Rock biopics translate well to the big screen, offering a clear story arc in most cases with the introduction of a young rocker with dreams of stardom and hopes of escaping the restraints of whatever small town they have so far been bound; before catching their big break, finding stardom and quickly beginning the downturn to whatever state of oblivion already dictated by reality. We also often see the redemption of the star, or are faced with the cautionary tale of fame not being all it seems.
The glamourisation of character failings and often the invention of circumstance have blighted many of the big budget depictions including Oliver Stone’s not entirely factual recounting of Jim Morrison and The Doors (1991). Directors and producers are faced with an unenviable task in attempting to please existing fans of the depicted artist(s) while also securing an audience for their output. This could be seen as the primary component in the replacement of realism with audience engaging antics.
The Runaways (2010) is no different. Having been a fan of The Runaways and Joan Jett in particular for some time I was apprehensive about a movie due to my belief that there might not have been enough of a story to tell. I also have to admit to being sceptical at the casting of Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning as Joan Jett and Cherie Currie respectively. The UK release of this movie seems to have been delayed for an age (already released on DVD/Blu-Ray in America two months ago) but finally saw the dark of the theartre this week.
Focusing primarily, almost solely, on Jett and Currie the film offers little in the way of back story apart from the information that both characters have a strong urge to rock n’ roll. A few dirty looks and scornful glances later the band has been formed with the aid of infamous producer Kim Fowley (an over the top performance from Michael Shannon). Fowley prepares them for stardom from the squalor of a trash ridden trailer with endless rants about the male monopoly of the rock world and how this should be combated. With a slight over exaggeration of The Runaways potential to match the fame enjoyed by The Beatles they set off across the USA, from living room to arena, before finally imploding in a recording studio. An’ I Don’t Give a Damn ’Bout My Bad Reputation
The Runaways focuses little on the joys of success and instead focusing on the hardships of the bands existence. The unfortunate focal point of the picture, as narrated by a youngster in the back row with the immortal refrain ‘oh... here we go’, was a brief locking of lips between the two main (female) characters.... teenage curiosity personified. I counted approximately eight people leave following this. The biggest reception during the screening I attended was afforded to the trailer for Twilight parody Vampires Suck (2010). This tells you what you need to know about the audience demographic for The Runaway’s; not a 50 year old rocker in sight… plenty of 16 year old fans of the aforementioned vampire trilogy.
Its not all doom and gloom; I enjoyed Kristen Stewart’s depiction of Jett (who co-produced the movie). A few cringe worthy lines aside, I thought she captured the look flawlessly. The soundtrack, including Iggy & The Stooges and of course The Runaways was also great and the era was captured well by first time director Floria Sigismondi.
The point of narrative invention over realism rears its head again in the removal of the rape of Cherie Currie by her sisters boyfriend from the story. Which, in my opinion, is essential to the understanding of the characters make-up. This kind of omission pushes the movie from Sid & Nancy (1986) style nihilism to Almost Famous (2000) like comfortable rock n’ roll viewing. Which, considering the target audience, may not be such a bad thing.
Official Site - http://www.runawaysmovie.com/
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