Tommy
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Movie Reviews of Tommy
Movie Review: Symbolism and Ingenious Music Make This An Enduring Hit
Summary: 5 Stars
There are some artworks throughout the course of history that can scarcely be evaluated as either good or bad, because they are so unique... they are so THEMSELVES that they can't be compared to anything else. Such is TOMMY. Of all the incarnations of the TOMMY story (I can think of four now: the original concept album, a preliminary stage adaptation which featured Ringo Starr among others, this Ken Russell film, and the latest stage musical) this movie is by far my favorite. Why? The calibre of the session musicians playing on it is best of all-- sorry kids, but the original WHO version could sometimes sound a little effeminate, even though I know they wrote the bloody piece.(Just listen to the late Nicky Hopkins' killer analog synth work throughout this movie soundtrack!!) And like everyone else, I was, and remain still, blown away by Ann-Margret's stunning performance as Tommy's mother; to align herself with such a daring, countercultural piece was a risky move for an actress d'un certain âge. Had TOMMY failed, it might have proved a damaging blow to her career. But she went for it and pulled it off. (Many kids of the 70's-- like me-- had never seen her in her earlier incarnation as Elvis's wholesome beach party sex kitten, so we didn't have any problem with her in this role, though.) Besides whatever message TOMMY has to impart about religion or fame, etc., I felt it provided an interesting glimpse into Postwar England... with its Butlin's Holiday Camps, scarlet-red memorial poppies, leopard-skin pillbox hats, etc.
Oh, and a note to the person who felt that Capt. Walker's descent into flames looked cheezy: director Russell was obviously creating a mise-en-scène designed to allude to one of Roy Liechtenstein's pop-art "BLAM!" paintings. (He also alludes repeatedly to Warhol's Marilyn during the "Eyesight To The Blind" sequence. Rather high-minded touches, I thought.)
For me, it's the music that has endured most from this film... it moves me as much at age 38 as it did when I was 12 years old in 1975!
Movie Review: the reason why I am a musician..
Summary: 5 Stars
In mid 1975, I saw the movie "Tommy" in a theater by myself. I went because I was a huge Elton fan, and had just begun to get into The Who. After leaving the theater. I could barely catch my breath. I was 16 at the time and at that very moment I decided that this was my calling. I had played piano since age 3 and just began to sing in front of people in 1975. I was astounded that the characters in the film actually got paid for what they were doing. Any the production work of Ken Russel blended the surreal with real life in a unique fashion. The story was strung together perfectly, but it did take a few views to make sense of the film. Even at age 16 I was able to understand the story which I felt had to do with teenagers worshipping rock stars, and those stars believing their own press. What a job they did assembling one of the most memororable casts in cinema history. Jack Nicholson and The Who? Great tunes as well. From the first "..it's a boy, Mrs. Walker, it's a boy..."
Oliver Reed was a scream! Too bad his real life was cut short by his excesses. Keith Moon was a natural actor and performed naturally as Uncle Ernie. And what job by Tina Turner. I am digressing from the soundtrack, and reviewing the movie. I have trouble picturing one without the other. Favorite tune: "Amazing Journey". Close second: "I'm Free". I also think that Paul Nicholas did just great not only on the song but in his role as cousin Kevin. One of my favorite scenes and songs came when the bikers confronted each other and along came Roger on a hanglider and cast a spell of peace among those rogues. "I'm A Sensation". Townshends work on the music was flawless. He sounded as if he worked himself to death. He had a hand in EVERY song. I liked this "Tommy" better than the original mainly due to the new sound of Daltrey's voice. Much more powerful. The original was a bit on the "Flower Power" side which was to be expected in 1970. Thanks Pete for creating works that have inspired me over the years. Other faves: "Who's Next", "Quadrophenia","Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy".
