Juno is a 2007 indie film about teenage pregnancy. The film depicts Juno MacGuff, a smart, quirky teen who gets unexpectedly pregnant. She decides to give the baby up for adoption to a couple she thinks would give her a better life.
The film is a mix of comedy and drama to portray the complexities of adolescence as well as growing up. Not to forget that the compelling story and memorable characters earned the movie box office and critical acclaim.
The charm of the movie depends much on the soundtrack. Unlike most soundtracks, Juno's music includes lesser-known musicians whose songs fit the special tone of the movie. The soundtrack consists of songs that capture the indie attitude of the movie and the oddball character of the protagonist.
From Kimya Dawson's folksy songs to vintage hits from The Velvet Underground, every song contributes significantly to increasing the emotional depth and general mood of the film.
Here's a breakdown of the soundtrack to break down where each song appears in the movie, providing insights into how the music aligns with key scenes.
Exploring the soundtrack featured in Juno
The guide on the movie's soundtrack starts with Astrud Gilberto's Once I Loved. Playing in MacGuff's flashback of her first s*xual encounter with Paulie Bleeker, this bossa nova classic opens the film. The melancholy of the song matches MacGuff's introspection times.
Next, All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar plays during the opening credits as Juno returns home with her favorite orange drink. The upbeat and whimsical tune perfectly captures the film's quirky vibe.
While Besame Mucho by Trio Los Panchos adds an amusing touch during a flashback in Spanish class, Kimya Dawson's Tire Swing accentuates MacGuff's walk home moments following the pregnancy test. As Paulie gets ready for an early jog, The Kinks' A Well Respected Man subtly highlights his daily life before MacGuff's revelation.
4) Kimya Dawson's My Rollercoaster comes when Juno rides her bike to school following telling Paulie that she's pregnant. Like many of the soundtrack songs, this one reflects MacGuff's emotional state. With its gentle melody, another Kimya Dawson song, Reminders of Then, accentuates the scene's gravity when MacGuff rings up the clinic to arrange an abortion.
The protagonist and her friend Leah browse the classified ads in the park, with I Like Giants by Kimya Dawson playing softly in the background. Later, during Juno's visit to the Lorings' house, Elliot Page and Jason Bateman's Doll Parts highlight the common passion for music among the characters.
I'm Sticking With You by The Velvet Underground signals a change in seasons, while Buddy Holly's (Ummm, Oh Yeah) Dearest plays as MacGuff reflects on her ultrasound photos. Why Bother by The Drop is almost inaudible during a lighthearted moment between MacGuff and Mark.
Superstar by Sonic Youth features in a scene where Mark and MacGuff bond over their love of music. Kimya Dawson's 12/16 leads a tender moment between Juno and Paulie into the season-changing Piazza, New York Catcher by Belle and Sebastian.
After MacGuff's argument with Paulie, Belle and Sebastian's emotional Expectations follow. Mott the Hoople's All The Young Dudes then as Mark muses over his past. As MacGuff values a little flower to represent her inner development, Kimya Dawson's Sleep plays.
Tree Hugger by Kimya Dawson underscores a sweet exchange between Paulie and MacGuff, while So Nice So Smart plays during their reconciliation. The Moldy Peaches' Anyone Else But You appears in the last scene, later reprised by Elliot Page and Michael Cera, so highlighting the film's young love theme.
Sea of Love by Cat Power and Loose Lips by Kimya Dawson play during the film's closing moments, with Vampire by Antsy Pants wrapping up the credits.
The soundtrack is an essential component of what makes the movie so unforgettable. Every song is chosen deliberately to fit the emotional condition of the characters and the tone of the movie.
Apart from improving the story, the soundtrack supports Juno's reputation as a legendary indie movie by strengthening its place.