Introduction

The idea of using music as a form of psychological torture is a trope that has transcended decades and even media formats. This concept can be traced back to classic films like Billy Wilder's "One Two Three," where a scene involves the East German secret police (Stasi) using a repeated, catchy tune to torment a young man. But which song would work as an effective torture by music today? Let's explore the evolution of this peculiar practice and what songs might elicit similar reactions.

Billy Wilder's 'One Two Three'

Billy Wilder's film "One Two Three," released in 1961, is a classic example of how power structures can manipulate the media to control populations. The film is set in a divided Berlin, depicting a love triangle between an East German youth, Horst Bucholst (played by Rolf der Mehde), a West German girl, and her father, James Cagney, who is the manager of the West German branch of Coca-Cola. The historical context is evident as the film was made in the early days of the Cold War, a time when East and West Germany were still divided by the Iron Curtain.

One of the most memorable scenes from the film involves the Stasi “[grabbing]” the protagonist, and the method they use for psychological torture is incredibly creative. They play a song, specifically "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" by Wendy FName The Wendy Thomas Singers, over and over during interrogations. The repetition of this catchy tune combined with the film's vivid depiction of East German strictness and control creates a haunting and effective scene.

Stasi and Psychological Torture

The Stasi, officially known as the Stasi, Hauptverwaltung Vertraubiung und Pers?nliche Aufkl?rung (Department of Distrust and Personal Espionage), were the secret police of the German Democratic Republic. Their methods of psychological torture were brutal and included a range of physical and psychological tactics. Unlike more overt forms of torture, the torture by music utilized by the Stasi is symbolic of their ability to manipulate their citizens through subtle and pervasive means. The repeated use of the "Bikini" song in the film reflects the Stasi's attempt to disorient and confuse the subject, emphasizing their control over the individual's psyche.

Which Songs Would Work for Psychological Torture Today?

Fast-forward to today, one might ask what songs could be used as contemporary examples of torture by music. One that immediately comes to mind is "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. The repetitive rhythm, combined with its eerie and unsettling lyrics, could be used to create a sense of dread and confusion. Another example from popular culture is the song "Lose Yourself" by Eminem, with its high-energy beats and intense lyrics, could also be psychologically grating.

Moreover, in the age of internet and streaming, a song that never stops changing its tempo or lyrics, like "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, could be used in a continuous loop to induce a state of disorientation and anxiety. The lack of coherence in the lyrics and the repetitive nature of the song could potentially make it even more effective for psychological torture.

Conclusion

The concept of using music as a form of psychological torture is not new, and it's deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of modern society. From Billy Wilder's "One Two Three" to contemporary examples, the idea remains a powerful method for control. The choice of a song for this purpose depends on the context and the intended effect. Whether it's the catchy, repetitive tune of the "Bikini" song in "One Two Three" or the high-energy beats of "Lose Yourself," the principle remains the same: to manipulate the mind and maintain control.

References

[1] Wilder, B. (1961). One Two Three. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

[2] Astley, R. (1987). Never Gonna Give You Up. Zorba Music Ltd.