Quadrophenia
It was one of those serendipitous moments where a cult film event comes out of nowhere. I had just come back from London yesterday, my Dad and I were swapping music and film trivia in a big game of “who knows more?” During our lengthy discussions, Dad had turned to me and said “there is one film that is lacking in your film knowledge...” which for someone who claims to have an extensive film knowledge is like a wound, “Quadrophenia. Brilliant film.” And a series of Google searches later and we were all booked up for a screening at Errol Flynn tonight, in celebration of the Mod exhibition at Northampton Museum.
Quadrophenia is based on The Who’s rock opera album of the same name and unlike Tommy, is not a musical but a brilliant drama. Jimmy is a young man in 1965 who works all day and parties all night. But London is split between two musical and fashion groups, Mods and Rockers. As a Mod, Jimmy finds it hard to balance his standing in the group, girls, drugs and friends on the opposite side. However, a proposed trip to Brighton sees tensions clash between both groups and Jimmy sees the height of his idealism within the fight.
First of all, this is a great slice of sixties music and culture. Set alongside some of the best music of the time as well as The Who’s brilliant music. This underlying score and songs add to the heat filled moments and the emotional turmoil as well as the fun. Building up to the Brighton Riots and then unravelling afterwards, there are so many scenes made unique due to the music. In particular, the heart pounding finale scene as Jimmy drives beside the cliffs.
It is very sad that Phil Daniels, who plays Jimmy, is and never was a great British actor. Only best known for Blur video Park Life and Eastenders, Daniels never seems to be a name that falls from peoples lips. The shame is, Daniels as Jimmy puts in a ridiculously good performance. Not only capturing the light hearted nature and naivety of youth but he also portrays a realistic decline, a brain on the edge that is addled by pills and ideals. He is an almost anti-hero. You follow his story and his mistakes, not condoning or condemning, but understanding. This is much a testament of blind faith in ideals, music and fashion. Jimmy takes it too seriously, rather than a giggle like most of his friends do. Instead, his Mod lifestyle starts to seep into his everyday life and when it no longer fits, slipping out of his hands so quickly, you start to see how damaged Jimmy is. It is much a damning of cult followings and obsession.
Funnily enough, Quadrophenia seems to have only developed the Mod culture further. But it is a stark and bleak tale. With a whole host of British faces including Sting and a young fresh faced Ray Winstone; this is a wonderful and intelligent portrayal of gangs, cults and lifestyles.
TTFN
Cookie.