HelloAngel
ONE love, blood, life
By Jennifer B. Kaufman
2006.12
The star-studded “Dreamgirls” starring Golden Globe nominees Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson is one of most anticipated and critically-praised movies of 2006. The music world, however, has long been given the Hollywood treatment since the advent of “talkies” in the 1920s. Whether movies about music take a look at a singing group from its humble beginnings or taking a look at the apex of fame or delves into the mania of music’s most ardent fans; there are movies that cover all musical bases. Here is a sampling for every taste.
Diva (1981)
This French thriller combines the melodramatics of opera with Hitchcockian-like twists and turns. Frederic Andrei plays Jules, a lowly Parisian postal worker with a passion for the opera. He is especially obsessed with Cynthia Hawkins (Wilhelmenia Fernandez), an American opera singer based in Paris. Miss Hawkins is such a diva that she refuses to be recorded. However, this doesn’t not stop the ardent Jules from illegally taping her at a concert. Somehow this tape winds up getting confused with another tape accusing a local police chief of having ties with the mob. Jules finds himself getting caught up in strange events while pursuing Miss Hawkins. “Diva” is stylish in a way that the French do so well. Fernandez does her own singing.
Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)
The always saucy Ellen Barkin plays Maggie Foley, a journalist who interviews the surviving members of Eddie and the Cruisers. Years after the death of the band’s lead singer, Eddie Wilson, their music is experiences a resurgence. The band revels in memories, when it is soon realized that someone is looking for unpublished tapes of the band’s last recording and this person just might be the “late” Eddie Wilson. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band provide the actual music for the movie. They had a hit with their song “On the Darkside,” and even though “Eddie and the Cruisers” wasn’t a huge success when initially released, it became a cult classic when broadcast on cable television.
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Mock documentaries do not get more classic or funnier than “This is Spinal Tap.” It’s 1982 and British Heavy Metal band Spinal Tap, featuring David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) are in America on a comeback tour. Rob Reiner plays Marti DeBergi, an American filmmaker who decides to capture all the magic on celluloid. On the road, the band deals with cancelled gigs, unlucky drummers, and run-ins with record company personnel, not to mention an 18-inch mock-up of Stonehenge. “This is Spinal Tap” is a biting satire that also has a lot of heart, where even the laughter goes up to 11.
Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
Spike Lee’s films have deftly examined race relations, New York City, relationships between men and women, and the life of Malcolm X. He explores the world of jazz with “Mo’ Better Blues.” Denzel Washington plays Bleek Gilliam, a brilliant trumpet player and leader of the Bleek Gilliam Quartet. This movie explores the world of jazz and the musician’s desire for musical purity and perfection. However, Bleek also has to deal professional pressures and friendly rivalry with other jazz musicians, including sax player, Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes). Bleek and Shadow battle both professionally and personally which threatens to destroy the band. Washington’s trumpet sound was played by Terrence Blanchard and Snipes’ saxophone was played by Branford Marsalis.
The Five Heartbeats (1991)
The Five Heartbeats is a soulful, singing quintet of ambitious and hard-working African-American men hoping to make it big. Although they rise to the top, the Five Heartbeats learn some tough lessons about the music industry; they deal with the racism in 1960s America, and confront the personal frailties that threaten their success. Robert Townsend takes on more than the role of the Five Heartbeats’ singer, Donald “Duck” Matthews. Townsend also directed, produced, and wrote the script (with Keenen Ivory Wayans).
The Commitments (1991)
Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) is bored and feels he doesn’t have much if a future in the Barrytown slums of north Dublin. Jimmy decides the best thing he can do is form a band. Yet this band, The Commitments, is not inspired by their fellow Irish musical citizens, U2, Van Morrison, or Sinead O’Connor. Instead, they are inspired by 1960s American soul. Fronted by Deco Cuffe, played by a teenage Andrew Strong, The Commitments introduce the youth of Dublin the song stylings of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. Gig after gig, the Commitments rise to the top, but have to deal with internal turmoil while living on dreams and hope. Sharp-eyed viewers will notice members of the Irish pop band, the Corrs, in small roles. “The Commitments” also spawned two hit soundtrack albums.
