People, we need to talk about the music in episode 2, "Olympians", during the sex scene in Shane's apartment and how insane it is how much it changed the scene for me! First, all praise to Peter Peter, who made the song and is apparently in discussions with the TV company to release the soundtrack (I'm begging for at least this song as it has me in a chokehold).
I wrote down the lyrics below along with a summary of when they appear, and further down I explain what they add to the scene.
[climax; the music gets slightly louder]
[fifth fade to black; they're relaxing in bed]
Ilya: "I will shower now, OK?"
[Shane alone in bed smiles; fade to black]
[Shane doesn't answer but kisses him]
[Shane kisses his forehead; Ilya looks stunned]
At first I thought the entire set of lyrics was from Shane's point of view, showing that something in their relationship changed for him this night. But looking more closely, I realized that some lines could easily reflect Ilya's perspective as well. I'm going through the scene and noting who the lyrics seem to belong to as they appear.
The three first "Where were you" lines feel like questions asked out into the universe, wondering where this person has been your whole life. The camera is focused on Shane and show how Shane's entire world has changed because of Ilya. "Please don't go" and "Stay right here" sound like a plea for Ilya to stay.
The first "Don't ever leave" appears after Ilya asks if Shane is okay to continue and once it's clear that they have "joined" (excuse my choice of words). To me, it feels like Shane is overwhelmed by the passion and closeness of the moment and wants Ilya to never leave.
When the chorus of "It's you" starts for the first time, it feels wondrous and like Shane feels he has finally found his person, and they're right in front of him. His emotions are clearly overwhelming him. But then the camera pans to Ilya in the middle of the chorus, and it shifts; the lyrics begina to feel like it's coming from Ilya's mind too. He seems to be realizing, in the middle of the act, that Shane is something special, and we see tenderness in him.
After they climax, the music and lyrics gets louder, and the lyrics ask "What the hell are you?" It's reminding of the clarity you get right after an orgasm - suddenly becoming aware of what you have done or where you are. It's still filled with wonder, but with the added expletive it feels more grounded. Wondering who this person is who can change and affect them this much.
The camera first show Ilya, then Shane, repeating the same lyrics, suggesting they are both feeling the same shock and awe, both wondering the same thing.
During "Stay right here", Shane's face is lit while Ilya's is in shadow, showing Shane's inner feelings even though he willingly lets Ilya go shower. But then he smiles, showing something in him has changed during all this.
During the last chorus of "It's you", it's Shane who acts and kisses Ilya. He shows those words through his actions. Then the focus is also on Ilya, showing his stunned reaction as the same words are mirrored in his mind, even though he clearly didn't expect it.
I found the way the music transformed this scene so amazing and massive that I had to write it down. The actors are great, but without the book you only have their expressions to understand what they are thinking and feeling. With this song, the lyrics reveal their mindsets so much more clearly. I know this is a common cinematographic method, but I have never felt it as strongly as I did in this scene and it adds so much depth to their relationship.
tangentwithtanner
andulkaphoto
prguitarman
germansingergirl
gummygunk
origamiaround
janainaart
jbbartram-illu
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon
2087
