Thanks for the memories!

Memorable, crazy movie

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Tommy, as an album from The Who, written by Pete Townsend is an great piece of work. Tommy, the movie directed by Ken Russell, is crap. The only relation between the two is the soundtrack, and even that has been ruined as the cast does the singing. Oh my God, had anyone told Oliver Reed that he couldn't sing, or Keith Moon (may they both rest in peace)? Russell has taken a series of shots and strung them together to fill time as the soundtrack runs. I know that the dressed in black, self important film students will be up in arms about these statements and artistic license and all that but, having worked in the business for 16 years I know crap when I work on it, or see it. I have had more then one argument with DOP's and directors about artistic license. It still must work. The shots have to work and make sense once cut with the soundtrack as this is after all, a business and all business has to make money. Yes, I'm sure this film made money but only due to it's low budget and the popularity of The Who's music at the time. Lets see it made today and see if it makes a dime, or if a studio would be silly enough to back it. Not a chance. I love movies, and I love seeing great works shot in film, it is still be only medium that gives back the that richness. But sometimes you have to realize that a badly made movie is just that, badly made. Sure the musical was a hit on stage as well but what else has Pete Townsend done lately other then rehash his old stuff. We all have to make a living. Go out and buy the album (CD) of Tommy by the Who, put it on the stereo and turn it up loud. Sit back and listen to it as it was meant to be heard. This will not disappoint you. The movie on the other hand.......

TOMMY, a film version of The Who's rock opera musical, is an exercise in everything 1970s: horrid fashions, glam rock, complete excess in terms of story, filming style, and the like. But then you'd expect nothing else from infant terrible director Ken Russell (THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM), a guy who could film an old man walking down the street and turn it into something campy and unrealistic. Still, Russell's out-there style, complete with zooms and dizzy editing, is part of the charm, I reckon.The story is a series of set pieces about the rise of a pinball wizard, played by an enjoyable Roger Daltrey, and the religious cult that forms around him. In reality, though, it's a series of vibrant songs, each seeking to eclipse the former, delivering excess after excess. The list of cameos from musicians and stars is endless: Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner are just a few of the appearances here, although my favourite is Elton John with those crazy trousers and boots. The music's pretty good and I did enjoy the visuals, which are as colourful and over the top as some gaudy Christmas decorations. See it to believe it!

Sometimes I'm just late to the party. This time I'm really late to the party, about forty years after the movie originally came out to be exact. Which is unusual in one respect, since I actually bought The Who's 'Tommy' album when it first came out. My recollection is that I played it exactly once because I had no need to go through the whole story of Tommy's calamitous life all over again. Besides, 'Pinball Wizard' and a host of other songs from the album had ubiquitous air play when it debuted, and you could pretty much sing the more popular songs to yourself.So call it like it is, the film is garish, over the top, and if you like the music, it's all here from start to finish. I can't diminish Pete Townshend's vision in putting the original rock opera together; it follows a conceptual story line and deals with controversial subjects in a way that gets your attention. Most notable is the cult-like status that Tommy achieves for a rather unenviable proficiency - mastery at pinball. In that respect, the film successfully points to the vapidity of celebrity success and how fleeting it can be.Music fans will certainly appreciate the presence of rockers like Elton John as the Pinball Wizard and Tina Turner in her role as The Acid Queen. For Roger Daltrey, it occurs to me that his was a rather demanding physical role what with the climbing, hang-gliding and other athletic stunts he was required to perform. As for Ann-Margret, I'd have to say she earned her paycheck sloshing around in all that chocolaty goo during the regurgitating TV scene. I'm not sure how that qualified her for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, but she actually did win a Golden Globe for her performance.All things considered, I can't really say I enjoyed this very much but as is often the case I can appreciate the opportunity to see the film and compare notes with other reviewers. One thing of note, I didn't see his name in the uncredited cast list or see it mentioned any place else, but it sure looked to me like John Lennon was one of the observers sitting in a car and watching Tommy run across the beach during the 'I'm Free' segment. Anyone on that?

Director Ken Russell who also created other classic flicks, The Devils 1971 and Altered States 1980 has created another gem in Tommy.Starring Roger Daltry from the great band The Who.Also starring Oliver Reed who was also in Ken Russell's The Devils and other classic flicks, Gladiator 2000, Lion of the Desert 1981, Z.P.G 1972 and The Hunting Party 1971.Also starring is Ann-Margret.Also starring are musicians Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton and also from The Who, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle.Also starring is Jack Nicholson who was also in the classic flicks, Easy Rider 1969 and Psych-Out 1968.I loved the music and the trippy scenes.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic musical flicks, Cry Baby 1990, The Doors 1991, Fears of a Black Hat 1993, Jesus Christ Superstar 1973, Pink Floyd the Wall 1982 and This is Spinal Tap 1984.