Watching Sean Wang’s new dramedy Dìdi is a nostalgic experience that takes viewers back to the year 2008 through the eyes of a Taiwanese American family. Starring Izaac Wang as Chris, a teenage boy navigating adolescence, the film is filled with references to the era such as YouTube skate videos, AIM chats with SmarterChild, and MySpace “Top 8” ranking pages. What truly immerses the audience in this time period is the carefully chosen period music, including tracks by Hellogoodbye, curated by music supervisor Toko Nagata.
Vogue recently spoke to Toko Nagata about the process of putting together the perfect playlist for Dìdi and drawing inspiration from director Sean Wang’s own musical tastes and experiences. Nagata revealed that she had been involved in the project from the early stages, discussing with Wang what the overall sound of the film would be like. As Dìdi is semi-autobiographical for Wang, being set in 2008 when he was of a similar age, they wanted to ensure the music reflected this period accurately. Nagata also took influence from Wang’s friends’ music tastes and the characters in the film, such as Vivian, Chris’s sister, who was based on someone from Wang’s real life in the pop-punk scene.
One interesting aspect of the music selection process was when Nagata reached out to Future Islands, a band known for their involvement in skate culture. They granted permission for one of their albums to be used in the film, which added a sense of authenticity. However, Wang pointed out that the album was released in the fall of 2008, while the film was set in the summer of the same year. This attention to detail in all aspects of the movie helped cement its authenticity and realism, giving viewers a documentary-like snapshot of a specific experience during that time period.
Overall, Dìdi is a film that captures the essence of being a teenager in 2008, particularly within a Taiwanese American family. Through its nostalgic references and carefully curated period music, the movie invites viewers to step back in time and experience the joys and challenges of coming of age during that era. With music playing a pivotal role in creating an immersive and authentic atmosphere, Dìdi’s soundtrack adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, connecting the audience to the characters and their experiences in a profound way. By working closely with director Sean Wang and drawing inspiration from his own life and the music of the time, music supervisor Toko Nagata was able to craft a playlist that perfectly complements the film’s narrative and enhances the overall viewing experience.
