Tom Hanks’ 1996 film That Thing You Do! is more than just a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s—it’s a celebration of the magic that happens when music and storytelling intertwine. At the heart of the movie is the titular song, “That Thing You Do!”, a catchy pop tune that embodies the spirit of an era defined by the British Invasion, rock and roll, and the explosive rise of Beatlemania. The film and its song are inextricably linked, each enhancing the other’s impact and creating a harmonious blend that captures the essence of youthful exuberance and the fleeting nature of fame.
The Song: An Infectious Earworm
The song “That Thing You Do!” is the engine that drives the film. Written by Adam Schlesinger, the track perfectly encapsulates the sound and style of the early 1960s pop scene. Its infectious melody, upbeat tempo, and jangly guitars echo the influences of bands like The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, and The Monkees. The song’s lyrics, which revolve around the theme of heartbreak delivered with an irresistible dose of optimism, resonate with the universal experience of young love—a hallmark of the era’s music.
The tune’s ability to stick in the listener’s head is key to its role in the film. As the fictional band The Wonders (or Oneders, as hilariously mispronounced early in the film) performs the song repeatedly, the audience, both within the film and in real life, can’t help but get caught up in the catchy rhythm. The song becomes more than just background music; it’s a character in itself, reflecting the band’s journey from obscurity to stardom.
The Movie: A Love Letter to the 1960s Music Scene
That Thing You Do! is a love letter to the 1960s music scene, capturing the excitement, innocence, and occasional heartbreak that came with the birth of pop culture as we know it. The movie follows the rise and fall of The Wonders, a small-town band that skyrockets to fame with their hit song. Tom Hanks, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, infused the story with an authenticity that pays homage to the era’s music industry.
The film’s vibe is one of joyful nostalgia. It presents a rose-tinted view of the 1960s, where dreams could come true overnight, and the power of a great pop song could change lives. The characters are archetypes of the time: the cool, confident frontman Jimmy Mattingly (played by Johnathon Schaech), the earnest and talented drummer Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), the shy and sweet bass player (Steve Zahn), and the supportive girlfriend turned band manager Faye Dolan (Liv Tyler). Each character represents different aspects of the 1960s pop phenomenon, from the ambition and creativity to the inevitable pressures that come with sudden success.
The Connection: Music as a Narrative Force
The connection between the movie and its title track is seamless, with the song serving as both a plot device and a thematic anchor. As the band’s fortunes rise and fall, so too does the prominence of the song within the narrative. Its initial success propels The Wonders into the limelight, but as the band members’ relationships strain under the weight of fame, the song begins to take on a bittersweet quality.
The film smartly uses “That Thing You Do!” to underscore the highs and lows of the band’s journey. Every time the song is played, it marks a significant moment in the band’s evolution—from their first amateur performance to their appearance on national television. The repetition of the song is intentional, emphasizing how a hit single can define a band’s identity while also foreshadowing the limitations of being a one-hit wonder.
Moreover, the song’s peppy and carefree vibe contrasts with the more serious undercurrents of the story. While “That Thing You Do!” is a fun, upbeat tune, the film delves into the realities of the music industry, exploring themes of artistic integrity, the fleeting nature of fame, and the personal sacrifices that often come with success. This contrast adds depth to the movie, making it more than just a simple rags-to-riches tale.
The Legacy: A Cult Classic with Enduring Appeal
That Thing You Do! and its titular song have become cult classics, cherished by audiences who appreciate the film’s nostalgic charm and the song’s timeless appeal. The movie’s depiction of the 1960s music scene is both affectionate and critical, offering a balanced view that resonates with those who lived through the era as well as younger generations discovering it for the first time.
The song “That Thing You Do!” remains a standout, not only because of its role in the film but also because of its craftsmanship. It’s a rare example of a fictional song that transcended its cinematic origins to become a legitimate pop hit, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Harmonious Blend of Story and Sound
The connection between That Thing You Do! and its titular song is a testament to the power of music in storytelling. The film and the song are intertwined in such a way that they enhance each other’s impact, creating a vibrant, memorable experience that captures the essence of a specific time and place in American pop culture. Whether you’re tapping your foot to the beat of the song or getting lost in the film’s nostalgic vibes, *That Thing You Do!* is a celebration of music’s ability to define an era and bring people together.
