Peter Shr - Week 13 - Music and Nostalgia
I was about three years old when I first watched Castle in the Sky, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and drawn by Studio Ghibli. I remember loving everything about this film, from the gorgeous, steampunk animation to the heart-felt mystery. The aspect that stuck with me the most was the theme composed by Joe Hisaishi. To this day, it is the most beautiful melody I have ever heard, and it has left me stranded in a feeling of longing.
I concede that multiple factors have driven my love for Castle in the Sky’s theme outside of Hisaishi’s musical brilliance. While many recent fans of Studio Ghibli have reported the nostalgia evoked by this composer, I am also influenced by the genuine passing of time. Much like how studies show that the sense of smell and memories are intertwined in the brain, this theme immediately calls me back to my past perception of the world, free of worry and disappointment. In this period, I only remember the bright, clear noons and the cozy Christmas nights. The laughing with my friends and family, the playing with the little toy boats in preschool, and the long hours of sleeping are as distant and yet as intimate as that floating castle depicted by Miyazaki. They might as well be interchangeable in my retrospection. I realize how blessed I must be to look back on my childhood only with longing, in a romanticized, partly-fabricated, and completely magical fashion. In a way, the past also characterizes how I envision my future, serving as a motivator to achieve that “promised land” of letting go of the present stress.
https://www.filmlinc.org/films/25th-anniversary-screening-of-castle-in-the-sky/
As much as I believe Castle in the Sky’s theme is the most beautiful music I’ll ever hear, a part of me suggests that if I had never listened to it until just now, I would be unimpressed. Or maybe my taste would maintain its integrity. My glorification of this score, which I will stand by for the rest of my life, is skewed. Even Joe Hisaishi’s other works contain motifs that utilize more compelling cadences and chords as well as more striking melodies. Similar to my stubborn allegiance to my opinion, I find that other people tend to stick with their former beliefs. Whether it was their first Christopher Nolan film, first love, or hometown, people deeply reminisce on their early days. While movies like Inside Out indicate the popular belief that these intimate memories define an integral aspect of our character, I believe that the “good old days” have so much emotional weight because it is unclear. It is not an accurate retelling of past events, and therefore, it leaves space for people to fabricate what they believed to be their upbringing. I vividly remember retelling myself memories, and then years later I would only remember the act of retelling; so maybe, music and distant memories are alike in their openness to interpretation, powerfully defining one’s sense of purpose.
Article on the inaccuracies of memories: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2012/09/your-memory-is-like-the-telephone-game/
Hi Peter! The profound impact of Castle in the Sky's theme on your childhood memories and sense of nostalgia is articulated exquisitely. Your reflection on how the music evokes a longing for a simpler time, free from worry and disappointment, resonates deeply with me. It's really fascinating to see how certain sensory experiences, like music, can transport us back to specific moments in our past, evoking a mix of emotions and memories. I found your acknowledgment of the role of time in shaping our perception of nostalgia to be insightful. Especially, as we grow older, our memories become tinted with a sense of romanticism, so highlighting the moments of joy and innocence is important while going through the challenges and difficulties. This idealized version of the past is a source of comfort and motivation. Additionally, the recognition of the subjectivity of taste and nostalgia adds another layer to your reflection. It's true that our initial exposure to something, whether it's a piece of music or a childhood memory, can heavily influence our perception and attachment to it. Yet, as you suggest, there is a certain authenticity to our nostalgic sentiments, even if they are shaped by subjective experiences and interpretations. Moreover, the comparison between music and memories as open to interpretation is particularly intriguing. Just as memories can be distorted over time, music has the power to evoke different emotions and associations for each listener. This fluidity allows individuals to find personal meaning and significance in both their past experiences and the art they encounter. Overall, your blog on the contemplation of the intersection of music, nostalgia, and memory offers a poignant reminder of the complexity and beauty of the human experience. It encourages us to embrace the richness of our past while remaining open to future possibilities. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI liked how your blog explores a topic that isn’t usually connected to nostalgia - movie soundtracks. At least before I read this blog, I never thought to connect movie theme songs to nostalgic memories. I always connect music to my past through nostalgic artists like the Beatles or the Cranberries, which I used to listen to when I was younger, and I would connect movies to nostalgia through the classics like Home Alone. Reading your blog prompted me to reflect on my nostalgic experiences with Studio Ghibli when I was a child. When I was 7 years old, my mother brought home a DVD version of the movie When Marnie Was There. There was a particular tune that one of the characters would hum throughout the movie, which was always so delightful. Much like your experience with the beautiful melody of the theme of Castle in the Sky, this tune also left me “stranded in a feeling of longing.” Your reflection on how the theme song called you back to your past perception of the world that was free of worry and disappointment was very enlightening and somewhat relatable. Whenever I listened to the humming tune in the movie, it always felt as if the nuance and complexity surrounding me would suddenly vanish. It’s remarkable how music alone can have such an effect on us. As a 7-year-old, I never understood the true message the movie tried to convey about isolation and, to some extent, queer identities; however, the music always felt emotional to me. Overall, I’m really glad I read your blog as I was able to reminisce my past nostalgia from one of my favorite films that was somehow in the back of my mind for a very long time.
Hey Peter! I was also a big fan of Studio Ghibli films growing up, particularly Spirited Away. I can recall the first time I watched it with my mom on a warm, sunny afternoon back in elementary school, and so whenever I think about it now, a feeling of nostalgia washes over me. Reflecting on those moments, it's fascinating how these memories of certain experiences become directly connected and deeply intertwined with the emotions we felt at the time. In this way, I have realized that Spirited Away isn't just a movie to me; it's a catalyst that carries me back to a simpler time, where my biggest worry was whether I'd finish my homework before dinner. Nevertheless, as I've grown up, I've come to realize that nostalgia isn't merely a longing for the past, because it’s actually a complex feeling of a bunch of different emotions, all acting at the same time, that shape our present and future selves. What strikes me about our attachment to these films is how they serve as more than just entertainment by becoming direct symbols of our childhood hopes, fears, and dreams. Just like your connection to Castle in the Sky's theme, Spirited Away holds a special place in my heart because it represents a time when the world seemed full of wonder and possibility. Yet, as we try to recall these films, we're forced to face the reality of where we are now in life, where innocence is no longer a quality we can proudly say we have, and the line between fantasy and reality blurs. Therefore, in a way, our longing to remember how we used to feel while watching these movies mirrors our growing urge for meaning and belonging in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. Much like the characters in Spirited Away navigate the mystical realm of the spirit world, we too are on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with our past while forging ahead into an unknown future. Perhaps that's why Studio Ghibli's films resonate with so many people across generations. They remind us of the power of imagination and the enduring magic of childhood innocence. And as we continue to revisit these cinematic masterpieces, we're reminded that, while the passage of time may change us, the memories we hold dear will always remain a source of comfort and inspiration.
ReplyDelete