Well, this weekend marks the release of the cinema’s latest  rock n’ roll movie – The Runaways.  And inasmuch as its more of a biopic on the all-girl rock outfit that formed in Los Angeles in the mid-70s, its really the music that counts here. 

And why not? After all, it was written and directed by Canadian-bred filmmaker Floria Sigismondi who is perhaps more famous for making cutting edge music videos for everyone from Our Lady Peace to Marilyn Manson to Christina Aguilera.

In light of said release, it got me thinking to some other great rock n’ roll flicks that may have been overlooked over the years.  Sure there’s been Almost Famous and Spinal tap but these are ones that may not have necessarily achieved box office glory but still had either great stories or just made great movies.

Here’s a list of 5 flicks off the top of my head that you may consider checking out: 

Streets of Fire (1984) – When I was just a wee teenage cad, I stumbled upon this so-called “rock and roll fable” (mainly because I idolized Rick Moranis who has a supporting role) and instantly dug its tale about a hired gun who must rescue his ex-girlfriend rock singer after she’s kidnapped by gang members (led by Willem DeFoe).  The film is one big piñata of pop culture iconography and, even today, is a lot of fun to watch.

24 Hour Party People (2002) – I’ve always been a fan of filmmaker Michael Winterbottom (A Mighty Heart, Welcome to Sarajevo) and this comedic biopic about Tony Wilson (played by Steve Coogan) is no exception. The man who started up Manchester, England’s Factory Records – which spawned the likes of influential 80’s acts The Happy Mondays and Joy Division – Wilson’s wild life was one of excess, drugs and of course sex.  What else would you expect?

Control (2007) – And speaking of Factory Records, here comes Control – an amazing biopic about Joy Division, the influential band that became New Order after its lead singer, Ian Curtis, killed himself.  Directed by famous rock photographer Anton Corbijn (you may recognize some of his work), this movie is as stunning visually as its story is heartbreaking.

Gimme Shelter (1970) – Although this is a documentary, the Maysles brothers capture this Rolling Stones concert film and cut it into one of a higher order. The band’s 1969 show at Altamont Raceway was supposed to be a huge free gig to rival Woodstock but instead turned into a murder scene at the hands of bikers (who were hired as security).  It may mark, as some argue, the end of the hippie era but its also just a harrowing film.

Sid and Nancy (1986) – Written and directed by Alex Cox, this biopic about the Sex Pistols’ bass player Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen not only introduced the modern world to the acting talents of Gary Oldman but as Washington Post critic Paul Attansio put it at the time, “Alex Cox has captured not simply the physical details but the mood and feeling of a peculiar way of life”.  Now isn’t that what a good rock n’ roll flick should do?

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