The Thing Called Love (1993)
Samantha Mathis plays Miranda Presley (no relation to Elvis), an aspiring singer/songwriter originally from New York City who comes to Nashville with dreams of making it big. One of her goals is entering a singing contest at the Bluebird Cafe. It is at the Bluebird Cafe where she meets talented folks with similar dreams of musical stardom. One of these dreamers includes James Wright (River Phoenix, in one of his last roles). Miranda finds herself falling in love with the charismatic yet difficult James. Miranda and James struggle to maintain their relationship and make their dreams come true. This movie also features a pre-stardom Sandra Bullock who wrote one of the songs, “Heaven Knocking on My Door.”
Grace of My Heart (1996)
Illeana Douglas plays Denise Waverly, a talented singer/songwriter who sacrifices her own ambitions to write chart-topping pop songs for other singers. Dealing with both professional and personal setbacks and triumphs, Denise finds the strength to strike out on her own and record her own album. This movie was inspired by the life and career of singer/songwriter Carole King. Anyone who is familiar with pop history will recognize characters based on record producer Phil Spector and pop princess Lesley Gore. The soundtrack, with many of the songs penned by Elvis Costello, is just as wonderful as the film.
That Thing You Do (1996)
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, “That Thing You Do” takes a light-hearted look at The Wonders, a Beatles influenced band out of Erie, Pennsylvania. Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) is wasting time at his dad’s appliance store when he is asked to become the new drummer of The Wonders (formerly called The Oneders until the band realized that people were having a hard time pronouncing the name). Guy adds just the right flavoring to the band and soon they get a manager played by Hanks. The Wonders go from struggling garage band to a huge sensation on the power of their catchy song “That Thing You Do.” This movie looks at 1960s rock and roll with rose-colored glasses, when anything seemed possible, once a wide-eyed kid plugged his guitar into an amp.
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
In 1984, journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is assigned a story about 1970s glam rock star Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) and his faked murder. Pursuing this story takes Arthur on a glittery trip back to the height of glam rock, a time when peace lovin’ flower children were crushed by the platform shoes of decadent and mod rock stars. Brian Slade (based on David Bowie) is heavily influenced by American rock singer Curt Wild (based on Iggy Pop) played with sexy abandon by Ewan McGregor. Slade and Wild form a highly competitive friendship, and then some. Slade soon finds himself drowning in a rock and roll excess of his own making and fakes his own death. It is up to Arthur Stuart to investigate Brian Slade’s “murder” and the rise and fall of glittery glam rock.
Detroit Rock City (1999)
It’s 1978 and KISS is the biggest band ever! Four high school kids, lead by Hawk (Edward Furlong) will do anything to see their idols in concert. Even if it means they must steal, cheat, lie, or strip for the ladies. The road to rock and roll fandom is never smooth and our young heroes have many roadblocks in their way, including a rock and roll hating mom and people who don’t quite understand KISS’s allure. KISS is all over this movie. Two characters are named Beth and Christine after the popular KISS songs, “Beth” and “Christine Sixteen,” and Gene Simmons’ long time love, Shannon Tweed plays an older woman who proves to be quite pivotal to one of our young KISS protagonists.
Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
This Woody Allen movie focuses on the life of fictional jazz guitarist Emmett Ray played by Sean Penn. Emmett is an irresponsible drunk and obnoxious lout. He also happens to be an amazing guitarist. When not getting drunk or obsessing with guitar rival Django Reinhardt, Emmett is making beautiful music and falling for Hattie (Samantha Morton) a deaf mute that can’t hear Emmett play but loves him despite some of his despicable qualities. “Sweet and Lowdown” takes a very complex look at the nature of artistry and those who create it.
High Fidelity (2000)
Based on Nick Hornby’s cult novel of the same name, “High Fidelity” takes a look at Rob Gordon (John Cusack), a record store owner who has to face the inevitable: adulthood. Usually making lists about his obsession, music, Rob decides to make a list of his five worst break-ups after his much more successful and mature girlfriend dumps him. Rob seeks out these past loves to get the dirt on why they dumped him, with touching and illuminating results. Through this voyage of self-discovery Rob relies on the support of his fellow music-obsessed record store employees, including a hilariously manic Jack Black and his sidekick Todd Louiso of “Jerry Maguire.” “High Fidelity” features music memorabilia from singers and bands both popular and obscure.
