By any rational measure, Alan Parker's cinematic interpretation of
Pink Floyd: The Wall is a glorious failure. Glorious because its imagery is hypnotically striking, frequently resonant, and superbly photographed by the gifted cinematographer Peter Biziou. And a failure because the entire exercise is hopelessly dour, loyal to the bleak themes and psychological torment of Roger Waters's great musical opus, and yet utterly devoid of the humor that Waters certainly found in his own material. Any attempt to visualize
The Wall would be fraught with artistic danger, and Parker succumbs to his own self-importance, creating a film that's as fascinating as it is flawed.
The film is, for better and worse, the fruit of three artists in conflict--Parker indulging himself, and Waters in league with designer Gerald Scarfe, whose brilliant animated sequences suggest that he should have directed and animated this film in its entirety. Fortunately, this clash of talent and ego does not prevent The Wall from being a mesmerizing film. Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof (in his screen debut) is a fine choice to play Waters's alter ego--an alienated, "comfortably numb" rock star whose psychosis manifests itself as an emotional (and symbolically physical) wall between himself and the cold, cruel world. Weaving Waters's autobiographical details into his own jumbled vision, Parker ultimately fails to combine a narrative thread with experimental structure. It's a rich, bizarre, and often astonishing film that will continue to draw a following, but the real source of genius remains the music of Roger Waters. --Jeff Shannon
1 Greatest Rock Movie Ever!!!
Pink Floyd is the greatest band ever and the wall is one of their best albums. The movie is not for everyone though. If you don't like Pink Floyd then you probably won't dig the movie. But if you like Pink Floyd, you will definetly like the movie.
2 Respectable
I am a long-time fan and follower of The Floyd, their music has touched me in a way that no other band has. My favorite works by them are Dark Side, Animals, and Meddle. The Wall is an amazing story more than it is an album. Although it is great, it is not really a Floyd album to me, because it lacks the greatest asset that floyd has to offer: the epicly symphonic pieces of rock music. (excepting Comfortably Numb). The album was made to be listened to by yourself in a dark room. The story is meant to be composed by you, in your head. It is supposed to be meaningful to you in your own head. You deserve to have your own interpretation of it. The Wall is a good movie by movie terms, but it goes against everything that the Wall stood for. The album is ofcourse, asking for a movie like this, but it is much better for the movie to just be in your head, not spoonfed to you by the screen. If you want the quintessential Floyd movie, sync up the Wizart of Oz with Dark side of the Moon, and you will see the Floyd for what they really are.
3 A horrible disappointment and mangling of The Wall
I just watched this movie this afternoon for the first time and I was truly stunned and blown away with how absolutely abysmally horrid this movie is. What makes it truly unbearable is that in addition to just being a bad movie in the first place, the actual music of The Wall is distorted and re-recorded in such a horrible way -- for example, the actor who plays the teacher says "Stand still, laddie!" instead of the original recording, and says it very badly and unconvincingly.
4 THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE !!!!!!!!
A TRUE MASTERPIECE !!!!!!! A mindblowing movie for strong Pink Floyd fans such as myself. A true work of a genious. If you loved the album "The Wall", then you will love the movie, It is like listening to the audio C.D. but with images and performances that are simply terrific. A work of art. Check out this movie. Some people say this movie has no sense at all. But THAT is the beauty of it. This movie is DIFFERENT, it is POWERFUL, it is a work of a true GENIOUS and fantastic performances. If you're curious, then it wouldn't hurt watching it. Watch this one. Highly recomended !!!!!!!
5 THIS MOVIE IS F***IN BAD ASS
if ur a big fan of Pink Floyd than i definetly suggest buying this dvd. this movie is one of the best movies ive ever seen and of course the best rock movie. the commentary by roger is pretty good too...
HOWEVER there is one downside. i f***in paid $30 for this dvd a year ago cause i couldnt find it anywhere. now they have put it out in f***in wal-mart. now i feel like a complete dumbass. that is the only thing bad about it was that they ripped me off. but it doesnt change how much i really like the movie.
6 Greatest rock movie of all time
When I saw this movie when I was like 8 I was scared to death. But now that I'm 19 I love it. I rented this movie like 2 years ago I love it. If you love Pink Floyd you'll love this movie. The whole movie goes to the tune of the wall. Excluding a couple of songs this is one of the best movies you'll ever see. It's about a burnt out rock star. Songs you'll hear in this movie are Another brick in the wall pts 1-3, Comfertly Numb, Is there anybody out there, and many more. Buy this movie it's great.
7 Good news & bad news...
I just picked up this DVD this past week, and lemme just say this: if you loved the movie (which I did and still do), then it's definitely worth owning (the Waters/Scarfe commentary I thought was really cool) - however - I DO believe that the DVD is overpriced (spending some-odd $20, I expected 2 discs, not one - and not enough "stuffing" to justify the price).
I also read some the other posted reviews (the 1-star ones in particular), and I reluctantly agree. It's even safe to say that I should've known Roger was really going to play up the "pat himself on the back" game, but sorry, Rog, being subjected to that on The Making of The Dark Side Of The Moon wasn't exactly a real bleepin' treat, either. Long story short: buy it for owning the movie in DVD format with the extras, but the price of the disc is PRECISELY the reason why file-sharing is so immensely popular...
8 it's the same as the previous DVD release...
If you've already bought "The Wall" on dvd, this is just a re-packaged version, it has no additional features or footage.
9 great movie
I thought this Movie was a masterpiece. It has more affect the more druged you may be, it has to be able to hit your mind with its full detail. Otherwise you may not go through to its some what boring corny appearance. This movie is very deep and is a great production. Pink floyd uses a lot of great personification and metaphors. I recommend this movie to any one who greatly appreciates pink floyd and all its wonder.
