Roma (soundtrack)

The soundtrack to Alfonso Cuarón's 2018 film Roma is a collection of existing songs and original compositions that evoke the setting and emotional core of the movie. Unlike traditional film scores that provide thematic accompaniment, the Roma soundtrack relies heavily on diegetic sound, blurring the lines between the music heard by the characters within the film and the musical elements added to enhance the viewing experience.

The songs featured are predominantly popular music from the 1970s, reflecting the era in which the film is set in Mexico City. Artists like José José, Rigo Tovar, and Leo Dan are included, offering a nostalgic backdrop to Cleo's experiences. These songs often appear as source music, emanating from radios, televisions, or live performances within the film's scenes, anchoring the narrative in its specific time and place.

While the soundtrack features primarily pre-existing tracks, there are also original compositions and sound design elements that contribute to the film's immersive atmosphere. These augment the diegetic sounds, weaving a subtle sonic tapestry that underscores the emotional weight of the narrative. The overall effect is one of understated realism, mirroring Cuarón's commitment to authentic representation. The soundtrack isn't designed to overwhelm, but rather to subtly amplify the story's themes of family, memory, and societal context.