#being different

1) At the beginning of Mike’s self deprecative spiral (when he says “I keep telling myself that”) the music cuts from Argyle’s radio to Being Different. This part of the score sounds dramatically different than the rest. Now I don’t know any fancy technical terms, but I DO know that it sounds sad. The notes are long and simple— it’s uncomplicated. Will is putting his full attention into listening to what Mike has to say, and it makes him sad that Mike sees himself that way.

2) This section starts right at the moment Mike opens the painting. There’s an obvious shift in tone (the swell, and then the little happy beeps). And then comes the really interesting part: as soon as Will opens his mouth, another layer is added. I’m going to try to explain this as scientifically as possible— so if you listen very closely, you can hear sort of a wa WA, wa WA, wa WA. You know what that sound reminds me of? A heartbeat. A HEARTBEAT starts playing at the same time that Will explains how Mike is the heart of the party. Not only that, but in the original score (https://www.tumblr.com/gaysforbyler/765278990711898112/wawa-wa-waa-wa-wa), the heart starts beating out of rhythm. THEY’RE NERVOUS. Will was nervous to give his speech, and Mike was nervous to receive it.

Also, this section of the score is HAPPY. Will is happy to be doing this for Mike. Just isolating the soundtrack, it doesn’t feel like some big heartbreaking moment. Maybe it’s meant to be showing Mike’s POV here, but I feel like Will is just glad to be helping. Will’s love makes him happy

3) Many people know that the ending (when Will says “she’s so different from other people”) of Being Different uses the same motif as The First I love You and The First Lie, but it’s simplified down into four notes rather than eight. The First I love You plays for Mike and El, and Robin and Steve, while The First Lie plays during Jancy’s first kiss. This is Will’s first lie to Mike, and also his first confession.