10 Great
this is a great dvd and expresses the exact feelings that pink floyd was trying to express through this album. alot of people dont understand this movie and thats why they give it so few stars but they just dont understand what pink floyd is about. Buy it today
11 horrible
Pink Floyd is my second favorite band after Led Zeppelin. I got into rock music because of them. still, with all my love for PF, this is the worst movie I have seen in my life. Waters was either smoking crack, or he wanted to make some extra money, I dont know. How could this calm psychedelic band that created Meddle, Wish You Were Here and other masterpieces, make such a brutal, nasty and disturbing movie? If it was slipknot or mudwayne, I would not be surprised, but why PF?This was a huge disappointment and I got rid of it the next day. The soundtrack album is very good, though. If you want a PF video, buy Live At Pompeii, don't buy this crap!
12 This DVD is best watched alone...
This movie is amazing! But, I must say, I've seen it 3 times, and it is best watched in the dark, alone. That way you can take it all in without distractions. Having a snack is also good.
Okay, so this movie is about Roger Water's alter-ego, Pink, who slowly begins to alienate everyone and go insane. It takes us through his past, from his father dying, to his heartbreak with his wife. This movie is excellent, and despite other remarks, you DON'T have to be an expert at Pink Floyd to like this movie. Definitely no. And, you don't have to be on any hallucinagenic drugs either.
No one has mentioned this yet, they all just talk about the band, but Bob Geldof (Who plays Pink) is so unbelievably awesome! He should have done more acting. I loved him in this movie!
So, this movie is for anyone who likes a good flick that really makes you think. WARNING: You may be a little depressed after watching it for the first time. (I decided after watching this that I needed to decorate the Christmas tree- it was 2 in the morning by the way...) But, watch it more than once, you'll begin to love it!
13 The definition of rock music...
The Wall is outstanding, both musically and visually. Superbly well acted, well written, well directed, (see Alan Parker,) and well recieved, this film just gets better with time. It is the type of movie that could be interpreted in many different ways. It is full of images of one man's trials and issues, from his father's ghost, killed in war, to the schoolteacher of his youth.
People have said you have to be on drugs to like this movie. They are full of it. If you like rock music, this DVD is a must see. A must own.
Worth noting is the fact that a few songs contained in the movie are not actually featured on the regular double album. My personal favorite scene in the movie is this: Young Pink finds his dad's Army outfit in a drawer and puts it on. The sequence is set to a powerful song called "When The Tigers Broke Free," a fitting tribute to a lost family member killed at war.
This DVD is single-handedly to blame for my finally purchasing a surround sound system for my living room. BUY IT, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS, AND TURN UP THE VOLUME. The Wall is one of the best pieces of art ever created.
14 The Wall
I definitely would not recommend this movie to anyone who has never listened to the wonderful music of Pink Floyd. This was a great movie, it does help in understanding the album a little better. If one were to read the lyrics and pay attention as to what "the wall" may mean, then the movie would probably make more sense to you. Sometimes you have to do a little bit of research to enjoy things. Everything is not just going to be handed to you. That is the beauty of Pink Floyd, they want you to think about what things mean. In ending, a little fact that people might not know is that Roger Waters had almost total control in making the album and film. P.S. the animation sequences are very interesting and vivid and ejoyable even though most of them are violent. The rest of the movie has great visuals as well, but you probably won't appreciate them as much if you haven't listened to the album.
15 Give us something worth buying
As others have said, instead of trying to sell us the same thing in a different cover, we're much more likely to part with our money if you give us something we havn't been able to see before.
Many of the Wall live dates were filmed for a possible video release. Put this on a DVD and I will buy it. Re-release next year on HD-DVD and I'll probably buy it again.
16 Rehash ~ Where's the DTS?
The movie is great. The sound is great. So is the old one. Don't bother buying this version. Note to the producers; If you want us to spend our money, give us what we want. DVD versions of Pulse and Delicate sound of thunder. (In DTS).
17 Hard Hitting Classic Emotional Movie
Okay,
I have read all the different reviews of this movie, and how it is a movie fraught between three different artist (Waters, Parker and Scarfe) who were trying to put forth thier art onto this movie individually (and sometimes together -waters/scarfe). This is a valid point, and you can (after being told to look for these things individually) find that some of the points made by these pundits to be somewhat on the mark.
There should be some note of the obvious... if you hire a person to direct, if you hire a person to write, and you hire an artist to make cartoons... they are, by virture of being artist themselves, portray the art as they see it.
Could be there were too many cooks in the kitchen, I am not sure.
ALL I KNOW is that I have always loved this movie since I first saw it as a teen ager, and I still repurchase it when my copy either gets destroyed/stolen/permanently 'borrowed'. It is a movie that has scenes that are captivating, and emotional and they all are acted out brilliantly.
That to me is what makes a good movie a good movie. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appriciates good art. (and the music is excellent as well).
Have fun
18 Pink Floyd's classic film The Wall gets deluxe reissue
The film version of Pink Floyd's The Wall was released in August of 1982.
The movie did fairly well at the box office. It initially grossed $23 million which was alot of money back in 1982 and competing against films like E.T., Rocky III and the first Poltergeist.
I first saw the movie when my father rented this movie for me when I was 9. It is still a great film even today.
The screenplay was written by Roger Waters and the film was directed by Alan Parker(Midnight Express, The Committments and Evita) and starred Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof in the leading role as Pink.
Initially, the film was going to comprise of concert footage the band shot at Earls Court Arena in London plus animations from Gerald Scarfe but the filming was not good up to Parker's standards yet many fans(me included) who saw the VH1 documentary on The Wall's 20th anniversary in 2000 Behind The Wall disagree wholeheartedly.
In the end, Roger re-wrote the screenplay to tell the story of Pink, a rock star whom had a traumatic life which was based on part Roger Waters(whom has a cameo appearance as one of the wedding guests) and Floyd founder Syd Barrett.
