Oh my god this took FOREVER to come to Boston and I know it's old news by now, but I promise some of the things I have to say will be different from other reviews (at least, the ones I've read). The Runaways tracks the development of the titular influential all-girl rock band, spearheaded by young guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and the sleazy but skilled record producer Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) in the mid-70's. They pick up adorable hippie guitarist Sandy West (Stella Maeve), guitarist Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton), and bassist Robin Robins (Alia Shawkat) (well that's not her real name but the real bassist Jackie Fox declined to give her image rights), all in their late teens.
These three other members are forgotten fairly quickly, and the real story focuses on lead singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), who joins the band at 15 and is immediately pegged as a jailbait sex symbol and Fowley's ticket to catapulting this novelty band to stardom. She and Joan become fast friends, but the incredible pressures surrounding the constant touring and press speculation lead to more and more drug use as well as struggles among the bandmembers.
So. Here's this movie, that's a rock biopic, that has all the trappings of a typical rock biopic, and is generally hailed for its performances and music but panned for its unoriginality. I understand the criticisms- it is indeed a familiar story and is told in a fairly standard way. However, I think a lot of people are failing to see what makes The Runaways so special: this isn't your typical rock biopic, because those don't typically spotlight successful teenage female musicians. The fact that a 15-year-old girl is going through the usual rock star paces is what sets this film apart from the ones where it's all twentysomething white dudes. I loved seeing a female-dominated film about rock music, because that truly is a pretty rare thing.
Now that that's off my chest, let's get to the film itself. It's gorgeously shot, with a lot of soft lighting, glitter, and saturation. I can see director Floria Sigismondi's music video experiences coming forward, and for the most part it works. There are several scenes that are just the band singing, and while that might not advance the story, I didn't care because I love the music and I loved seeing their live act recreated in such an exciting way. Because, obviously, all of the music is so freaking rad. Besides the girls' kickass tunes, you've got David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and my current new obsession Suzi Quatro, who, as one of the first female rock musicians to play her own instrument, was heavily influential on Joan Jett.
Aside from the captivating glam assaulting our eyes and ears, there are several top-notch performances thrown in. Fanning proves she can definitely handle a more grown-up role, as Cherie moves from wannabe rock star to all-out drug addict. She's a little shaky at some parts, but generally I really liked her. Michael Shannon is creepy as hell and has way too much fun shouting obscenities at teenage girls, but it really works, and he steals several scenes.
It's really Kristen Stewart who surprised me though. I'd heard she was good in several reviews, but refused to believe it until I saw it for myself. And my goodness, she can actually act! She has, like, emotions! And range! And she completely captures the badass toughness of Joan Jett, and reminded me what makes Joan so completely great. I was really impressed. She sort of made the movie for me. And it takes a lot for me to say good things about Kristen Stewart, so that means something.
So what if this movie's narrative is generally your "typical rock biopic"? It's got a great cast, high-glam visuals, amazing costumes, and killer music. Of course, a lot of the story is left out, especially concerning the other bandmembers, but since the script draws from Currie's autobiography that's no surprise. Besides tracking the evolution of an important and interesting rock band, the film is also an exploration of how a young girl was seriously exploited but eventually took control of her own sexuality.
The Runaways is certainly flawed in many ways- the chronology is confusing, it's uneven in its storytelling- but it left me feeling so good at the end. I walked out wanting to instantly start my own all-girl rock band so I could be just like Joan Jett, but then I couldn't think of a punchy stage name. Then again, I also instantly wanted to live in the 70's, which is something I very rarely feel, so this movie plays some tricks on the mind. Anyway: female empowerment, rock music, etc!
4/5
"Cherry Bomb"- The Runaways (original version, not covers in the film)
"I Love Playin' With Fire"- The Runaways (also the original version)
"The Wild One"- Suzi Quatro (so. awesome.)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Runaways (2010)
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What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in atmosphere. It's the kind of movie that is easy to like despite it's flaws. Unless you're Lita Ford, I would imagine, since she comes off like a total bitch here.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it, every rock biopic has to have a scene showing how insane Japanese fangirls are? That was my only real problem.
ReplyDeleteAwesome.
Glad to hear that it's worth going to see. From the clips I've watched, Kristen Stewart seems very convincing and definitely looks the part!
ReplyDeleteNeeds more Michael Shannon.
ReplyDeleteI found this to be totally engaging. I completely agree with you about Kristen Stewart. I had braced myself for the same lip-biting angst for the entire movie, and then she smiled! A miracle. The one thing that didn't convince me, however, was the whole "years later" bit at the end. Kristen Stewart just was not able to capture an older Joan Jett for me (and we know they're supposed to be older, since "I Love Rock and Roll" came out in 1989). They should have used different actors for that scene, since both of them just still looked too young and vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteGood review, though!
Oh, and there's a new meme going around. Tag!
http://themoviemistress.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-got-tagged.html
Norma: Haha good point, I wonder how she feels about it.
ReplyDeleteSimon: I see what you mean, but also I'm pretty sure that's kind of what really happened. The band has talked about the "beatlemania"-esque response they got in Japan.
Sundryandco: Yeah, Stewart was great! I hope you get to see it!
Movie Mistress: That's a really good point- I had forgotten about the weird age thing at the end when I was writing the review. It was unconvincing, but at the same time I can see why they made that decision- it makes sense to stay with the actors who we've come to know as these characters, instead of throwing new ones in the mix that don't have a connection to us as viewers.
@Norma -- I can't agree more. This is one of those rare films that fails to scratch much new ground, though Michael Shannon and Dakota Fanning clearly stand out and thankfully K.Stewart took a backseat as her performance, as usual, was mediocre at best.
ReplyDelete@Sundryandco -- Yes, Stewart looks convincingly enough but I'd hardly suggest she adds much to the film, and as I've written in my own review (as well as commented here) she seems lost most of the time - but filling Jetts shoes would be tough for anyone!
@Alex -- Sorry, last but not least, well written review and observations. Of course, shameless self promotion aside, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on my thoughts if you're interested. As I mentioned, the movie is a must see regardless whether you're that into the history of the band (which this film rightfully doesn't attempt to be a full biopic - I mean come on, some real members of the band refused to be included in the movie). There are always those movies that remain enjoyable despite themselves and The Runaways clearly follows suit.
Cheers-> Just got my lamb cert. Be seeing you around.