Tommy (1975)

Thanks for the memories!

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

I saw the film Tommy in 1976, being sold on it before because I had the record and loved the music .In the nineties I saw the musical on Broadway and how great it was. A couple of days ago I saw The Who performing in Rock in Rio, fantastic. I took out my DVD of Tommy that was resting for so many years and watched it again.At first impression you might find the film overdone and a bit sarcastic but then you realize this is really a silent film, with accompanying sound and every silent movie had to overstate its meaning, when words could not be used. In life we all play pinball but we cannot expect others to play it the same way we do. And when they sing "We are not gonna take it" they are putting on film one of the most touching cries of rebellion against being fooled. Tommy is a wonderful film!

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.......

It is not easy to adequately review this film properly. I am doing a series of presentations to the Society on Ken Russell and while I have the original sound track of Tommy on vinyl I had not seen the movie since its release. With some difficulty I sourced a DVD and watched it the other night and subsequently. This is my fifth attempt at writing a review that I am satisfied with.This could be an offensive movie to many despite the stellar cast and music. It really is quite deranged in parts and simply would not be made today in this form. Cousin Kevin, Uncle Ernie, the Acid Queen, and the Eric Clapton scene (Eyesight to the Blind, in which he reprises the Clapton is God theme from the 60s) are surely calculated to upset everyone, or challenge traditional viewpoints such as Catholicism, false rituals, cults etc. and that clearly is what KR intended doing, and he does it brilliantly. We even get a good measure of paedophilia, sadistic abuse and drug use thrown in as well.In the end I suppose it is also about redemption and the triumph of good over evil which is a marked counterpoint to KRs 'The Devils'. Is it just my opinion or is the close out shot a depiction of Christ on the Cross offering redemption and salvation to all, not just Tommy himself? This is an incredible juxtaposition to Clapton's 'God' scene earlier in the movie. Are also the lyrics to 'Listening to You' not a strong association between Tommy and Christ? I think they are. Listen closely or source the lyrics.This is a movie that deserves and needs serious reflection because it challenges convention, and if you don't like the music, don't go there. It is for me utterly audacious and original but I also appreciate it will be disturbing to many. Appreciate it or hate it for its originality but if it is viewed with an open mind the incredibly positive ending is a tonic for the soul.And of course, the music cannot be faulted. Did Elton John ever exceed his Pinball Wizard role? I think not. I also think Roger Daltrey (Tommy) singing 'I am Free' and "Listening to You' are incredibly uplifting and spiritual. And are Ann-Margaret and Roger Daltrey not the most beautiful creatures on the planet? The 'Healed' scene in the ocean is just gorgeous, as is the strong message about materialism. If Tommy is Christ reborn, is Nora his mother Mary? You can go on and on analysing this movie but the easiest thing is to just go along for the ride.

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.