Pink's father died in WWII and grew up with an overbearing mother. During his growing up, he had to deal with a cruel sarcastic teacher, an unhappy marriage and a successful music career. One night after calling his wife and hearing another man hanging up on him, he invites a groupie into his hotel room and loses it literally.
Once Pink is walled up, you see some references of the band's past(the hotel room trashing scene was reminiscent of Roy Harper trashing his backstage trailer at Knebworth in 1975, the shaving of body and other things were references of Syd and the fascist Pink is reminiscent to those whom were part of some bad movement).
To counter these images, we get some great animations from Gerald Scarfe which were used in the original live concerts from 1980 and 1981.
The film is also noted for having the unreleased tracks When The Tigers Broke Free(parts 1 and 2), a new re-recorded version of Mother, the studio version of What Shall We Do Now left off of the original album due to time constraints. Plus new versions of Another Brick in the Wall(part 3), Is There Anybody Out There?, Bring the Boys Back Home and Outside the Wall.
Also, Bob Geldof does the vocals on both parts to In The Flesh.
This DVD has bonuses of The Other Side of The Wall documentary as aired on MTV in 1982, the Another Brick video filmed to promote the album, the theatrical trailer and various other surprises.
In January of 2005, Columbia Records(the band's ex-label) re-released the film on DVD with a better cover than the original DVD with a brick wall cover with slipcase and a cool promotional movie poster to celebrate the original Wall album's 25th anniversary.
Highly recommended!
19 Great Album, Great Live Album, Great Movie, Great DVD!
What more can be said that hasn't been said already? If you liked the album then definitely get the dvd. You'll never hear The Wall the same after you see this.
20 All in all...just another milking of "The Wall"
Don't get me wrong, I love Pink Floyd (and The Wall too) but this constant rehashing of DSOTM and The Wall into "Anniversary, Special Editions...ad nauseum" is just plain ripping off the fans.
How about the long awaited DVD release of Pulse or Delicate Sound of Thunder instead?
21 A review of the "window dressings" only
The movie itself - compelling, bizarre, incomprehensible (slightly less so once you listen to the director's commentary, but still a baffling story), and completely addictive. It's a film you won't be watching every week, but certainly once you put it on, you've pretty much committed yourself to falling under its spell for the duration.
But I'm here to primarily discuss the diffrences between the two editions of the DVD. If you have the previous edition of this DVD, don't bother getting this one thinking that you're upgrading. The "limited edition" disc itself is absolutely no different than the old one - same menus, same extras (nothing more, nothing less), same audio encoding and video transfer, even the same artwork on the disc. The packaging is the only difference here, and it's a beautiful slim digipak that looks more like "The Wall" album than the original box did. Of course, the original box mimicked the film's promotional poster, so if you're more of a purist in that sense, get that one. The box is then slipped into an clear acetate case with the movie's logo printed on the outside. Inside is a fold-out of the movie poster and a few photos.
What's odd though is that the "limited edition" is actually 5 bucks less than the previous version. Five bucks more just to get a standard plastic clamshell case? I think not! That in itself is what finally led me to purchase this movie, was the lower price!
22 Great band, great album, HORRIBLE film
Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982.)
INTRODUCTION:
Pink Floyd is one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time, and it's not suprising that they decided to release a full-length feature film, the way a number of other classic rock bands did. How does The Wall measure up? Read on and find out.
BASIC PLOT:
If this film DOES have a plot, it's not one that's possible for the viewer to follow.
FILM OPINIONS:
Pink Floyd is a great band. The Wall is a great album. But this film is one of the worst films I have ever seen. There is no storyline whatsoever! And since the footage is continually shifting, it's impossible for the viewer to know just what the hell is going on! When you make a full-length movie, you ALWAYS include a plot! Failure to do so destroys this film. A weak plot is better than no plot! Not even the music of Pink Floyd can save this film. This is Pink Floyd's equivalent of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour - a great album and a crappy film that share the same name.
DVD:
The special edition DVD of this film has NO bonus features that weren't on the original DVD pressing, but it's five bucks cheaper, so it's the version to buy. However, I'm getting sick of having to buy movies on DVD more than once due to these "special edition" releases films keep getting. Why can't movie companies release the special edition at first? It would make a lot more sense.
OVERALL:
DO NOT BUY, OR EVEN RENT, THIS MOVIE (not even if you're a Pink Floyd fan!) This film is simply horrible, and you'll only become dumber by watching it. I understand that I'm probably going to take a lot of heat for this review, but I don't care. This is my opinion, and I stand by it. Final verdict? Simple. Steer clear.
As a final note, DO NOT respond to this review in your own reviews or e-mail me regarding it.
23 A work of Art
My definition of a true work of art is something you can experience 100 times and get 100 differerent meanings from, Pink Floyd the Wall DVD or CD truely meets this criteria.
24 PLEASE!!
How many more bull#@%$ DVD's do we need to see before you bring out the 2 live DVD's?? Come on already!! Talk about milking it for what it is worth!!
25 COOL MOVIE, AWESOME ALBUM
FIRST OF ALL DON'T BUY THIS VERSION, THERE IS A NEW 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION COMING OUT ON JANUARY 28th 2005. It's cheaper then this version and it also comes in a cool fold/case thing that look like the wall.
Well as everyone has said there is no diologue in this movie thats why it got 4 stars. The album is great and is my favorite of all time but the movie needed diologue. Well the good about this is that there is a commentary and that part deserves a full 5 star rating. Roger Waters really tells us what's going on throughout the movie. There are also 2 documentaries that are really good. I gotta admit I did have to take a break from this movie for 10 minutes because I was getting a little tired near the end. The album/music is really what gives this movie a great rating but it's still a good dvd for your PF collection.
