Hi, everyone! With the rise of so many music biopics nowadays, like the wildly popular Bohemian Rhapsody, I figured that I would talk about some films about music that I really like. For those who want to know, I’ll say that Bohemian Rhapsody was not as mind-blowing as I hoped it would be. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I write off a lot of other contemporary music films. In fact, some of my personal favorites have been released in the millenia. My goal with this list is to give you some of my favorites that I think you might like a lot more. Take this list with a grain of salt, though. Something that I like might not be something you like, or maybe the other way around. Whether it’s a movie about a promising young drummer and his abusive teacher in Whiplash, or the two different lives of Brian Wilson in Love and Mercy, I hope that you find something on this list that will amaze and inspire you.
5. “Buena Vista Social Club” (1999)
This classic documentary explores American guitarist Ry Cooder’s journey to Cuba to bring musicians from the island together to create a record. They also depict the group’s two sell-out concerts in Amsterdam and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
There isn’t really a lot I have to say about this one, it’s short and sweet. Cooder and director Wim Wenders had an interesting look at the culture of Cuba and its music, as well as how they were able to bring that to the world stage. The soundtrack album is phenomenal, as it contains all of the songs the group performed live. It further proves the musicianship that these artists have, and that was very special to see. It was an unusual to film this in Cuba, as the US was still in an embargo with the Cubans at the time. However, I still think this film broke boundaries and tells a feel-good story about music.
4. “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
This film had some crazy hype a few years back. When I first saw it, I will admit, it lived up to all the buzz. The movie explores the rise and fall of the rap group, N.W.A. For those who don’t know, N.W.A. was a 1980s gangsta rap group, with future famous rappers Ice Cube and Dr. Dre at the helm. Through their different backgrounds, five guys from Compton all came together and make music. It details rise of the group’s popularity with their record Straight Outta Compton, to their fall after the departure of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.
The movie is very engrossing, telling a strong story of injustice and fighting for change. It was a tough time in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s; police brutality plagued the city’s reputation, and the Los Angeles Riots of ‘92 were some of the worst in our nation’s history. NWA were constantly denied of performing their songs because of their depiction of rebellion and violence against the police. More importantly, they were being exploited by their managers, and never really were given their fair right to perform. Despite all this, “Straight Outta Compton” shows the successes- and bumps- that the group had along their path to stardom. The soundtrack is great, as I love the record that the movie is based off of. More importantly, seeing portrayals of gangsta rock legends like The D.O.C. and Snoop Dogg get some screen time was a great treat, too.
3. “Love and Mercy” (2015)
Based on the Brian Wilson song of the same name, This movie tells the story of two different versions of the mastermind of the Beach Boys. It depicts the struggles he had with mental illness during the Pet Sounds era and twenty years in the future. His manipulative psychiatrist and legal guardian, Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) controls Brian and gives him no freedom to make decisions for himself. This leaves him washed-up and unable to escape the unethical decisions Landy makes. While shopping for a Cadillac, Brian meets Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks), who sees the unfair treatment. Throughout the majority of the second half, she fights to cut Brian’s ties with Landy. In the end, they actually ended up marrying each other.
I think in terms of other music biopics, this one gets overlooked a lot. It’s an amazingly well-made some amazing acting performances from Paul Dano and John Cusack as both versions of Brian Wilson. The authenticity of this film is definitely what made me enjoy it a lot. Scenes where the Beach Boys are working in the studio were written almost verbatim from the Pet Sounds studio transcripts. What this means is that some of the lines and actions were actually done back in the 60s. For example, when Brian says, “Do you think we could get a horse in here?”, that idea was actually proposed by Wilson himself. In terms of praise, Wilson and Ledbetter responded very positively to this movie. In fact, Ledbetter stated that Dr. Landy’s treatment of Brian was almost worse in real life. While I will admit that it’s a very depressing film, the outstanding acting performances and historical accuracy of the production team makes this film a force to be reckoned with.
2. “Almost Famous” (2000)
This film explores one teenager, William Miller, going on tour with the fictitious band Stillwater to get a cover story published by Rolling Stone. Originally hired sight unseen by famed editor Ben Fong-Torres, he goes on the road to cover the band after they opened for Black Sabbath. Despite being labeled as an “enemy” by the band early on, he slowly makes his way to their inner circle and gain important information. Unfortunately, the story is claimed to be 90% false by the band to protect their image. The story ends up being killed by Rolling Stone, hence the movie’s title, “Almost Famous”.
I really loved this movie, but I think what really made it stand out more to me was the story. Cameron Crowe based this on his own life when he was a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone. The screenplay for this movie was so brilliant that it won an Academy Award, and I couldn't agree more. As someone who is trying to get a start in the music journalism world, this movie really hit me when I first saw it. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to talk with so many amazing musicians so early on in the history of bazzreviews, but “Almost Famous” makes me want to strive for more. Could I get something published by a big music magazine or website? Could I go on tour with a band and write a story about them? Who knows… This movie’s witty dialogue, paired with some smooth 70s rock, makes it something I’d love to watch over and over again in the future.
1. “Whiplash” (2014)
Miles Teller stars as Andrew Neiman, a promising jazz student looking to succeed at the fictional Shaffer Conservatory in New York City. Early on, he attracts the attention of respected conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew is very quickly introduced to Fletcher’s abusive ways, as he viciously insults him, hurls furniture, and slaps him repeatedly. He is constantly fighting to keep a spot in the top group, and never seems to win Fletcher’s respect. Andrew ends up getting dismissed from Shaffer after attacking Fletcher as a result of showing to a concert injured. The guy literally didn’t care if Andrew was injured, or was showing up and being devoted to his craft. The lack of sympathy is absolutely appalling. Andrew ends up testifying against Fletcher’s actions in court, and he is fired the end of the film. However, Fletcher invites Andrew to perform in one of his outside groups, and they perform “Caravan” like they did back in studio band. I will say, it was a nice ending despite all the emotions in the movie.
While some people have argued this is a poor representation of the jazz culture, I think it is a really great movie. This movie is a phenomenal directorial debut from Damien Chazelle, and J.K. Simmons’s performance as Fletcher was superb. The screenplay and story arc are also very well-done. While I have performed in jazz bands in the past, and it was never a “fight for your right” situation. I think Chazelle’s reminiscing of his high school jazz band sugarcoated the overall reality of what jazz really is. Nevertheless, this film is a must-watch because of its technicalities.
So, do you agree with my picks? Do you think there was a movie that should have been on my list? If so, reach out to me! I’d love to hear some new films to pick up and watch. Thanks a lot for reading this article, and more amazing stuff is coming your way soon!
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