"History teaches us that men behave wisely... once they've exhausted all other alternatives." - Hughie, Still Crazy
Every once in a while I'll stumble across a movie that aims straight for my heart, and then fires. A few years back (and then a couple more) I was working at one of the many call centres that I have worked in, and would kill the hours by talking to the English guy that sat next to me. Most of our conversations involved me screaming at him to shut up while he did Borat vocal impressions, and tormented me with Chuck Norris jokes. However, when these grew tiresome for him the focus would turn to Nick Hornby novels, music, and movies.
When the subject of Bill Nighy came up one day, I began raving about his brilliant role in the film "Love Actually". His portrayal of Billy Mack - an aged rocker, desperate to reclaim the fame and glory he once had was (and still is) legendary in my eyes.
And then Mr Englishman said the magic words: "Oh, so I suppose you've seen Still Crazy then?". What? Pffft - never heard of it. Mr Englisman felt that simply wouldn't do... The next day I arrived at work to find a DVD sitting on my desk.
I was beyond stunned that I'd never heard of this film before. The cast was packed full of favourites of mine - Billy Connolly, Timothy Spall, Stephen Rea and musician Jimmy Nail. Billy Nighy, of course was there on the cover looking like Rock 'n Roll leftovers, and it had even been nominated for Golden Globe awards. Mr Englishman was right to be appalled by my ignorance. I took the DVD home that night, and instantly fell in love. This movie was everything about the 1970's rock genre that I love!
Strange Fruit are a band on the verge of global stardom in the 1970's, when their singer dies of a drug overdose. The band - determined to carry on, replace him with Ray Simms (Nighy), though their constant fighting and theatrics come to blows during a festival performance when their stage is hit by lightening. This ends the band, and they all go their separate ways.
Twenty years later, Tony (Rea) is recognised by the son of the man who had set up the festival, and Tony decides to round up the band and see if they can have another go. They've all fallen into the mundane world of "regular life". Marriage, divorce, mediocre jobs - they've all given up on the idea of becoming the legendary band that they almost were. European tour? Sure, why not.
Accompanied by Hughie (Connolly) - their original roadie, and their ever faithful manager, Karen they set off to see if they're able to bury the past and grab hold of the second chance that they're finally being offered.
Look for a very young Hans Matheson (Sherlock Holmes, Clash of the Titans) playing Luke - the bands new guitarist, and Bruce Robinson (Oscar Nominee for Best Screenplay for the 1984 film "The Killing Fields") in one of his rare acting appearances.
This movie is a brilliant mixture of hilarity, sadness, regret, and rejuvenation, and is accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack that will leave you feeling good, and humming for days. Watch it. Right now.
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