26 Very well made musical film.
Pink Floyd The Wall is in my eyes, a very good film. It is about a rock star who goes into a deep depression because of many hardships in his life, which makes him build a psychological "wall" between himself and reality. Based on the troubled lives of some of the band members of Pink Floyd, the rock band who scored and composed the music for this film. It is a uniquely made film using flashbacks to explain the troubled life of Pink (the main character), and some scenes which use very strange images (some animated) to symbolize some of the thoughts of the character. It is not at all a very happy movie, and in my opinion will greatly disturb some of its weaker viewers. But it is still a highly recommended film, especially for those who are fans of the band Pink Floyd, of whom I am very big fan, and for those who want to see a very unique style of film.
27 Great Music, Interesting Concept, Weak Finished Product
The Wall album is probably one of rock and rolls finest masterpieces. However, The Wall as a film isn't as wonderful. All of the actors in the film, one of them being the very talented Bob Hoskins, could have done a great job if given actual lines to say. The film focused more on creating a collection of music videos to all of the wall songs instead of developing characters and a clear plot. There are times when Bob Geldof's portrayal of Pink is rather haunting and effective, especially when he transforms himself into the leader of the surrogate band. I am not sure what director Alan Parker intended for this film, but his concept just didn't work. For example, the film lapses into strange and wonderfully powerful animation sequences, courtesy of the awesome Gerald Scarfe, and then makes an awkward transition back into the real time story. The animation sequences are entertaining to watch, but they don't serve to solidify the plot or develop the characters. However, the DVD has some really cool special features including a making of featurette and some music videos as well as easter eggs. Enjoy!
28 Highly Recommended
I have been a Pink Floyd fan for years and years. Their music is inspiring, haunting, and meaningful. Incredible, unique lyrics and music make this band both original and a joy to listen to.
That said, it has only been since last year that I have first viewed this film.
The Wall is a well-thought-out movie that puts the entire The Wall album (plus a few new tracks) together and tells the amazing, eerie story through video. The actors/actresses all play their parts well, and the video portions, acted and animated, fit the Pink Floyd atmosphere beautifully.
The Wall takes you on a wild ride with a depressed rocker by the name of Pink Floyd (believe it or not!) who is addicted to drugs, has no free time on his hands due to his fame, and has suffered years of depression from his failing marriage, his awful childhood, and the fact that nobody will listen to him anymore. Pink, throughout the film, builds a wall of hatred and isolation around himself to try to bear with the fear that he gives himself from recalling these events in his life. Things turn for the worse when his wife cheats on him because he ignores her, and his true colors appear when he starts a white-extremist radical hate group. At the end of the movie he gets "judged" by those who most effected his life.
The movie is just an incredible experience. The darkness, the emotion, the hatred, that is given off by this movie is chilling and meaningful. Don't watch this movie if you have a very soft stomach, or if you found that films such as A Clockwork Orange were too disturbing to watch. This movie will make you think, and it is one of the most depressing, disturbing, hateful movies that I have ever seen.
However, if you can bear with the overwhelmingness of this film, I guarantee your life will be changed forever.
29 okay for some
this 1982 movie was never what roger waters wanted it to be. due to lack of diolouge, the veiwer is somewhat distant from the main character, pink. this subtracts quality form a movie that could otherwise be great. highlights are the additional songs "what shall we do mow", and "when the tigers broke free", and the wonderful animation.
that said, matrix mark should get his facts strait. the album was a number one seller in the US for many weeks, two years before the movie was released. maybe he should stop writing reveiws about cds and movie he has never heard or seen. all of his reveiws are negative. oh, and another thing, there is no musical quality whatsoever to eminem and limp bizkit
30 Terrible Picture
I often heard how great this film was and finally decided to see for myself if the reviews would stand or not. This is an incredibly shoddy and boring piece of work. There is nothing but boredom in this production. I think the only decent scene was some of the fascist stuff but that was it. Not recommended at all. The director also flopped out with 'Evita' another lacking film.
31 Rite of Passage
As a fan of Pink Floyd, particularly Roger Waters, I have a less cynical view of this effort than many people. After all, for many teenagers even today, this movie serves as a rite of passage even if illegal substances are not involved.
The Wall is presented with little dialogue, letting the music from the album tell the story. Bob Geldof is in the lead role as a mentally unstable rock star dealing with demons of an overprotective mother, a cheating wife, and the memory of a father he never knew while growing up in post war England. This album tells the story of how he became unhinged. There are animated bits in this movie that graphically, and through the use of flowers, portray the sex act as some scary, boy-part eating event, saying a lot about the women in this man's life.
The problem is that people try to seek a more profound meaning in this album and movie that simply chronicle a breakdown that throws the viewer into the depths of it through imagery and sound. It isn't necessarily an ego thing - look to Britney Spears singing "My Prerogative" for whining about fame and fortune. I never got that impression from Waters, and in fact, feel that Geldof's character would trade the fortune and fame for some peace and quiet with no human contact. And that sentiment goes deeper than the whining rock star surface-view. But don't read any more into it than that or you will not enjoy it for what it is. It's not out to change the world or the establishment despite it's complaints about it. It's a trip into the depths of madness, and that's all it is.
If you like the unconventional style of story telling, Pink Floyd's music, and have a dark sense of humor, you will not even require drugs to watch this and like it.
32 Is This Not What You Expected To Find!?
This film explores the effect a terrible childhood, bad experiences with relationships and too many drugs can have on you. All through the wonderfull music of Pink Floyd. While it's not contemporary in that the story is told in little to no dialogue but instead by the music and images. If you are a fan of cult films, classic rock, or good movies this movie is definitely worth a try. Oh and by the way you don't have to be high to understand it! I love it and hopefully you will too!
Either way check it out.