Glitter (2001)
Who says all movies have to be Oscar-worthy to provide quality entertainment? Mariah Carey’s cinematic debut “Glitter” fills nearly two hours of guilty pleasure viewing. Ms. Carey plays Billie Frank, a biracial girl with a beautiful singing voice and the desire to be a star. Sent to an orphanage by her no-good drunk of a mother, Billie befriends Louise (Da Brat) and Roxanne (Tia Texada). In the early 1980s, Billie and her friends are discovered by a record producer played by Oscar-nominee Terrence Howard (hey, we all have to start somewhere). He wants them to sing backup for an upcoming singer, but Billie refuses to stay in the shadows. Underhanded deals are made and soon Billie is making hit records with new love DJ Dice (Max Beesley). Will our heroine be able to handle the pressures of fame and love?
Hedwig, the Angry Inch (2001)
Based on his hit off-Broadway play, John Cameron Mitchell plays Hedwig, an East German transsexual. She is the victim of both a botched sex change operation and having her songs stolen by rock star, Tommy Gnosis, a young man Hedwig once loved. Hedwig tells her story by following the Tommy’s tour dates with a tour of her own. Instead of playing sold-out arenas, Hedwig and her band are playing at Bilgewater Inn seafood restaurants. Whereas Tommy is playing to adoring fans, Hedwig is playing to audiences both disinterested and pathetic. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a story for anyone who has felt the need to be heard. It also features a collection of brilliantly written songs.
Rock Star (2001)
By day, Chris “Izzy” Cole, played by rapper turned actor Mark Wahlberg, is a copy repairman still living with his parents. By night he’s the lead singer to a local tribute band to the heavy metal band Steel Dragon. When the lead singer of Steel Dragon gets booted out of the band, Chris receives a very surprising phone call. Steel Dragon wants him to replace their lead singer. Chris goes from small smoky bars to sold-out rock arenas. “Rock Star” examines what it’s like going from rock fan to rock star and the effects of overnight stardom, and shows that having all your dreams come true isn’t always a blessing.
Whether you prefer smooth as silk jazz or bang your head rock and roll, you are bound to find a movie that fulfills both your visual and aural desires. Log onto Netflix or visit your favorite DVD rental place and find a movie about music. American composer Aaron Copland once claimed that no words could sum up the meaning of music. But perhaps the fine composer was wrong. Movies about music are one way that the meaning of music can be translated into words.
2006.12
The star-studded “Dreamgirls” starring Golden Globe nominees Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson is one of most anticipated and critically-praised movies of 2006. The music world, however, has long been given the Hollywood treatment since the advent of “talkies” in the 1920s. Whether movies about music take a look at a singing group from its humble beginnings or taking a look at the apex of fame or delves into the mania of music’s most ardent fans; there are movies that cover all musical bases. Here is a sampling for every taste.
Diva (1981)
This French thriller combines the melodramatics of opera with Hitchcockian-like twists and turns. Frederic Andrei plays Jules, a lowly Parisian postal worker with a passion for the opera. He is especially obsessed with Cynthia Hawkins (Wilhelmenia Fernandez), an American opera singer based in Paris. Miss Hawkins is such a diva that she refuses to be recorded. However, this doesn’t not stop the ardent Jules from illegally taping her at a concert. Somehow this tape winds up getting confused with another tape accusing a local police chief of having ties with the mob. Jules finds himself getting caught up in strange events while pursuing Miss Hawkins. “Diva” is stylish in a way that the French do so well. Fernandez does her own singing.
Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)
The always saucy Ellen Barkin plays Maggie Foley, a journalist who interviews the surviving members of Eddie and the Cruisers. Years after the death of the band’s lead singer, Eddie Wilson, their music is experiences a resurgence. The band revels in memories, when it is soon realized that someone is looking for unpublished tapes of the band’s last recording and this person just might be the “late” Eddie Wilson. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band provide the actual music for the movie. They had a hit with their song “On the Darkside,” and even though “Eddie and the Cruisers” wasn’t a huge success when initially released, it became a cult classic when broadcast on cable television.
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Mock documentaries do not get more classic or funnier than “This is Spinal Tap.” It’s 1982 and British Heavy Metal band Spinal Tap, featuring David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) are in America on a comeback tour. Rob Reiner plays Marti DeBergi, an American filmmaker who decides to capture all the magic on celluloid. On the road, the band deals with cancelled gigs, unlucky drummers, and run-ins with record company personnel, not to mention an 18-inch mock-up of Stonehenge. “This is Spinal Tap” is a biting satire that also has a lot of heart, where even the laughter goes up to 11.
Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
Spike Lee’s films have deftly examined race relations, New York City, relationships between men and women, and the life of Malcolm X. He explores the world of jazz with “Mo’ Better Blues.” Denzel Washington plays Bleek Gilliam, a brilliant trumpet player and leader of the Bleek Gilliam Quartet. This movie explores the world of jazz and the musician’s desire for musical purity and perfection. However, Bleek also has to deal professional pressures and friendly rivalry with other jazz musicians, including sax player, Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes). Bleek and Shadow battle both professionally and personally which threatens to destroy the band. Washington’s trumpet sound was played by Terrence Blanchard and Snipes’ saxophone was played by Branford Marsalis.
The Five Heartbeats (1991)
The Five Heartbeats is a soulful, singing quintet of ambitious and hard-working African-American men hoping to make it big. Although they rise to the top, the Five Heartbeats learn some tough lessons about the music industry; they deal with the racism in 1960s America, and confront the personal frailties that threaten their success. Robert Townsend takes on more than the role of the Five Heartbeats’ singer, Donald “Duck” Matthews. Townsend also directed, produced, and wrote the script (with Keenen Ivory Wayans).
The Commitments (1991)
Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) is bored and feels he doesn’t have much if a future in the Barrytown slums of north Dublin. Jimmy decides the best thing he can do is form a band. Yet this band, The Commitments, is not inspired by their fellow Irish musical citizens, U2, Van Morrison, or Sinead O’Connor. Instead, they are inspired by 1960s American soul. Fronted by Deco Cuffe, played by a teenage Andrew Strong, The Commitments introduce the youth of Dublin the song stylings of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. Gig after gig, the Commitments rise to the top, but have to deal with internal turmoil while living on dreams and hope. Sharp-eyed viewers will notice members of the Irish pop band, the Corrs, in small roles. “The Commitments” also spawned two hit soundtrack albums.
The Thing Called Love (1993)
Samantha Mathis plays Miranda Presley (no relation to Elvis), an aspiring singer/songwriter originally from New York City who comes to Nashville with dreams of making it big. One of her goals is entering a singing contest at the Bluebird Cafe. It is at the Bluebird Cafe where she meets talented folks with similar dreams of musical stardom. One of these dreamers includes James Wright (River Phoenix, in one of his last roles). Miranda finds herself falling in love with the charismatic yet difficult James. Miranda and James struggle to maintain their relationship and make their dreams come true. This movie also features a pre-stardom Sandra Bullock who wrote one of the songs, “Heaven Knocking on My Door.”
Grace of My Heart (1996)
Illeana Douglas plays Denise Waverly, a talented singer/songwriter who sacrifices her own ambitions to write chart-topping pop songs for other singers. Dealing with both professional and personal setbacks and triumphs, Denise finds the strength to strike out on her own and record her own album. This movie was inspired by the life and career of singer/songwriter Carole King. Anyone who is familiar with pop history will recognize characters based on record producer Phil Spector and pop princess Lesley Gore. The soundtrack, with many of the songs penned by Elvis Costello, is just as wonderful as the film.
That Thing You Do (1996)
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, “That Thing You Do” takes a light-hearted look at The Wonders, a Beatles influenced band out of Erie, Pennsylvania. Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) is wasting time at his dad’s appliance store when he is asked to become the new drummer of The Wonders (formerly called The Oneders until the band realized that people were having a hard time pronouncing the name). Guy adds just the right flavoring to the band and soon they get a manager played by Hanks. The Wonders go from struggling garage band to a huge sensation on the power of their catchy song “That Thing You Do.” This movie looks at 1960s rock and roll with rose-colored glasses, when anything seemed possible, once a wide-eyed kid plugged his guitar into an amp.
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
In 1984, journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is assigned a story about 1970s glam rock star Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) and his faked murder. Pursuing this story takes Arthur on a glittery trip back to the height of glam rock, a time when peace lovin’ flower children were crushed by the platform shoes of decadent and mod rock stars. Brian Slade (based on David Bowie) is heavily influenced by American rock singer Curt Wild (based on Iggy Pop) played with sexy abandon by Ewan McGregor. Slade and Wild form a highly competitive friendship, and then some. Slade soon finds himself drowning in a rock and roll excess of his own making and fakes his own death. It is up to Arthur Stuart to investigate Brian Slade’s “murder” and the rise and fall of glittery glam rock.
