Today I will be doing a music review for one of my favorite Independent movies, The Art of Getting By.

Trailer: The Art of Getting By Movie Trailer Official by ClevverTV.

The film tells the story of George (Freddie Highmore), a lonely senior at an exclusive Manhattan prep school, who lives by one quote “We live alone, we die alone. Everything else is just an illusion.” This causes George to lose interest in his everyday activities, including chores, school assignments, and even his passion of art; due to the fact that he thinks it’s all simply meaningless. Why waste time doing homework when you’re eventually going to die. He’d rather spend his time drawing doodles, reading philosophy, and listening t0 music.

Like anything, life isn’t all fun and games. Reality hits when he is put under academic probation due to his lack of interest in his studies. Soon after, he mets Sally (Emma Roberts), who awakens a more sociable and outgoing side to George. But Sally’s timing wasn’t the best. He quickly starts to fall for her even though she doesn’t seem to share the same feelings. George’s misadventures to try and impress her distract him from the bigger picture. Time goes by and his academic probation keeps getting worse while graduation gets closer.

Can George balance the peak of his social life while finishing a year’s worth of homework? Watch the movie to find out.

The film has a broad soundtrack, including original music composed by Alec Puro and other independent music to compliment. The movie starts with a well known indie band, The Shins, who introduces the opening credits with their song “We Will Become Silhouettes“. It’s a good way to start off the story since it captures the mood of New York City and the ambience of it. It then moves on to show George’s lack of interest in his school work, with the song “We Drink On The Job”  by Earlimart, which fits perfectly with the scene and the storyline.

Video: The Art of Getting By: “Which Novel?” by FoxSearchlight

Soon after, George starts to spend more time with Sally, they both start to learn the ways of one another. Both of them learn from the other, for the first time they had a true best friend. At this point they use the song “Sleep The Clock Around” by Mates of States, it gives a sensation of joy and fun through friendship.

Video: The Art of Getting By #3 Movie Clip – Rules of Cutting School by Movieclips

As George and Sally start to really know each other, they start realizing how different their lives are. This turns out to be an advantage for George but a disadvantage for Sally.

Video: The Art of Getting By: “With the Good Ones It’s Not Right by FoxSearchlight

As George realizes Sally doesn’t share the same feelings, she starts a bond of her own with George’s best friend, Dustin (Michael Angarano). When George finds out about this, he stops talking to them both. He ignores his surroundings entirely, including his friends, family, school and art. All he does is listen to “Winter Lady” by Leonard Cohen. He fills his emotions with this song on repeat. Times goes by and the school year is almost over.

Video: The Art of Getting By Movie Clip “A Year’s Worth of Homework” by ClevverTV

After George realizes what he’s facing and puts Sally aside, he gives all his effort and time into his work. In this scene, they use the song “Spitting Fire” by The Boxer Rebellion. Which, in my opinion, brilliantly captures George’s motivation and willingness to achieve something he thought to be impossible. It’s such an emotional and powerful moment in the film.

Close to graduation, George meets with Sally who tells him she’s going to Europe with Dustin. They say their goodbyes and George continues to close a huge chapter in his life. He goes to his graduation and tells Sally’s friends about her plans and about her absence at the ceremony. George’s achievement is felt with “Here” by Pavement. The movie ends with the song “The Trail of the Century” by French Kicks, which is an amazing band and a incredible song to finish off such a great soundtrack.

The music on this film captures such a brilliant story perfectly. It makes you feel the plot as if you were the protagonist, which essentially is what music and movies should do. This is by far one of the greatest Independent movie soundtracks.

-Cain