33 It DOES have a plot
alright, now...this movie is psychotic, graphic and at time wierd, but these things add to the masterpeice of the original album. despite the ravings of certain people who claim to be great floyd fans, this movie DOES have a plot. it jumps around quite a bit true, but it is a great musical ( and I hate musicals usually) I would suggest listening to the album first, because if you understand the plot in the album (that has a plot too) then you'll eaisily understand the plot in the movie. if your a fan and you've ever listened to the album and thought of the situations the songs put in mind then this movie is definatley for you.
34 Still powerful
I feel like a total fool trying to write a review of "Pink Floyd: The Wall." There is almost no point in even attempting to summarize this extraordinarily symbolic and emotionally complex film into a few hundred words. It's like trying to fully explain why you love someone on one side of a postage stamp. But, I'm always eager to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) in order to review nearly everything I see on DVD or read. Why should Pink Floyd's magnum opus be any different? Actually, this film meant more to me roughly fifteen years ago than it does now. Back then I was an impressionable lad with nothing more than a car and Pink Floyd's entire catalogue on CD to my name. More than any of Pink Floyd's other albums, "The Wall" is probably the one most suited to young people. Its themes of emotional and physical alienation, its strident antiestablishment views toward education, and its bleak condemnation of war resonate most with kids who think they can change the world. By the time you get a few years under your belt, by the time life wears you down a bit and makes you more accepting of the massive hypocrisy we all toil under, the album loses a bit of its luster. Don't get me wrong; "The Wall" is still one of the best rock operas ever created, and the movie is still worth watching.
The story, as though I even need to summarize it, concerns the tumultuous life of troubled rock star Pink (Bob Geldof). Here's a guy who has a whole host of ailments eating away at his soul. It would appear that being rich and famous, immensely talented, and the envy of millions everywhere isn't the type of life one would wish on their worst enemy. First of all, Pink's father perished in the ill-fated attempt to hold the Anzio beachhead in 1944, thus robbing our protagonist of a strong male influence during his childhood. With his father gone forever, Pink grew up under the stern gaze of his domineering mother, which shaped his outlook on future relationships with women. In fact, we see just how difficult it is for Pink to deal with females when he nearly murders a groupie during a rampage through a hotel room and in his growing distance from his pretty wife. Second, Pink didn't function well during his school days. His teachers at school mocked his penchant for writing song lyrics--from "Dark Side of the Moon," no less!--and spent all of their time trying to break down his individualism so they could turn him into a faceless drone. Life is apparently quite tough in merry old England.
Don't worry, there are many more dilemmas our hero must deal with before he can tear down wall he built to keep people out so he can reconnect with humanity. The third major problem Pink deals with is his drug addiction, which has spiraled out of control and threatens to claim his life. He's so bad off that he spends most of his off time nodding off in a hotel room watching old war films on television while a cigarette burns to an ash between his fingers. He almost passes over to the other side at one point, but his manager (played by Bob Hoskins) manages to revive him just in time for his next concert performance. Finally (or fourth, whichever you prefer), it seems living the life of a rock star is eerily similar to a career as a fascist dictator. You can march on stage clad entirely in black, wearing an armband with a pair of crossed hammers on it, and preach to the adoring masses. You can order underlings to physically remove riffraff from the room, and send them out into the streets to wreak havoc on the decadent society. Yep, living on stage sure has its problems. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Pink also undergoes several horrific hallucinations. Good grief! It's amazing most (but not all) of the conclusion is as redemptive as it is.
It's impossible to argue that "Pink Floyd: The Wall" isn't an amazing film. The sights and sounds seen in this movie stay with you for years afterwards: the Gerald Scarfe animation sequences, Geldof's creepy ability to portray a man completely detached from reality, and of course the music. Ahhh, the music! Pink Floyd went back into the studio to rerecord most of the songs, and even added a few more intriguing bits to the mix. It is in this film where one finds what is perhaps the most depressing Floyd song ever, the dirge "When the Tigers Broke Free." It's a heartbreaking tune describing the death of Pink's father (also Roger Water's father) at Anzio, and Pink's discovery of a form letter from the King of England, "signed with his own rubber stamp," offering condolences to the family for the loss of his father. Soul shattering stuff even though the song probably would fit better on "The Final Cut," the album that followed "The Wall." I could go and on with the mind blowing stuff in the movie. You definitely wouldn't want to watch this bleak film if you're feeling blue.
The best thing about "The Wall" coming out on DVD are the extras. The commentary track alone, with Gerald Scarfe and Roger Waters, is worth the price of the disc. We finally get to hear exactly what these guys were trying to accomplish with the film. We also get to hear Waters's astonishing admission that his only regret about the movie is that it doesn't contain any humor. Humor? In "The Wall"? Imagine that! Fans of the greatest rock band in modern history must pick this one up posthaste. And if you haven't seen it, you don't know what you are missing.
35 AWESOME MOVIE BITCHES!
MAN THIS MOVIE IS LIKE BAM BAM BAM PAJAMAS! ALrite maybe that made no sense. but this film rocks. its so demented and yet so understandable its great to watch on when you are ummm... happy....! There is great animation and lots of cool live scenes. THeres also great tracks on the movie and the songs fit the film so well. Buy this movie if you love pink floyd
36 Sounds great, but I feel like there's 2 movies going on.
I first saw this in the theaters,saw it on video a couple of times, and recently picked up the DVD to see how I like it now. I also watched some of Alan Parker's films recently and wanted to see how this one stacked up against the others he's done since..
Alan Parker directed this film. I loved "Angela's Ashes", and as far as musical films go, he did it the best with "The Committments", also another favorite. "Midnight Express", "Shoot The Moon" and "Fame" are part of his credentials, all great films. This film I would put with Madonna's version of "Evita", or "Angel Heart", where you'll either love it or hate it. You could even make links to "Birdy" with "The Wall" in a way, as it deals with the effects of war, one from the view of a child, the other the view of a vet.
