Floria Sigismondi's The Runaways (2010) makes for an ideal companion film in a double feature showing with Chus Gutiérrez's El Calentito (2005). I've thoroughly enjoyed both movies, both about all-women bands, the one set in the mid-to-late 1970s in the USA and Japan, the other set in Spain in the very early 80s.
The story line for The Runaways, based on Cherie Currie's Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway (2010) and fleshed out by Sigismondi, follows the formation of The Runaways, Currie's various conflicts (family dysfunction and guilt, substance challenges, psychological and emotional issues), producer Kim Fowley's machinations, and Joan Jett's tenacious strength. The whole cast is memorable, including Riley Keough (Elvis and Priscilla's grandaughter, Lisa Marie's daughter) as Marie Currie, Cherie Currie's twin sister. Dakota Fanning is glittery as Cherie, Michael Shannon nails the eccentric Fowley down, and Kristen Stewart is so good channeling Joan Jett I am still amazed, having seen Jett rock out in Charlotte around 1981.
The soundtrack is hip and effective and includes a salute to Detroit via Iggy and the Stooges, the MC5 and Suzi Quatro. Let's not forget David Bowie. the actual Runaways and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. If you dig the 1970s milieu at all, you will have a real cool time checking out The Runaways.
Florida Sigismondi (b. ca. September-October 1965), the strikingly visual director pictured here, seems to have more than a dash of Joan Jett's sensibility and drive herself.
Today's Rune: Strength.
5 comments:
Uh yeah, the band kind of sucked, I remember them. The movie might be remotely interesting if Dakota Fanning didn't bug the crap out of me.
I saw this was on Pay per view and almost rented it but Lana diddn't seem very intersted.
Erik, I want to see this one. Joan Jett herself was quoted saying that Kristin nailed her role!
I'm looking forward to Netflixing the movie; I've heard nothing but raves from people who have seen it, including my rock-loving daughter.
Kim Fowley does a show on Little Steven's Underground Garage on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He's certainly not got a self-esteem problem. His show is great, though.
Suzi Quatro...OMG...that brings back memories!
(Don't let Charles fool you--I set up PPV movies for him all the time, even if I don't want to watch them.)
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