Rhiannon Hendricks
Billy Idol's White Wedding has been featured in several movies, including the 1993 romantic crime drama True Romance and Adam Sandler's 1998 film The Wedding Singer, in which Idol also made a cameo appearance. The song has also been used in actual weddings, despite its lyrics being interpreted as not very pro-marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Movies in which Billy Idol's White Wedding has been used | True Romance (1993), The Wedding Singer (1998) |
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What You'll Learn
'White Wedding' in True Romance
Billy Idol's "White Wedding" has been featured in several movies since its release in 1982. One notable use of the song was in the 1993 romantic crime drama "True Romance", where it was played during a tattoo scene with the character Alabama.
"True Romance", written by Quentin Tarantino, tells the story of Clarence, a lonely man who falls in love with Alabama Whitman, a bleach-haired amateur call girl hired by Clarence's boss to accompany him on his birthday. The couple impulsively marries, with "White Wedding" appropriately scoring the scene.
The choice of the song adds an ironic layer to the wedding scene, as "White Wedding" is not a pro-marriage song. Its lyrics allude to a shotgun wedding, a taboo subject matter that contrasts with the traditional connotations of a "white wedding". The song's inclusion in "True Romance" thus creates a sense of foreboding, suggesting that the impulsive marriage between Clarence and Alabama may not have a happy ending.
The tattoo scene in "True Romance", accompanied by "White Wedding", also serves as a pivotal moment in the plot. After getting married, Clarence and Alabama get tattoos of each other's names, symbolically sealing their commitment to each other. However, this moment of intimacy is also followed by a violent outburst from Clarence, who is frustrated by Alabama's involvement with her ex-pimp, Drexl Spivey.
The use of "White Wedding" in "True Romance" is a memorable example of how music can enhance the narrative and thematic elements of a film. The song's lyrics and tone create a contrast between the traditional idea of a "white wedding" and the unconventional and tumultuous relationship portrayed in the movie. This juxtaposition sets the stage for the complex and often unpredictable journey that the characters embark upon in their quest for true romance.
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Adam Sandler's The Wedding Singer
Billy Idol's "White Wedding" has been featured in several movies, including the 1998 romantic comedy "The Wedding Singer," starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The song was used in a scene where Idol also made a cameo appearance, helping to reunite Sandler's character with Barrymore's.
"The Wedding Singer" is a romantic comedy set in the 1980s that follows the story of a wedding singer, Robbie Hart (played by Adam Sandler), who falls in love with a waitress, Julia Sullivan (played by Drew Barrymore). Julia is engaged to a wealthy but unfaithful man, a fact unknown to her but known to Robbie. The film captures the essence of the 1980s with a mix of nostalgia, love, and laughter. It was directed by Frank Coraci, written by Tim Herlihy, and produced by Robert Simonds and Jack Giarraputo.
Adam Sandler's character, Robbie Hart, is a talented wedding singer who becomes depressed after being jilted at the altar by his fiancée. The film includes some of Sandler's original compositions, such as "Somebody Kill Me" and "Grow Old With You," which he performs on a plane to prevent Barrymore's character, Julia, from marrying another man.
In addition to the romantic storyline and Sandler's musical performances, "The Wedding Singer" also features a brilliant cameo by Billy Idol himself. Idol plays a 1998 version of himself waking from a drunken sleep to help Sandler's character, emphasising the comedic elements of the film.
"The Wedding Singer" received mixed reviews from critics, with a weighted average score of 60 out of 100 on Metacritic. However, it is considered a feel-good movie that combines humour, romance, and nostalgia for the 1980s. The film also inspired a stage musical adaptation that debuted on Broadway in April 2006 but closed on New Year's Eve of the same year.
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The song's placement in movies
Billy Idol's "White Wedding" has been featured in several movies, adding a unique and memorable touch to each scene. The song's placement in films has been notable, enhancing the visuals and narrative.
One of the earliest uses of the song in cinema was in the 1993 romantic crime drama "True Romance." The song was featured during a tattoo scene with the character Alabama, adding a touch of edginess and intensity to the moment.
"White Wedding" also played a pivotal role in the 1998 comedy "The Wedding Singer," starring Adam Sandler. In this film, Billy Idol even made a cameo appearance, showcasing the song's impact and cultural relevance. The song helped reunite Sandler's character with Drew Barrymore's, highlighting its power in cinematic storytelling.
The inclusion of "White Wedding" in these films showcases its enduring appeal and versatility. It has become a part of the cultural fabric, enhancing the emotional depth of pivotal movie scenes. The song's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from intensity to humour, underscores its lasting impact on popular culture.
Beyond its cinematic appearances, "White Wedding" has also found a place in other forms of media. The song was featured in the video game "Rock Band 2," allowing players to experience the iconic track in an interactive way.
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Billy Idol's cameo in The Wedding Singer
Billy Idol's cameo in the 1998 romantic comedy The Wedding Singer is considered one of the most iconic cameos by a musician in a movie. In the film, Idol plays himself, and his four minutes of screen time are packed with memorable moments.
The film stars Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, a wedding singer with dreams of rock stardom, and Drew Barrymore as Julia Sullivan, a bride-to-be who hires Robbie to sing at her wedding. They fall for each other, and Robbie must win Julia's heart before she marries her fiancé, Glenn. During a flight to Las Vegas, Robbie encounters Idol sitting next to him in first class. The punk icon, complete with a signature Billy Idol look, offers Robbie advice and encourages him to pursue Julia, dismissing Glenn as someone who only cares about possessions. The conversation is interrupted by an air hostess, who reveals that Glenn has asked her to join the 'Mile High Club'. Idol responds with a cheeky smirk, reminiscent of his rock 'n' roll days, adding a layer of humour to the scene.
The cameo is significant as it showcases Idol's acting skills and versatility, and his interaction with Sandler's character is pivotal in the narrative, acting as a catalyst for Robbie's realisation that he deserves better than Julia's fiancé. It also provides a nostalgic element for audiences who grew up during Idol's commercial peak in the mid-1980s, with one reviewer commenting that it was "kind of fantastic to be in one [of Adam Sandler's films], and then to be the Cupid that's going to bring the lovers together—that's almost hilarious. A punk rock Cupid."
The Wedding Singer, with its surreal narrative and era-specific references, is a love letter to the 1980s, and Idol's cameo as a wise and witty version of himself is a highlight of the film.
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The song's meaning vs its use in weddings
Billy Idol's "White Wedding" has been used in several movies, including the 1993 romantic crime drama "True Romance," Adam Sandler's 1998 film "The Wedding Singer," and the 2016 film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2," where it was covered by George Kostoglou. The song has also been featured in various TV shows and commercials.
Now, let's delve into the song's meaning versus its use in weddings.
The Song's Meaning
"White Wedding" is often regarded as one of Billy Idol's most recognizable songs, known for its ominous guitar intro and accusatory tone. However, the song's lyrics paint a darker picture than what one might assume from its title.
The song is believed to be about unrequited love and the irony of a "white wedding," which typically signifies the bride's purity and virginity. In the song, Idol sarcastically alludes to his girlfriend, who is \"far from innocent," and he's angry about being dumped. The song also includes references to a "shotgun wedding," suggesting an unplanned pregnancy and a hasty marriage.
Some listeners have interpreted the song as having incestuous undertones, with Idol singing, "Hey little sister, shotgun," and alluding to a brother's taboo relationship with his sister. Idol himself addressed these interpretations in 2002, confirming that while the song was inspired by his sister's shotgun wedding and the taboo nature of the situation, it's not entirely about her. He also acknowledged that the lyrics could evoke a sense of threat towards his sister, suggesting she couldn't escape him even if she wed someone else.
Additionally, some fans and Idol himself have suggested that the song has multiple meanings and could be about cocaine use, with the lyrics "It's a nice day to start again/It's a nice day for a white wedding/It's a nice day to start again" hinting at relapsing after quitting drugs.
The Song's Use in Weddings
Despite its dark and sarcastic lyrics, "White Wedding" has ironically become a popular choice for actual weddings. This could be attributed to its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and the fact that many people don't pay close attention to the lyrics, mistaking it for a celebratory wedding song.
In conclusion, while "White Wedding" by Billy Idol has found its way into weddings and romantic movies, the song's true meaning is far from traditional nuptial celebrations. It showcases Idol's songwriting prowess in creating a catchy tune with lyrics that explore unrequited love, societal taboos, and complex family dynamics.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it has been featured in movies such as the 1993 romantic crime drama "True Romance" and Adam Sandler's 1998 film "The Wedding Singer".
Yes, Billy Idol made a cameo appearance in the film.
The song is about unrequited love that turns into a wedding from hell.
Generally, a white wedding refers to a wedding in which the bride is still a virgin.
The music video for "White Wedding" was directed by David Mallet, who has also worked on videos for David Bowie and Queen.
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