This film is notorious for watching it *ahem* "chemically enhanced", but I think that between the imagery and sound and "storyline", it'll disorient you anyway.
To sum it up, a British rock star has a breakdown and regresses into his childhood of cruel mothers, cheating wives and sadistic teachers, a growing detachment of the world he lives in as well as megalomania that a rock star has, which is shown as potentially dangerous thing to have. "Pink" (Sir Bob Geldof of Boomtown Rats and Live Aid fame) is a composite of Roger Waters, Syd Barrett as well as those who grew up in England post WWII. A lot of cultural references are mentioned that might go over American's heads, but not too much. The actors are mostly British, except for the groupies, one of which is Jenny Wright from "Near Dark".
The animation by Gerald Scarfe is still great to watch.
Watch out for Joanne Whalley-Kilmer and Nell from "Rocky Horror" as the groupies, and Roger Waters in the wedding scene. Bob Hoskins is Pink's manager, unfortunatly not in it long enough. As far as Bob Geldof's performance goes, I liked it, but not sure if I felt much sympathy towards him.
As far as the extras go, you have commentary by Roger which does fill in some blanks but not much, but it does explain that Parker and Waters had a falling out early on (no surprise). You have a "making of" that shows the genesis of the film and some rare live Pink Floyd footage from 1980 that make it worth watching, and the original "Another Brick in the Wall II" promo video.
If you like Pink Floyd and "The Wall" in particular, it's an essential film. I think for those who have never seen it before, it'll be an unsettling film. But it sounds great, and the film looks great. If you're a Parker fan, you might think it's one of his lesser films. As far as musicals go, it's miles above "Tommy" and "Sgt Pepper", and more on the same level as "Quadrophenia", and less insane than "Lisztomania". It's a "must have" as a cult classic.
I wouldn't be surprised if Roger decides to remake it one of these days though, esp. having mixed feelings about the film and with the news that Waters wants to take it to Broadway and do it as a stage musical. Supposedly they're also planning on making improvements on the live footage from 1980.
37 Awesome
This movie was a spectaculer view of Pink FLoyd's music. It takes a little while for you to realize whats going on in the movie but all in all, it was an awesome movie. The animation was crazy and amazing.
38 Tear down the Wall
The Story: Pink, the main character, has his father killed in the war. This depresses him and the memory becomes a brick in the Wall of many. His mother is overprotective, and he goes to a strict school,in which the schoolmaster embarreses him (he reads poetry which is actually lyrics from "Money on "DSOTM"). He never really gains a girlfriend until he is in his 30's. He becomes a rock star and gets married but he ignores his wife. She cheats on him, which becomes another brick in the wall. Things like this go on, until he goes insane, and shaves his cheast,facial, and regular hair(not to mention his eyebrows.)When his manager finds him out cold, they inject something into him which turns him into a neo-nazi leaderfor some odd reason. By the end, these nightmares become reality, and in his last dream, his is found guilty by the people in his life(the schoolmaster,his wife,mother ect.)and is sentenced to be exposed the his peers. The wall he has built around himself, is torn down. WHat actually happens to Pink at the end, and why children are sorting threw bricks and bottles is unclear, but the viewer is probably meant to interperet his or her own ending.
It took me a few times too view the film and listen to the live album, to get it, and enjoy it. IT usualy takes me a few times to discover the real brilliance of it. THis film is sort of an anti-establishment type of film, but it can be viewed in many different ways. There is a storyline, even though there is very little diolouge.
GIve this film a chance to grow on you. I think it should be rated about pg-13, because of it's depressing theme, and graphic depiction of sex. If a 14-year old like me can understand a story as complex as this, then the people who claim there is no storyline, or you have to take drugs to understand it, should take another look, and listen carefully.
The Best moments:
The animation is certainly a highlight, but for some reason the part where Pink's school chums walk to the rail-road track, and one of them falls over into dirt, makes me laugh uncontrolably every time. Why didn't they do another take?
And why isn't "Hey You" included?
39 Pathetic
I was looking forward to the movie, but it was dissapointing. In fact, my sister walked out within the first 45 minutes of the movie.
1) I hated the animation of the film, especially when the two flowers are having intercourse.
2) I hated the acting, if you could even call it that (the people were basically just staring into space for the plurality of the movie.
3) I REALLY hated the sexual depiction. It became way too out there when one of Pink's peoples raped the girl, and also when Pink's wife was cheating.
4) I did not like the amount of gore and violence. I mean, why does he need to go into a pool of blood for no real reason!
But, at least the music pulled me through, and there was some type of plot entact.
40 Vera! Vera! What has become of you?
Please, oh please, can we stop calling Pink Floyd The Wall an acid trip? This movie is a masterpiece (my favourite movie, actually) created by a team of five particularly wonderful talents... among others. First, there is Roger Waters, with his amazing lyrics and introspective musical themes that pull you in and direct your mind through the movie. Obviously, Roger Waters and Pink Floyd deserve the most credit, but animator Gerald Scarfe and cinematographer Alan Marshall are the ones who created the beautiful, dream-like look of the movie. Even if you hate Pink Floyd's music or the story of The Wall, you will be transfixed by the swirling, symbolic visions of Pink's dreams and nightmares (mainly nightmares). Director Alan Parker was wise in making the decision not to add any dialogue (the entire movie is told in Pink Floyd's music with a few short phrases moving certain scenes along). He also brings out the best in actor Bob Geldof, who plays Pink, the burned-out rockstar. Although he has very few lines of dialogue, Geldof brings intensity into every moment of his screen time (he also does a wonderful impression of Waters's voice during the fascist rally scene near the end). To say that this movie is merely a drawn-out music video or a film that can only be watched on drugs is to categorise it with the lowest common denominator in movies. This is not a film meant for a casual Pink Floyd fan or a person who wants cheap escapism in a film. It is a thinking film, an art film, that must be watched and listened to with complete attention.
