If you lived in the 80s, you know of which the film I speak. It's a small wonder of a bad film, that's pretty enjoyable at 3:00am in the morning. I don't know why I can't sleep until late owl hours now. Perhaps it's just because I can. Perhaps it's because I work better when it's dark out and then I feel the need to let my mind numb on bad eighties films.
But wow. It's funny I came across the film since I just mentioned it to the Husband the other day. We were talking about films that are about fictional musicians (having just seen Crazy Heart) and how those movies are rarely good because it's hard to write good music to go along with a good film. Almost Famous and Crazy Heart are exceptions. There may be more out there. I just haven't seen them yet.
And well, Satisfaction (yes, Justine Bateman along with Julia Roberts and a few other unknown actors do a cover of it) the movie is not one of them. But yet, I found myself drawn to the material. Perhaps it's because I have a soft spot for all former actors from Family Ties. (Or maybe it's because I love Jason Bateman and see his face every time I look at Justine.) Perhaps because I grew up watching the film and had no taste back then. (Hey, I thought Twins was the best film in the world). Perhaps I had no idea what good music sounded like.
But the astounding thing about this 3am watching of this movie? I remembered most of the songs! Yes, I've seen it more than once, but really no more than ten times over the last 20 years. Is that enough to ingrain the songs into my head? Yes, the songs were really really really bad. Yes, watching Liam Neeson romance Justine Bateman makes you wonder if Neeson was doing coke when he agreed to do this film. But I went to sleep with Justine Bateman's bad singing voice in my head.
Then I went on IMDB and saw who the writer was -- The good man Charlie Purpura. Charlie was a teacher of mine at NYU and died a few years ago. I had always loved Charlie as a teacher. Maybe that's why I still love this movie deep down.
Okay, now off contemplate more random things. Then work!
You and Heath are dead on with the reason why movies about fictional musicians are terrible. Too many fictional musicians who are supposed to be amazing are rendered instantly unbelievable when their great music turns out to be shit. Almost Famous, Crazy Heart, Hedwig and the Angry Inch... those are the only exceptions off the top of my head... there's probably one or two more though...
ReplyDeleteOh, actually - and I know I'll get laughed at for this, but - Josie & The Pussycats actually has good music. Matthew Sweet and a bunch of other power pop musicians wrote some really solid late 90's-style pop for the movie.
That Crazy Heart soundtrack really is awesome though. Probably the best part of the movie.
Dude, I forgot Hedwig! That is a totally awesome soundtrack.
ReplyDelete