Detroit Rock City (1999)
It’s 1978 and KISS is the biggest band ever! Four high school kids, lead by Hawk (Edward Furlong) will do anything to see their idols in concert. Even if it means they must steal, cheat, lie, or strip for the ladies. The road to rock and roll fandom is never smooth and our young heroes have many roadblocks in their way, including a rock and roll hating mom and people who don’t quite understand KISS’s allure. KISS is all over this movie. Two characters are named Beth and Christine after the popular KISS songs, “Beth” and “Christine Sixteen,” and Gene Simmons’ long time love, Shannon Tweed plays an older woman who proves to be quite pivotal to one of our young KISS protagonists.
Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
This Woody Allen movie focuses on the life of fictional jazz guitarist Emmett Ray played by Sean Penn. Emmett is an irresponsible drunk and obnoxious lout. He also happens to be an amazing guitarist. When not getting drunk or obsessing with guitar rival Django Reinhardt, Emmett is making beautiful music and falling for Hattie (Samantha Morton) a deaf mute that can’t hear Emmett play but loves him despite some of his despicable qualities. “Sweet and Lowdown” takes a very complex look at the nature of artistry and those who create it.
High Fidelity (2000)
Based on Nick Hornby’s cult novel of the same name, “High Fidelity” takes a look at Rob Gordon (John Cusack), a record store owner who has to face the inevitable: adulthood. Usually making lists about his obsession, music, Rob decides to make a list of his five worst break-ups after his much more successful and mature girlfriend dumps him. Rob seeks out these past loves to get the dirt on why they dumped him, with touching and illuminating results. Through this voyage of self-discovery Rob relies on the support of his fellow music-obsessed record store employees, including a hilariously manic Jack Black and his sidekick Todd Louiso of “Jerry Maguire.” “High Fidelity” features music memorabilia from singers and bands both popular and obscure.
Glitter (2001)
Who says all movies have to be Oscar-worthy to provide quality entertainment? Mariah Carey’s cinematic debut “Glitter” fills nearly two hours of guilty pleasure viewing. Ms. Carey plays Billie Frank, a biracial girl with a beautiful singing voice and the desire to be a star. Sent to an orphanage by her no-good drunk of a mother, Billie befriends Louise (Da Brat) and Roxanne (Tia Texada). In the early 1980s, Billie and her friends are discovered by a record producer played by Oscar-nominee Terrence Howard (hey, we all have to start somewhere). He wants them to sing backup for an upcoming singer, but Billie refuses to stay in the shadows. Underhanded deals are made and soon Billie is making hit records with new love DJ Dice (Max Beesley). Will our heroine be able to handle the pressures of fame and love?
Hedwig, the Angry Inch (2001)
Based on his hit off-Broadway play, John Cameron Mitchell plays Hedwig, an East German transsexual. She is the victim of both a botched sex change operation and having her songs stolen by rock star, Tommy Gnosis, a young man Hedwig once loved. Hedwig tells her story by following the Tommy’s tour dates with a tour of her own. Instead of playing sold-out arenas, Hedwig and her band are playing at Bilgewater Inn seafood restaurants. Whereas Tommy is playing to adoring fans, Hedwig is playing to audiences both disinterested and pathetic. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a story for anyone who has felt the need to be heard. It also features a collection of brilliantly written songs.
Rock Star (2001)
By day, Chris “Izzy” Cole, played by rapper turned actor Mark Wahlberg, is a copy repairman still living with his parents. By night he’s the lead singer to a local tribute band to the heavy metal band Steel Dragon. When the lead singer of Steel Dragon gets booted out of the band, Chris receives a very surprising phone call. Steel Dragon wants him to replace their lead singer. Chris goes from small smoky bars to sold-out rock arenas. “Rock Star” examines what it’s like going from rock fan to rock star and the effects of overnight stardom, and shows that having all your dreams come true isn’t always a blessing.
Whether you prefer smooth as silk jazz or bang your head rock and roll, you are bound to find a movie that fulfills both your visual and aural desires. Log onto Netflix or visit your favorite DVD rental place and find a movie about music. American composer Aaron Copland once claimed that no words could sum up the meaning of music. But perhaps the fine composer was wrong. Movies about music are one way that the meaning of music can be translated into words.