41 Completely Incoherent
I like some of Pink Floyd's music and heard so many songs from the album that I finally decided to purchase and watch the video. Roger Waters was wise in sticking to music and not going into the movie making business.
This is a bizarre and completely incoherent saga of a self-absorbed rock star tortured by his past and going insane with his present situation. You have to figure out for yourself what the plot is about, so bear with me while I attempt to interpret this thing.
The main character, "Pink Floyd's" father was killed on a battlefield and he grows up with an over protective mother who tries to shield him from pain by starting to build a wall which Floyd adds to later on in life. He attends a strict institutional school where a rigid schoolmaster ridicules his poetry in front of the class. Later, as an adult, his wife, who he completely ignores, has an affair. Floyd calls her when she is in bed with another guy and she hangs up on him, thus, another "brick in the wall".
Throughout the movie, Floyd obsesses over these things and exaggerates them in his mind. The school he attended becomes a factory where kids are transformed into faceless creatures and fed into a meat grinder. An erotic cartoon plays in his head where two flowers are copulating and the female flower devours the male flower and turns into a monster.
Floyd's present condition, a pampered, over-indulged rock star with screaming, demanding fans, groupies that throw themselves at him, and producers and promoters that leach off him drives him to insanity. The wall which he has built to shut everything out becomes his biggest nightmare.
In a fit of rage, he trashes his hotel suite and terrifies a young groupie then passes out from either an overdose or a mental breakdown. His producers and promoters give him injections to revive him for the show which transform him into a psychopathic Hitler-type character with an army of skinheads for fans who try to take over the country. Thus we have cartoons of mass destruction and goose-stepping hammers.
Finally, Floyd, after bouncing back and forth from past to present and reality to fantasy, becomes a faceless naked creature trapped inside his wall with beastly cartoon characters trying to break in. The wall blows up and the movie ends with children picking up the scraps.
There are alot of tired, old anti-establishment themes from the late 60's throughout the movie but nobody has a real solution for anything. It's also hard to identify with a narcissistic, self-absorbed prima dona who drives himself nuts.
In one scene, Floyd, as an adult, is curled up on his bed in a fetal position while asking his mother (in his mind) if "They're going to drop the bomb" or if she thinks his girlfriend/wife is going to "tear her little boy apart".
I often felt like reaching into the screen to slap this guy and tell him to get over it.
It's hard to say if Bob Geldof, who plays "Pink" Floyd, is a good actor because he hardly says anything. Most of the time his character is staring into space or into a TV screen trying to blot everything out.
The best part of the movie is the imaginitive but weird animation. This film displays the hedonistic narcissism of pop-rock culture. It is very confusing and somewhat nauseating.
42 Metaphorically Speaking...
What varied opinions of this movie. That's exactly what makes it so great!! People can have their different assumptions as to what they were aiming for when creating the film. I see a couple things that this movie could be metaphorically implicating.
The first is basically what everyone else gets from it. All the problems he has faced in his life, all the bad experiences, have been bricks in the wall that he has built around himself. He has sheltered himself from the world, and has fallen into a deep depression.
Another way of looking at this, is from a governmental or societal point of view. He is explaining how we are controlled. He shows you how we are told how to think and what to think. We have no freedom of choice. We think we do, but society's rules and thought patterns are still embedded in our head. "We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control". Everyone's face is the same at parts in the movie; a metaphor showing that we are not individual. "All in all we are all just bricks in the wall" we're nothing more than a brick in the wall called Society.
There is definitely a point to this movie. There are several. Its just a matter of finding them.
43 Cynicism run amuck...
It seems to me that Roger Waters has us all fooled, that this was actually a parody of the highest order. If you watch the interview with him on the bonus materials on the DVD, you can almost see him smile when he discusses the inspiration for this film. It's a film that we read into it what we will. To a small degree, it is autobiographical (most everyone knows about the incident when he spit on a fan during the Animals tour).
Taking that as a leaping off point, he takes the conclusion of the absurdity of the rock star life to its logical end. And it is brilliant. Pink Floyd was simply not the same after the breakup.
It is visually and viscerally stunning. I used to watch this over and over again and it seemed to tap into what I was feeling at the time and it provided comfort, a sense that someone else could relate to the isolation and loneliness I felt, even in the midst of people. I had to replace my vinyl record several times because I listened to it so much. The movie provides eye candy for the songs.
The plot is quite simple: Pink ('by the way, which one's Pink?') is a rock star whose about had enough of the excess and snaps, journeying into his brain way too far. We see the meltdown unfold and follow the transition to something much more frightening, gaining a vision of just how far human vanity can take us. The songs and the visuals form a cohesive whole.
Sure it's pretentious and takes itself too seriously at times - but isn't that the point? It works.
It's one of the darker takes on this life but it nails it brilliantly. You'll find that many of the scenes are bigger than the context of the film. Many of them could be related to events in the political or social sphere of then and today.
It's a bit dated, perhaps, or I've merely gotten older. But the extras on the DVD make it worthwhile, including the video for 'Hey You' featuring footage that didn't make it into the film.
44 This movie screwed my life up
This movie screwed my head up.You probably have to be stoned to wach this.I will never look at anything the same again.
45 still looks and sounds fresh after 22 years
I have owned this film on VHS for many years, so I was not in a big rush to buy the DVD...but I'm sure glad I did ! This is one of the rare instances where a movie complements the music instead of diminishing it (unlike Quadrophenia, for example...)
This is one film that I can't stop watching - once it starts I'm hooked until the end. The 90 minutes really fly by. And to those who say the real life and animation do not comfortably coexist - I say "rubbish !" the transitions are smooth and seamless. My favorite part is when the school kids, with their faceless masks, are marched through the factory and into the grinder. Classic Pink Floyd. And I say Bob Geldof's portrayal of Pink is flawless. Buy this DVD - you won't regret it !
