Sean Durkin’s latest film, The Iron Claw, is a powerful and emotionally charged true story that delves into the lives of the Von Erich family, a legendary dynasty in the world of professional wrestling. Set against the backdrop of Texas in the 1980s, the film chronicles the rise to fame of the Von Erich brothers—Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike—as well as the numerous tragedies that befell the family, leading many to believe that they were “cursed.”
While the events depicted in The Iron Claw are undeniably devastating, the film’s soundtrack serves as a counterpoint, filled with upbeat, era-specific songs that transport the audience back to the time and place of the story. The music not only sets the mood but also plays a crucial role in the narrative, adding depth and nuance to the characters’ journeys.
The Von Erich Brothers: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy
At the heart of The Iron Claw are the four Von Erich brothers, each portrayed by a talented actor who brings their character to life with stunning authenticity. Zac Efron takes on the role of Kevin Von Erich, the eldest and most level-headed of the brothers. Harris Dickinson portrays David, the charismatic and talented wrestler whose untimely death deeply affects the family. Jeremy Allen White plays Kerry, the troubled but beloved brother who struggles with addiction and personal demons. Finally, Stanley Simons brings to life the character of Mike, the youngest Von Erich, whose passion for music and wrestling is overshadowed by the weight of his family’s legacy.
The film follows the brothers as they rise to prominence in the world of professional wrestling, showcasing their incredible athleticism and natural charisma. However, it also does not shy away from the darker aspects of their story, exploring the personal struggles, heartbreaks, and tragedies that marked their lives. The Von Erichs’ tale is one of triumph and tragedy, of the highest highs and the lowest lows, and The Iron Claw captures this dichotomy with raw, unflinching honesty.
Richard Reed Parry’s Original Score: Setting the Tone
One of the most striking elements of The Iron Claw’s soundtrack is the original score, composed by Richard Reed Parry. Best known as a multi-instrumentalist and member of the indie rock band Arcade Fire, Parry brings his unique musical sensibilities to the film, crafting a score that is both evocative and emotionally resonant.
Parry’s music is infused with a raw, rock-and-roll energy that perfectly captures the spirit of the era and the world of professional wrestling. His compositions are at times driving and intense, mirroring the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the wrestling matches, while at other moments, they are more introspective and melancholic, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil and the weight of their familial legacy.
In addition to his instrumental score, Parry also collaborated with his wife, singer-songwriter Laurel Sprengelmeyer (aka Little Scream), to write and record an original song for the film entitled “Live That Way Forever.” This haunting and beautiful track serves as a recurring motif throughout the movie, performed in various iterations by Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich. The song adds a layer of depth to Mike’s character, hinting at his artistic aspirations and the sadness that lurks beneath his outwardly cheerful demeanor.
A Time Capsule of ’70s and ’80s Hits
While Richard Reed Parry’s original music is a standout element of The Iron Claw’s soundtrack, the film also features a meticulously curated selection of pre-existing songs, primarily from the 1970s and early 1980s. These tracks are not mere background music; instead, they are woven into the fabric of the narrative, often playing a direct role in the scenes and adding to the film’s authentic period atmosphere.
Some of the most memorable musical moments in The Iron Claw include:
1. “Don’t Do Me Like That” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: This classic rock tune serves as the backdrop for a lighthearted scene of the Von Erich brothers bonding over burgers and beers by the lake, a rare moment of carefree joy in their often turbulent lives.
2. “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult: The opening notes of this iconic song play as crowds gather to witness Kevin and David’s professional wrestling debut at the Sportatorium, a pivotal moment in the brothers’ careers.
3. “Gamblin Man” by Eddie Money: This upbeat track accompanies a touching scene of the Von Erich family playing football together in their backyard, a brief respite from the pressures of their wrestling careers and personal struggles.
4. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush: This powerful Rush song becomes the entrance music for Kevin, Kerry, and David as they begin wrestling as a trio, playing over a montage that showcases their rise to fame as well as the challenges they face along the way.
5. “Begin'” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: This soulful tune provides the perfect backdrop for Kevin and Pam’s joyful wedding ceremony and reception, a moment of pure happiness that stands in stark contrast to the darker events that unfold later in the film.
6. “Texas (When I Die)” by Tanya Tucker: In one of the film’s most emotionally charged scenes, this song serves as Kerry’s entrance music when he steps into the ring to honor his late brother David, a poignant tribute that highlights the deep bond between the Von Erich siblings.
The Music of The Iron Claw: An Integral Part of Storytelling
Throughout The Iron Claw, the music is not simply background noise or a superficial addition to the visuals; rather, it is an essential component of the film’s storytelling. Each song is selected with care and purpose, evoking specific emotions, creating a rich sense of time and place, and providing insight into the characters’ inner lives and relationships.
The recurring use of “Live That Way Forever,” in particular, serves as a poignant leitmotif that underscores Mike Von Erich’s tragic story and the weight of his family’s legacy. As the song appears in various forms throughout the film, from Mike’s impromptu garage rehearsals to his heartfelt solo performances, it becomes a haunting reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were cut short by tragedy.
Experience the Soundtrack: The Iron Claw’s Musical Legacy
For audiences who want to fully immerse themselves in the music of The Iron Claw, A24 has made it easy to experience the soundtrack beyond the confines of the film. Coinciding with the movie’s theatrical release on December 22, 2023, the studio curated “The Iron Claw Official Playlist” on Spotify, featuring all the songs from the film as well as the complete original score composed by Richard Reed Parry.
In addition, Parry’s score was released as a separate album, titled “The Iron Claw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack),” which is available for streaming on various platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. This allows fans to appreciate the depth and complexity of Parry’s music, exploring the emotional landscape of the film through his evocative compositions.
The Iron Claw stands as a testament to the power of cinema to tell profound, emotionally resonant stories that illuminate the human experience in all its joy and sorrow. The film’s masterfully curated soundtrack, with its blend of original music and period-specific hits, is an integral part of this storytelling, elevating the narrative and creating a fully immersive experience for the audience.
As The Iron Claw continues to garner critical acclaim and capture the hearts of viewers, its music serves as a lasting legacy, a tribute to the Von Erich family and a celebration of the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and unite us in the face of even the darkest adversity. In the end, the film and its soundtrack stand as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the Von Erichs and the indelible mark they left on the world of professional wrestling and beyond.
