An Ode to the Soundtrack of Rat Film

Two things happened this week that inspired this post. First, I was itching to start sharing some of my favorite film music and soundtracks. Second, I was chatting with a creative collaborator earlier this week and we both expressed our love for the director Theo Anthony. Enter Rat Film, Anthony’s 2016 documentary exploring the complex relationship between the history of Baltimore and its rat population. Rats act as a fascinating entry point broader themes of systemic racism, urban decay, and social inequality. It’s one of my favorite documentaries. Rat Film embodies undeniable character, experimental documentary, and deep social commentary. The film juxtaposes historical and scientific perspectives on rats with the lived experiences of Baltimore's residents, revealing how the city's policies, particularly redlining, have shaped its physical and social landscapes. Through this multi-layered narrative, Rat Film draws connections between how rats are controlled and how the city's marginalized populations have been oppressed and segregated.

The film’s soundtrack, though, is something I consistently revisit. It heightens the storytelling in ways that I think are worth exploring when searching for filmmaking inspiration. And as you can see, Dan Deacon, the composer, actually made music using rats, which he and Anthony detail below:

And, if you want to listen to the full soundtrack, here’s a link to the album on Bandcamp: