A Hard Day's Night (1964)2 - Woodstock (1970)
3 - Dont Look Back (1967)
3 - This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
4 - Stop Making Sense (1984)
5 - Purple Rain (1984)
6 - The Last Waltz (1978)
7 - The Blues Brothers (1980)
8 - The Concert for Bangladesh (1972)
9 - The Kids Are Alright (1979)
10 - High Fidelity (2000)
4 comments:
FWIW, I think you have the number 1 top ten blog ever.
I have not seen all these movies, but I am familiar with a couple of them.
A thought comes to mind.
Is there any Rock 'n Roll move in this list that does not have a strong theme of sexual promiscuity or drug use or rebellion against authority or some combination of the above (Woodsock certainly embodies all 3).
As a Christian, all of these themes are counter to my faith. So what is it then about these movies I should be find laudable? Or is it okay to ignore these themes simply because I like the music?
Just some thoughts running through my head...
Joe, those themes are certainly prevalent not only in many rock and roll movies, but in much rock and roll...particularly rebelling against authority.
I would say that while we as Christians can NEVER endorse destructive behaviors such as drug use or sexual promiscuity, rebellion (or perhaps "questioning authority") can sometimes bear some fruit, done well.
In "A Hard Day's Night", for example, the establishment adult world is questioned in a rather playful way, without disrespect, as some of the silliness of mainstream life is pointed out by the excitement & exuberance of the young Beatles & their music. That's not a bad way to "question authority".
Dylan does it in "Dont Look Back" with songs of power & protest which FORCES people to think about the consequences of their actions & beliefs; "Purple Rain" shows a family destroyed by the expectations & narcissism of consumerist society; "Bangladesh" actually shows rcok stars just trying to raise money for those less fortunate.
So, while some rock and roll themes run counter to our faith, some have merit. And the music in these films is always top notch.
good insights Keith. thanks for the helpful summary!
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