factotum” is sung by the character Figaro in the first act of Rossini’s opera, which premiered in 1816. The aria is a showcase of Figaro’s self-confidence and boasts about his various talents and busy life as a barber in Seville.
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “Largo al factotum” is used during a fast-paced and humorous montage, enhancing the comedic timing and energy of the scene. The aria’s lively tempo and Figaro’s boastful lyrics align with the film’s chaotic and irreverent tone, making it a fitting choice for the soundtrack.
4. “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” also known as “A Little Night Music,” is another classical piece that makes an appearance in “Bad Santa 2.” This serenade, composed in 1787, is one of Mozart’s most popular works.
Historical Context
“Eine kleine Nachtmusik” was composed by Mozart as a serenade for a small string orchestra. The piece consists of four movements and is characterized by its lively and cheerful melodies, making it a favorite in classical music repertoire.
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” is used during a scene where the characters are engaged in a lighthearted and comedic exchange. The cheerful and upbeat nature of the music contrasts with the crude humor of the dialogue, creating a humorous and ironic effect that enhances the overall comedic impact of the scene.
5. “The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” is another classical piece featured in the film. This suite, composed in 1892, is one of the most famous works in the ballet repertoire and is particularly associated with the holiday season.
Historical Context
“The Nutcracker Suite” is a selection of eight pieces from Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker.” The ballet tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift and is transported to a magical world. The suite includes some of the most recognizable melodies in classical music, such as the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the “Waltz of the Flowers.”
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “The Nutcracker Suite” is used during a Christmas-themed scene, providing a festive and whimsical backdrop to the action. The music’s association with the holiday season adds a layer of irony to the film’s irreverent take on Christmas, enhancing the comedic effect and highlighting the contrast between the traditional holiday music and the film’s unconventional narrative.
6. “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” from his Ninth Symphony, is another classical piece featured in the film. This choral symphony, composed in 1824, is one of Beethoven’s most famous works and is known for its powerful and uplifting message of unity and brotherhood.
Historical Context
The “Ode to Joy” is the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and is based on Friedrich Schiller’s poem “An die Freude.” The symphony is celebrated for its innovative use of a chorus and soloists in a symphonic work, and its themes of joy and universal brotherhood have made it an enduring symbol of hope and unity.
Use in the Film
In “Bad Santa 2,” “Ode to Joy” is used during a climactic and dramatic moment, providing a sense of grandeur and emotional depth to the scene. The powerful and uplifting nature of the music contrasts with the film’s otherwise irreverent tone, adding a layer of irony and highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
III. Analysis of the Impact of Classical Music in “Bad Santa 2”
1. Juxtaposition and Irony
The use of classical music in “Bad Santa 2” creates a striking juxtaposition between the sophisticated and refined nature of the music and the crude humor and chaotic events of the film. This contrast enhances the comedic impact of the scenes, adding an element of irony that makes the humor more effective.
2. Emotional Depth
Despite the film’s irreverent tone, the inclusion of classical music adds an unexpected layer of emotional depth. Pieces like “Ave Maria” and “Ode to Joy” evoke powerful emotions and can elicit a sense of poignancy and reflection, even in the midst of the film’s chaos. This emotional resonance adds complexity to the characters and their experiences, making the film more engaging and memorable.
3. Cultural References
The use of well-known classical pieces also serves as a cultural reference point, adding a layer of sophistication and cultural literacy to the film. These pieces are instantly recognizable to many viewers, creating a connection to a broader cultural and historical context. This connection enhances the film’s appeal and adds a layer of intellectual engagement for the audience.
See Also: Classical Chinese Music and Its Unique Scales: A Comprehensive Overview
IV. Conclusion
The incorporation of classical music in “Bad Santa 2” is a surprising and effective element of the film’s soundtrack. Pieces like Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” Strauss’s “The Blue Danube,” Rossini’s “Largo al factotum,” Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite,” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” add a layer of sophistication, irony, and emotional depth to the film. This juxtaposition between the refined nature of classical music and the film’s irreverent humor creates a unique and memorable viewing experience. By blending highbrow and lowbrow elements, “Bad Santa 2” achieves a distinctive and engaging narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
