Bryan Ferry - Is Your Love Strong Enough

[Deadpool]

Here's the thing about the Bryan Ferry cover: its purpose goes beyond that of just covering a song for fun and/or tribute, like say NIN's "Get Down Make Love." Covering "Is Your Love Strong Enough?" was a.) Fincher's idea (not the band's), and b.) recorded specifically for a movie - and no doubt always intended for the end titles. My point is that it's meant for more than strictly being enjoyed on its own merits: it bookends an experience, a narrative, and loosely represents the characters. I love the idea that "Immigrant Song" is Lisbeth's battle cry (Fincher's words), which to me suggests that "Is Your Love..." is like her lament. I've seen The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 4 times in theaters now, and the HTDA cover feels utterly spot-on in terms of tone. I don't know how well a more adventurous cover would have fit - it may have worked better - but as it is, it carries the correct emotion. A movie just isn't the place to expect a ballsy interpretation. I'm not saying it shouldn't be, but when the team of collaborators is SO large (versus an HTDA album which comes down to 4 people including Alan Moulder), the music is more of a frame, and not so much the painting.

I never rush to leave the theater in any movie, but am especially glued to my seat during the credits of Dragon Tattoo. For a film that clearly won't have a Samuel L. Jackson cameo post-credits, that means a lot. Ultimately, the cover feels appropriate in its foremost context, and that's definitely worth something.

Does it deviate from Brian Ferry's original? Not too much, no, but let's not forget that Fincher has a producer credit on the song. I'm sure he wanted it to be relatively faithful - more of an update than a re-imagining. Again, consider that How To Destroy Angels were in a supportive role in this scenario. I wouldn't fret too much about the LP because they're master & commander of that material no matter what: they're making the kind of music they want to make for music's sake. I think we're all in for a treat... and this cover, whether you're a fan of it or not, probably isn't a taste of things to come.

[hobochic]

Here's the thing about the Bryan Ferry cover: its purpose goes beyond that of just covering a song for fun and/or tribute, like say NIN's "Get Down Make Love." Covering "Is Your Love Strong Enough?" was a.) Fincher's idea (not the band's), and b.) recorded specifically for a movie - and no doubt always intended for the end titles.

Does it deviate from Brian Ferry's original? Not too much, no, but let's not forget that Fincher has a producer credit on the song. I'm sure he wanted it to be relatively faithful - more of an update than a re-imagining.

Good points, I thought about Fincher's influence as well and think it's a valid argument for why things sound like they do.

I loved Fincher's idea for Trent to record Immigrant Song with Karen O, and as much as it derives from the original song it's still a provocative new monster by itself. Karen O's voice and uniqueness pretty much carries the song IMO.