We can probably thank Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper for this, but since we are officially in the musical drama section of fall film season, we now have yet another music video featuring a performance that might be the highlight of the film. This time, instead of the aforementioned Ms. Gaga and Cooper, we have Natalie Portman performing a Sia-written song from her upcoming film “Vox Lux.”
The song, titled “Wrapped Up,” much like “Shallow” from “A Star is Born,” serves as the pivotal song/moment in “Vox Lux.” Don’t worry, we’re not going into spoilers for the film (and the music video thankfully avoids those as well, so it’s safe to watch), but when you see Portman’s character Celeste perform “Wrapped Up” for the first time, it’s a truly touching moment in the face of tragedy.
The video is your typical music video promoting a film. There’s clips from “Vox Lux” showing Celeste performing the song in front of a large crowd, however, instead of just playing a scene from the film, the video interlaces other shots, with a younger Celeste growing and becoming the pop star she is today.
And yes, much like “Shallow,” “Wrapped Up” is a pop song that will no doubt worm its way into your brain and won’t stop. An healthy debate can arise over which song works best and which song serves the film better, but both are quality songs that deserve attention this awards season. “Wrapped Up” is one of several songs from “Vox Lux” written by superstar singer Sia. However, the singer’s voice is nowhere to be found, as Portman does a Bradley Cooper and performs all her own singing in the film.
Now, don’t go thinking that “Vox Lux” is just another “A Star is Born” because it’s, quite frankly, nothing like “A Star is Born,” for better or worse. The film is daring, dark, and has a much harder edge than the Cooper/Gaga lovefest. But just as with ‘Star,’ “Vox Lux” leans heavily on music to help carry the story and flesh out its main characters.
“Vox Lux” hits theaters this weekend and will expand wider in the coming weeks.