The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (soundtrack)
Two soundtracks were released for Ben Stiller-directed 2013 drama film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: an original soundtrack and original score. Universal Republic Records and Brushfire Records released the original soundtrack consisting 12 songs on December 17, 2013, while Theodore Shapiro's original score was released by Sony Classical Records on December 31, 2013.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)[edit]
| The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | December 17, 2013 |
| Genre | Film soundtrack |
| Length | 49:35 |
| Label | |
| Compiler | Ben Stiller |
| Singles from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) | |
| |
The album consisted of several songs performed by Jack Johnson, Junip, Bahamas, Of Monsters and Men amongst various others.[1] It was a personal experience for the lead cast, as Ben Stiller curated the entire soundtrack being deeply involved in the production of the album, as Kristen Wiig also making her debut as playback singer, performing David Bowie's "Space Oddity" that played a significant role throughout the film. The song is featured in the sequence, where Mitty decides to leap into the helicopter as he imagines Cheryl (Wiig) singing the song. In an interview to Collider, he said:[2]
"I felt like the way it fits into the story, we got to this point and this scene which was sort of how the fantasy and reality come together for Walter, and that was what that came out of. That song, and what he mentioned in his head, and what he imagines and what he does, it all just seemed to come together over that song."[2]
Wiig also covered the song at the Electric Lady Studios which she called it as an "incredible and fun experience". She further recalled that in her mind, she had recorded the song with Bowie at the studio.[3] Johnson remade Rupert Holmes' 1979 song "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" while Bahamas also covered Human League's 1981 single "Don't You Want Me".[4] The film's trailer, which released on September 16, 2013, is soundtracked by Monsters and Men's "Dirty Paws" which was also included in the album.[5]
The album was released by Universal Republic Records and Brushfire Records on December 17, 2013,[6] in digital and physical formats.[7][8] Two original songs performed by José González: "Step Out" (written by Theodore Shapiro and Craig Warren)[9] and "Stay Alive" (written by Ryan Adams) released as singles on November 7 and December 3, respectively.[10][11] Junip performed the cover version of "Far Away" which was released as a single on December 13.[12]
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Step Out" | José González | 4:01 |
| 2. | "Dirty Paws" | Of Monsters and Men | 4:31 |
| 3. | "Stay Alive" | González | 4:26 |
| 4. | "Far Away" | Junip | 2:42 |
| 5. | "Don't Let It Pass" | Junip | 3:55 |
| 6. | "Lake Michigan" | Rogue Wave | 3:46 |
| 7. | "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" | Jack Johnson | 4:02 |
| 8. | "Don't You Want Me" | Bahamas featuring The Weather Station | 3:19 |
| 9. | "The Wolves & the Ravens" | Rogue Valley | 4:11 |
| 10. | "Space Oddity (Mitty Mix)" | David Bowie featuring Kristen Wiig | 5:11 |
| 11. | "#9 Dream" | González | 5:37 |
| 12. | "Maneater" | Grace Mitchell | 3:54 |
| Total length: | 49:35 | ||
Reception[edit]
Janelle Tucknott writing for Renowned for Sound wrote "Ben Stiller has done a fine choice in selecting some great songs which will hopefully fit the movie well. Space Oddity and Step Out are two of the album’s highest points, as well as the closer Maneater which will likely linger in your head for hours after listening to it."[13] Joe Wilde of Contactmusic.com called it as "a pleasant collection of songs that would serve well as a compilation of laid-back songs as well as it serves as a film soundtrack".[14] David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Theodore Shapiro's score is "deftly augmented with symphonic indie alt-rock and beautiful vocal tracks by neo-folkie Jose Gonzalez, breathing epic scope into what’s at heart a small New York fairy tale."[15]
Charts[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Original Motion Picture Score)[edit]
| The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | December 31, 2013 | |||
| Genre | Film score | |||
| Length | 48:26 | |||
| Label | Sony Classical | |||
| Producer | Theodore Shapiro | |||
| Theodore Shapiro chronology | ||||
| ||||
Theodore Shapiro composed the film's score in his second collaboration with Stiller after Tropic Thunder (2008). The score was released by Sony Classical Records on December 31, 2013, a week after the film's release and featured 27 tracks with a runtime of 48 minutes. A vinyl edition of the soundtrack was released on December 1, 2015.[29]
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Walter Time" | 0:59 |
