Music-themed Films

[Danelectrico]

I love the Beatles as much as the next guy, but a fab four do not fine films make. the movies of their that I watched (HDN, Help!, Yellow Submarine) i found kind of tiresome and corny. I did remember loving their cartoons as a kid though, heheh.

as far as huge pop stars in movies go, Elvis was the man!

 

[visa]

 

[betsybug]

Have to agree with Dan on the Beatles - those "films" (I use the term advisedly) are just vehicles for the band. The story-line is often tissue-thin; more of frames to hang the band's songs on. In fact, the Magical Mystery Tour is quite like a pastiche of music videos, of the surreal magic mushroom kind.

I've lumped all those plus Spice World under MUSICAL (see page 1).

So, where are the STORY-driven, MUSIC-themed, FICTIONAL films?

 

[guitarsan]

I kind of like this movie. Typical 80's rock/metal big hair spandex wearing band showcase.

 

[betsybug]

Mambo Kings (1992)
Based on a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel. From IMDB: Musician brothers Cesar and Nestor leave Cuba for America in the 1950s, hoping to hit the top of the Latin music scene. Cesar is the older brother, the business manager, and the ladies' man. Nestor is the brooding songwriter, who cannot forget the woman in Cuba who broke his heart.

The song Beautiful Maria of My Soul was nominated for the Academy Awards and also the Golden Globes.

 

[EiraVanora]

isnt Dream Girls based on The Supremes?

 

[betsybug]

isnt Dream Girls based on The Supremes?

Answer from IMDB:
Absolutely not. "Dreamgirls" is a fictional work, adapted from a 1981 successful Broadway musical inspired by the real-life story and success of The Supremes. The film version references elements of Motown history to add backstory to the musical's plot, and there are many homages to a number of distinct 1960s/1970s R&B stars (besides The Supremes and Motown acts such as Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, and Tammi Terrell, non-Motown artists such as James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Sly & the Family Stone are also referenced).

But somehow, in the dusty spaces of my brain, I keep seeing The Three Degrees. I don't know why.

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

more of music themed documentary thou. Entertaining still, for some years during the 90s

 

[EiraVanora]

But somehow, in the dusty spaces of my brain, I keep seeing The Three Degrees. I don't know why.

well, i didnt really watch the show, so i wouldnt really know. *shurgs*

 

[lordie]

well, i didnt really watch the show, so i wouldnt really know. *shurgs*

i love august rush! great movie, nice guitar stuff, major skills

 

[EiraVanora]

i missed August Rush.
i'm ashamed to call myself a JMR fan.
*bows head*

 

[dir]

August Rush was pretty mediocre as far as films go, you're better off watching Once

some other good choices:
24 hour Party People
la vie en rose (edith piaffffff)
I'm Not There
Walk The Line
les chansons d'amour (a lovely musical set in paris)
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (makes me have a new love for dead prez and live hip hop)
Joe Strummer: The future is unwritten (for fans of the Clash)
Dancer in the Dark (bjork bjork bjork)
Man in the Sand

also speaking of music themed documentaries, check out Before the Music Dies. it talks about the superficiality of the music scene, and how great music is always around, if you just know how to find it.

postu-rockz fans should enjoy watching Mogwai: The Making or Mr Beast as well

edit: oops i just read the 'fictional' part, please ignore those films I mentioned that don't apply then

 

[betsybug]

oops i just read the 'fictional' part, please ignore those films I mentioned that don't apply then

too late, dir, we are way passed that now
will update list on page 1 with your suggestions later.
biopic on edith piaf is good.

 

[EiraVanora]

i wanted to watch August Rush simply 'cuz of yummylicious Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
since the movie is mediocre, i'll just rent it.

 

[ac]

The hype! docu is great! Can contrast it with this month's mojo. One entire article on sub pop.

Don't forget the rather great tour film depeche mode 101. And decline of the western civilisation 1,2 & 3.

Or get rich or die trying, and 8 mile. And the rather awesome Scary Movie 3.

 

[sage]

Add up "Screaming Masterpiece"! Absolutely nuts about that one

 

[betsybug]

If Iceland (population 300,000) can make so much music, what does it show Singapore?

edit: context of this remark is sage's suggestion, "Screaming Masterpiece" - a docu on the Icelandic music scene (Sugarcubes, Sigur Ros, etc)

 

[Danelectrico]

OOh Once! How could I forget. Really sweet show, if it doesn't melt your heart you're a cynic beyind redemption...plus the Frames are an excellent band, it's great that they (or Glen Hansard at least) finally got the recognition long deserved.

I'm Not There was kinda painful to sit through for most of it. The Bob Dylan pisstake segment on Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox story - now that's better!

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

it shows we have a long way to go

but then we have singapore gaga and loads of other indie stuff waiting to be discovered from within and not look outside of singaland for inspirations. Imho

 

[Danelectrico]

If Iceland (population 300,000) can make so much music, what does it show Singapore?

That if we were living in a place with sub zero degree temperature and ice floes and the occasional polar bear swimming over, maybe we'd be more creative and write elf songs about birthdays and motorcycles? No worries, things will start to look up when the next ice age comes around!