Movie Review: Tommy, The Movie: More than meets the eye
Summary: 5 Stars
How you relate to this movie will vary, more than most movies, on your own context. If you are one who makes a habbit of not thinking too deeply, you will find this movie wierd but visually and musically stimulating, and you won't derive much meaning. I saw it's original release as I was entering adolescence and I instantly related to young Tommy, feeling isolated and surrounded by ignorance and unkindness that would take quite a few more years to comprehend and move beyond. I also found the symbolism of the white sphere (the ever illusive "truth" that by the end of your teens becomes so important to find) brilliant and powerful, as was the linking of this symbol to Tommy's father at the beginning, at the junk yard, and at the end (which returns to the beginning in a way that reassures a teen or anyone else, that there is an ultimate light and truth worth following - I challenge you to find many movies in the past decade that haven't tried to lead you to the exact opposite conclusion). Listening to You is an anthem of hope, idealism, romantacism and individualism, which leaves wide open the choice of what you "listen to". The Movie is brilliant with minor flaws (at least to my forgivingly biased eyes); my next favorite song is Amazing Journey because it sums up the movie's premise and underlying theme powerfully with meaning. Townshend wrote a brilliant score and Russell created a thoroughly entertaining, inspiring and often humorous movie musical that in many ways epitomizes what it means to be that young idealist trying to survive the "Amazing Journey". This DVD version is restored to its original ground breaking 5 channel perfection and then some. Too bad noone could have included a "making of" feature noting the array of stars involved and interesting site location in the English southern coastal town of Portsmouth, but that is a very small criticism.Movie Review: LOVE THIS MOVIE!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a huge fan of this movie!! I remember when it was in the theatres and my parents said i was too young to see it back then. My brother saw the movie and bought the soundtrack on vinyl LP record, and we wore it out so much that when i was old enough to finally rent it on video i knew all the words to the entire movie. I've loved this movie from day one. I'm a huge fan of Ken Russel because he's so over-the-top and does everything in a big way. Every scene is so overdone and grandiose. The movie is a visual treat for the eyes, full of intense colors and creative sets. It's like watching some kind of cinematic drug trip. Some people were so upset over the Marilyn Monroe scene, saying that it makes fun of the catholic church, but it's easy to see it's a parody on how cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe have been raised up today to almost religious proportions and that many people see her as a goddess of sorts who has healing powers. The movie is full of great musical numbers. Tina Turner is amazing, as is Elton John as the Pinball Wizard. Even seeing Jack Nicholson sing is interesting. Ann Margaret as Tommy's mother is absolutely gorgeous, and i even think she was either nominated for an academy award or else won it for her role. Every scene she is in is mesmerizing and great to watch. My only beef with the movie is that it tends to fall apart in the second half after the adult Tommy gets pushed through the mirror, and the subsequent scenes lack the punch and flash of the first half of the movie. One thing i'll say about Tommy: i guarantee you'll never forget the scene with Ann Margaret and the exploding television set, and her rolling around in soapsuds and beans and chocolate. This movie is one i could watch again and again, especially the first hour.Movie Review: Tommy and Messianic Tradition in the 20th Century 2
Summary: 5 Stars
I was told that my previous review was not detailed enough, so here is another try. Okay, the best part: Ann Margaret, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson singing? Ann has done some good work in the past, but in this production, all her numbers are forced and sound like they are poured through gravel and scotch, Almost an opera star tring to do Top 40. But she gives the best performance as a mother torn between love for her son and greed. Best halucination in a movie when her all white bedroom is filled with baked beans spewing out of the television set that she has just smashed with a bottle of Dom. Oliver Reed sounds the same, but as a successfull business man it works as camp in a big way. And camp? Jack Nicholson playing the doctor that may save Tommy (and seduce his mother) has not shown such honesty since Little Shop of Horrors (the original) or The Shining. Not a great voice, but the most interesting casting decision in a long time. Tina Turner,"The Acid Queen", trashy, sensuous, just perfect! Elton John, The Pinball Wizard, well the only single that I recall from the movie. Those glasses, those 27 inch platform shows. At least they didn't have to go beyond his closet for his costume. Sally Simpson is a young daughter of an Angican Minister and becomes smitten with Tommy to her parents dismay. This is the turning point in the film. From this scene on we must deal with our own ideas of belief, redemption, sacrifice, and atonement. Also watch for those great shots of Roger Daltry in wet white pant which happen more than you could wish for. Once more,other resources from this era: Jesus Christ Superstar, Kansas Greatest Hits, Godspell, Hair, Oh Calcutta.