Cinematic Riffs II

 Movies and rock, two things I enjoy watching and listening to. Blogging about these two topics would take more pages than George R. R. Martin's latest book.  So I opted to try to structure them into topics that can span several blogs.  I will voluntarily omit films about blues, jazz and other genres related to rock, documentaries and biopics.

The first one chosen was, the influence of rock music on cinema in the 21st century.  Fortunately I have seen several films where rock is the predominant theme or where the situations shown have a strong relationship with it.  

Rock star (2001) Starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. The story is inspired by the life of Tim "Ripper" Owens, who went from being a fan of the band Judas Priest to becoming their lead singer. The plot follows Chris Cole, a passionate heavy metal fan who imitates his favorite band, Steel Dragon, in a tribute band. When Steel Dragon's lead star is fired, Chris has the opportunity to join the band and experience the rockstar life firsthand. "Rock Star" explores themes of fame, authenticity and personal transformation in the context of the rock world. The film features a soundtrack that includes songs from the glam metal and heavy metal eras, and highlights the main character's evolution in the challenging world of rock 'n' roll.

Almost famous (2000). It tells the story of a young music journalist who follows a rock band on tour. The film is a vivid and realistic portrait of the rock world of the 1970s, with its music, excesses and glamour. Music plays a key role in the narrative, and the band's songs reflect the emotions and conflicts of the characters.

It is a funny, exciting and touching story that captures the spirit of an era when music was king.

School of rock (2003). The story follows Dewey Finn (played by Jack Black), a passionate and unconventional musician, who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school. Instead of teaching traditional academic subjects, Dewey decides to form a rock band with his students. The film highlights the importance of music and creativity in education, as well as the unique connection that music can create between people. Jack Black delivers a charismatic and comedic performance, and the film features a vibrant soundtrack that includes rock classics.

Tenacious D , The Pick of Destiny (2006): The plot follows the fictional story of Jack Black and Kyle Gass in their roles as Tenacious D, searching for the "Pick of Destiny," a magical object they believe will grant them extraordinary musical abilities. The film blends comedy, music and surreal elements to tell the story of the rise of Tenacious D. "The Pick of Destiny" features original songs by Tenacious D and offers a combination of irreverent humor and references to the world of rock. The film includes cameos from well-known musicians and has gained a following for its unique style and ability to appeal to comedy fans and rock lovers alike.

The boat that Rocked (2009). The film's plot is set in the 1960s and follows the story of a pirate radio station on a ship in the North Sea. The ship, called Radio Rock, broadcasts rock and pop music that was not widely accepted on British radio stations on land at the time due to restrictions imposed by the government. The film celebrates the music and culture of the time and addresses issues such as censorship and the struggle for freedom of expression in the context of broadcasting.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010): based on the comic book series of the same name written by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film combines elements of comedy, romance and action, with a strong musical presence. The plot follows Scott Pilgrim, played by Michael Cera, a musician and bass player in the fictional band Sex Bob-Omb, as he falls in love with Ramona Flowers (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead). To win Ramona's heart, Scott must face off against "Ramona's Seven Evil Exes" in video game-style combat.

"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is highlighted by its unique visual style, which incorporates elements from video games and comic books. The soundtrack includes songs from bands such as Beck, Metric and Broken Social Scene, and the music plays an essential role in the narrative. The film has gained cult status for its innovative style, sarcastic humor and its integration of music into the plot. It is known for its frenetic energy and its ability to capture the experience of pop culture and the independent music scene.

Here are the films of this century that I have seen that have a strong rock influence.