"Is this the band then? Betcha U2 are shittin' themselves." Jimmy Rabbitte Sr.
The Commitments (1991) is to musicals what Soul is to Rock and Roll.
Directed by Alan Parker.
Starring Robert Arkins, Andrew Strong, Michael Aherne, and Angeline Ball among many others.
Alan Parker manages to create a fun and delightful film from Roddy Doyle's novel of the same name. Parker wisely let's the music and especially the prodigious musical and stage presence of Andrew Strong take center stage throughout the film. Andrew runs away with the film with his vocals and his fiery and mercurial presence. Alan has said he cast Andrew on the spot after auditioning him. Strong was only 16 at the time.
Rarely do I find myself wanting more music in a film. The music is a character and gives the film its through line. Adrien Lyne similarly used music to color the story in his film 9 1/2 Weeks (1986). Alan shows how gradually this group of young musicians develop into a cohesive and dynamic soul band. The story ultimately goes nowhere, but who cares if its entertaining and fun.
In the scene below watch how Andrew owns the music, the stage, the audience and the scene. It's a real treat to watch someone this young have so much energy, charisma and fearless stage presence. Watch how he stays in the front part of the stage.
Trivia - Peter Rowen, the kid on the skateboard in the scene outside the window as a child was on album covers of U2's "Boy" and "War".
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