While some films are celebrated for their groundbreaking cinematography and storytelling, others possess a soundtrack so iconic that it defines the movie’s entire legacy.
In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the 101 greatest movie soundtracks of all time, curating a list of cinema’s finest scores. Ranked among films such as Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman at No. 86 and Harmony Korine’s 1990 film Kids at No. 90, Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 classic Zabriskie Point secured the No. 87 spot.
Released in the U.S. on February 9, 1970, Zabriskie Point was a massive box office failure. The movie only grossed $1 million against a $7 million budget, resulting in a significant financial loss for for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Along with its commercial flop, critics slammed the film upon release, considering it clumsy and a misrepresentation of American youth.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images
Despite the harsh reviews, the film grew a passionate cult following over time due to its visually stunning desert imagery and phenomenal soundtrack. Antonioni commissioned several legendary musicians for the project, most notably Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead, both of whom wrote original material for the film. Other popular artists such as The Youngbloods, Kaleidoscope, John Fahey and Patti Page were also featured.
Famously, Antonioni rejected the iconic psychedelic rock band The Doors, turning down their song submission after deciding their sound was too overpowering for his vision. The talent ultimately chosen for the movie shaped a cohesive soundscape that amplified the project’s nostalgia factor, creating a perfect time capsule of the late ’60s counterculture scene.
Zabriskie Point follows a rebellious college student fleeing a false accusation that he killed a police officer during a campus riot. While on the run, he encounters a young woman in Death Valley, and the two form a romantic connection. Throughout the film, the pair explores themes of anti-capitalism and youthful rebellion within a temporary desert oasis, away from the pressures of a conforming society.
Today, Antonioni’s film remains a resonating work within its cult audience. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 74% audience score—an impressive feat for a project that initially failed so spectacularly. Its enduring popularity and dedicated fanbase attest to its ability to stand the test of time.
Related: 1974 Nostalgic Classic, With Legendary Soundtrack, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Rock and Roll Movies’ of All Time
