First, you should know the album to really -er- appreciate this film. The album is a classic, even though it is a patchwork of songs that The Who decided to turn into a concept album by gluing various themes together with mostly lesser tunes. But it has some great pieces, like "Amazing Journey", "Overture" "Welcome" and "Sparks" (all of which you won't hear on Classic Rock radio stations). So first know the album, and then see the movie, if you dare. You will be amazed but certainly entertained.
Rather than apply the original music from the heartfelt album, the film reworks the tunes with tepid session musicianship and the neat-o synthesizer, so very innovative in 1975. Seeking to be high-minded about idolatry, religion, war, consumerism, pinball- y'know, all that big meaningful stuff- this flick heaps on laughably dopey symbolism by the barrelful. Seeing cameos from Eric Clapton and Elton John is interesting,simply to give you a window on the era. Tina Turner, however, as the twitchy Acid Queen dancing to... er, a mirror-hypodermic-iron-maiden is- well, one of the reasons this lunacy is simply a must-see. And no actress has ever gone more over-the-top than Ann Margaret, and God bless her and her bean slither for that.
It is so dated, so in-that-moment, so weird, so over-the-top, and so fearlessly awful it's great. The best of the 'worst rock and roll film ever' category, and that includes "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", which could be considered its spawn. This is a must-see glam-a-licious wierdfest.
Rather than apply the original music from the heartfelt album, the film reworks the tunes with tepid session musicianship and the neat-o synthesizer, so very innovative in 1975. Seeking to be high-minded about idolatry, religion, war, consumerism, pinball- y'know, all that big meaningful stuff- this flick heaps on laughably dopey symbolism by the barrelful. Seeing cameos from Eric Clapton and Elton John is interesting,simply to give you a window on the era. Tina Turner, however, as the twitchy Acid Queen dancing to... er, a mirror-hypodermic-iron-maiden is- well, one of the reasons this lunacy is simply a must-see. And no actress has ever gone more over-the-top than Ann Margaret, and God bless her and her bean slither for that.
It is so dated, so in-that-moment, so weird, so over-the-top, and so fearlessly awful it's great. The best of the 'worst rock and roll film ever' category, and that includes "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", which could be considered its spawn. This is a must-see glam-a-licious wierdfest.