Exclusive: “(500) Days of Summer” Screenwriters share Tom’s three mix tapes with MakingOf.com
If you’ve seen “(500) Days of Summer,” then you might know it’s screenplay is highly unusual. There’s a non-linear structure, an omniscient narrator, a dance number, a sequence entirely unfolding in split-screen, and huge block letters in 20 point font. But at one point it was even more unusual.
Screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber actually included an “appendix” at the end of the script, a series of disconnected pages designed to make the relationship at the story’s core feel like something that really took place. Appendix A, for example, was a page of ticket stubs from concerts Tom allegedly took Summer to. Appendix B was a hand-written letter she once wrote him from a plane. And Appendix C was the tracklistings for three very different mix tapes Tom made Summer during their brief but memorable relationship.
The appendix idea was eventually scrapped but some of those pages survived. Thanks to Scott Neustadter, over the next three days MakingOf.com will share each of those three mix tapes in anticipation of the Blue-Ray/DVD release on December 22nd and in celebration of the film’s Golden Globe nominations. Today we present Tom’s first mix — the “Courting Phase,” which will be followed by the “Relationship Phase” on Tuesday and the “Super Angry Break-up Stage” on Wednesday. Enjoy!
“Summer Mix: Vol. 1” (Courting Phase)
Heartbeat - Annie
Watch the Sunrise - Big Star
Ask the DJ - Mr. Hudson and the Library
Oh My - Arnold
She Bangs the Drums - Stone Roses
Oh Yeah! - Housse de Racket
She Fell Into My Arms - Ed Harcourt
This Must Be the Place - Talking Heads
Don’t Falter - Mint Royale
This Will be Our Year - Zombies
This is great :D
