Wednesday, BBC1, 11:10pm
Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters (1984) is a masterclass in blending supernatural spectacle with razor-sharp comedy, anchored by unforgettable performances from Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver. But beyond its quippy dialogue and now-iconic visual effects, the film owes much of its charm and lasting appeal to its distinctively 80s soundtrack, a hybrid of pop, rock, and synth that perfectly captures the film’s playful, otherworldly vibe. The film’s New York setting, combined with its offbeat narrative of science vs. the paranormal, called for a sound that was equally eclectic. Composer Elmer Bernstein’s score infuses classical orchestration with eerie electronic tones, building suspense without ever taking itself too seriously—just like the film itself.
At the core of Ghostbusters’s sonic legacy is Ray Parker Jr.'s title track, a song that transcended the film to become a global phenomenon. “Ghostbusters” is pure synth-pop brilliance, with its funky bassline, infectious hook, and Parker Jr.’s laid-back vocal delivery. The track is essentially the spirit of the film distilled into a three-minute anthem—fun, slick, and full of energy. Though it courted controversy over its similarity to Huey Lewis’s “I Want a New Drug,” the song’s chart-topping success made it an instant pop culture staple, securing Ghostbusters an indelible place in 80s music history.
Other standout tracks, like the Bus Boys’ rollicking “Cleanin’ Up the Town” and Mick Smiley’s hauntingly atmospheric “Magic,” add layers to the film’s quirky tone, balancing out Parker Jr.'s upbeat hit. While the soundtrack doesn't overwhelm the viewer, it’s key to grounding Ghostbusters in its time—an era when the line between rock, pop, and film scores was deliciously blurred. The music of Ghostbusters reflects the film's ability to laugh in the face of danger while making its supernatural antics feel tangibly exciting, a balance that has kept it a beloved favorite for decades.
- Daisy Rae