The rise
and fall of 70s seminal all girl rock band, The Runaways.
A musical
biopic about a subject that is fairly obscure. I think I’m knowledgeable about
rock music and I never heard of The Runaways before this movie.
Of course I
don’t want to imply that they aren’t important. Joan Jett, the bassist, went to
do a lot of very famous stuff and represent the original prototype of the rock
girl. Also Lita Ford, the guitarist, had a long somewhat less successful career
after the band. The band itself didn’t enjoy a lot of success at the time, a
part from Japan, but they were probably the first all girl rock group and so
paved the way for many successful performers.
Anyway a
biopic on unknown it’s not a problem per se. It just means that you have to
sell the movie mainly on its strengths.
The
direction and overall feeling of the movie is very good. The director is Floria
Sigismondi, first time movie director but with a 20 years career in music video
clips where she displayed a range and a visual flare that set her apart from
the usual MTV friendly stuff.
The 70s atmosphere
is nicely recreated, the period setting is pitch perfect with a clear focus on
the punk music scene.
The plot,
on the other hand, is so very predictable. First they are unknown, then the big
break but with fame we get drugs and booze. It’s the basic blueprint of every
musical biopic. I sometimes wish we could get a movie about a clear cut
musician, one that remains a family man, they are bound to exist somewhere!
Dakota
Fanning is the notional center of the movie as Cherie Currie, the underage lead
singer. Kristen Stewart, in a very improbable wig, plays Joan Jett, a more
grounded and interesting role. Both deliver their lines with conviction and do
a fine job.
Conclusion:
Even if it’s missing the spark that could elevate it to the next level this is
a musical biopic that can engage also non musical people.
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