| 2. | "Building Rescue" | 0:49 |
| 3. | "Time & Life" | 2:14 |
| 4. | "Walter Sees Cheryl" | 1:11 |
| 5. | "Arctic Fantasy" | 0:36 |
| 6. | "Paperclip" | 0:36 |
| 7. | "Wallet" | 0:43 |
| 8. | "Clue #1" | 0:46 |
| 9. | "Dangling Piano" | 0:35 |
| 10. | "Clue #2" | 0:59 |
| 11. | "Ted vs Walter" | 1:23 |
| 12. | "Sixth Avenue" | 2:08 |
| 13. | "Button" | 1:28 |
| 14. | "The Beckoning" | 1:48 |
| 15. | "Pub Decision" | 0:53 |
| 16. | "Shark Attack" | 3:51 |
| 17. | "Into The Harbor" | 2:23 |
| 18. | "Eyjafjallajökull" | 3:58 |
| 19. | "Eruption" | 0:52 |
| 20. | "Cup Reminders" | 4:43 |
| 21. | "Skateboard Delivery" | 0:59 |
| 22. | "Conan Cab" | 1:36 |
| 23. | "You Finish His Work" | 2:31 |
| 24. | "Afghan Trek" | 2:07 |
| 25. | "Quintessence" | 3:57 |
| 26. | "I'm Right Here" | 1:38 |
| 27. | "Stationary Cycle" | 2:43 |
| Total length: | 48:26 | |
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[30] | 32 |
References[edit]
- ^ Lawrence, Eric J. (December 23, 2013). "Various Artists: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty soundtrack". KCRW. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ a b "Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig Talk THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY". Collider. April 21, 2013. Archived from the original on August 21, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (December 24, 2013). "Kristen Wiig on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Singing Bowie, and Sneaky iPhone Pics". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 11, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Premiere: Jack Johnson's, Bahamas' 'Walter Mitty' tunes". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on August 3, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Gallo, Phil (September 16, 2013). "'Walter Mitty' Trailer Gives Of Monsters and Men Song a Lift". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Rodriguez, Cain (November 15, 2013). "'The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty' Soundtrack Features Of Monsters And Men, David Bowie, Rogue Wave & More". IndieWire. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty [Vinyl Soundtrack]". Record Store Day. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Robbins, Caryn. "THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY Motion Picture' Soundtrack Out 12/17". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "'Secret Life of Walter Mitty' Trailer Features a Song By Jose Gonzalez and St. Vincent". Tribeca. October 15, 2013. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Video: Jose Gonzalez: "Stay Alive" (Written By Ryan Adams)". Pitchfork. December 16, 2013. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Hogan, Marc (December 16, 2013). "See Jose Gonzalez Go 'Walter Mitty' For Ryan Adams-Penned 'Stay Alive'". Spin. ISSN 2010-3255. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Gentile, John (December 13, 2013). "Junip Take Fanciful Journey in 'Far Away'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Tucknott, Janelle. "Album Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Renowned For Sound. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Various Artists - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty OST Album Review". Contactmusic.com. December 9, 2013. Archived from the original on October 1, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Rooney, David (October 5, 2013). "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: New York Film Festival Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 31, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Soundtrack – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Official Compilation Albums Chart Top 100 - 5 to 11 January". Official Charts Company. January 5, 2014. Archived from the original on September 7, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50 - 26 April 2014 - 2 May 2014". Official Charts Company. April 26, 2014. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "Billboard 200: Week of January 18, 2014". Billboard. January 18, 2014. Archived from the original on May 28, 2015. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Current Album Sales: Week of January 18, 2014". Billboard. January 18, 2014. Archived from the original on April 11, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Soundtracks: Week of January 25, 2014". Billboard. January 25, 2014. Archived from the original on July 26, 2015. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Soundtracks – Year-End 2014". Billboard. 2014. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Vinyl, Music On. "ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (THEODORE SHAPIRO, JOSE GONZALES)". Music On Vinyl. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50 - 5 to 11 January". Official Charts Company. January 5, 2014. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2023.