46 The Wall: A flawed masterpiece
First off, let me say that this movie DOES have a plot. It shocks me that so many Pink Floyd fans would think that the movie is plotless. I would have thought that more Floyd fans would have either caught on or listened to other fans when they explain the plot. The movie is about a rock star named Pink who lost his father to the war while he was only a small child, dealt with an over protective mother all his life, had a failed marraige (mostly his own fault) and was also a rock star who abused the power he had over his audience, still a nice statement for the mindless sheep who follow a band blindly and become obsessed to the point of losing their own individuality. Pink began his career as a rock star to escape the every day Hell that he had to live with, one that haunted him for years.
That said, Pink Floyd's "The Wall" was a ground breaking album and a step in rock and roll that HAD to be taken. A band like Pink Floyd had to exist so that they could inspire other bands (Tool and A Perfect Circle come to mind) to produce honest to God, good rock and roll with a heart and something real to say, rather then the mindless soulless corporate crap that clutters up the radio today. The character here builds up an emotional wall around him to guard his vulnerability, something that we've almost all been through at one point or another in our lives. Pink Floyd by all acounts were a revolutionary band, the first band to go the extra mile with their art and were wildly successful with it. Of course, this is just one reviewer's opinion, I've always understood a person's reason for not liking Pink Floyd. The band is not for everyone. Some don't want to be dragged along for over an hour, following a story with music. Some just want good tunes to blast in their car or headphones and that's understandable.
Down to the movie. It's more or less over an hour of music videos, before there were such a thing. The dialogue is the music which is more of a narration which could turn some people off. I personally would have loved to see a real movie with real dialogue because everything about The Wall is theatric. From the album to the stage show. Here, the music is the film and the scenes are the background. Reverse the rolls and you would have one Hell of a movie, in my opinion. Which is not to say that this movie is without it's good points. For instance, "Another Brick in the Wall pt. 2" is a great point in the movie. The maze to represent a school is brilliant and so are the kids being lead into a meat grinder. A great social commentary on crooked education, with teachers that revel in taking out their own problems on the kids they're paid to teach. "Comfortably Numb" is also another high point. There's too many videos to run through, so I'll just say that they vary from being great (Goodbye Blue Sky, The Trial, When the Tigers Broke Free), to just being ok (Young Lust).
The real shining star of this movie is Gerald Scarfe. His animations are AMAZING. "Goodbye Blue Sky" is really the high point of the movie, hands down. The symbolism is great and on point and gets the point across beautifully, more so then the regular scenes with actual acting. "The Trial" is also everything it should have been and more. (The judge is a butt with a face on it. How true is that?)
All in all (no pun intended), you should get this if you're a real Pink Floyd fan, who hasn't just heard a few songs here and there on the radio. You should also buy this if you've read all the reviews on here and have a good grasp on what you'll be spending your money on. This film is not for everyone. This is the type of movie where if you don't get it, you'll most likely just watch it once and never again. Maybe twice if you're thinking that you missed something that you should be getting. And if you do get it, it's a great experience that you'll dig out every now and than for a fun time. As depressing as the movie is, there is much positivity that lies beneath the surface. So many of us have the emotional wall around us that we really do need to break down in order to enjoy life, love and all the other adventures that the world has instore for us. You have to dig beneath the surface with this movie like much of Pink Floyd's work to get the concept. If nothing else, you can enjoy the music as it sounds better on this DVD than the album. There's also two new songs. The bonus features are rather plentiful, featuring the original documentary on the movie, a two part retrospective, the music video for "Another Brick on the Wall pt. 2", the "Hey You" scene (which was cut from the movie because Roger Waters thought it dragged the flim on too much but is actually quite great), the trailer, a still gallery and commentary by Roger Waters and Gerald Scarfe which is great and at times very funny. If nothing else, the bonus features may interest you.
If you'd rather experience The Wall in a different way and are interested in seeing just what the live shows for the album were like, I'd strongly suggest Roger Waters' "The Wall: Live in Berlin" DVD. It's a great DVD despite some stale guests here and there. A truly great thing to witness if you really love the album.
One love to all,
Kevin
47 great movie,great music
a thoroughly enjoyable movie containing great music composed by the great pink floyd and one of my favourite musicals.very highly recommended.a good start to have in your dvd collection along with quadrophenia from the who.
48 Amazing Movie
This movie is awesome! I just watched it today because school's over and I was bored. I was spellbound the whole time. Contrary to other reviews, there is a plot, but it is very confusing and hard to follow due to the fact that it isn't in chronological order among other things. It certainly isn't a popcorn movie; you actually have to pay attention to enjoy it.
But, nevertheless, it is a superb video. I myself am not even a big fan of Pink Floyd music; but I was entranced by this film. But, be warned, the film is very depressing, shocking, violent, and graphic at times; especially the animations. Although they obviously aren't real, some of them are very creepy.
I'm 16, and although I could handle it, it was quite disturbing in parts. I wouldn't recommend anyone under that age watching it.
49 Good Album, Good Film
This is a great movie if you watch it a couple of times to understand it. There is a plot to the movie and it takes a brain to understand it. Anything thats made by Pink Floyd takes in depth thinking to fully understand. This movie is way more in depth than just a kids dad dying when he was young. Theres the whole theme of hate with the hammers theres color themes that change throughout the movie and I could name off a whole list of things. If you only have 1 or 2 Pink Floyd CDs and you dont know literally anything about the band or its history then dont buy this movie, but if your a big Pink Floyd fan this is definetly a must.
50 There's a Story In There
Despite what I've been reading from other reviews there is a story in this movie. You may have to watch it a few times to understand it because the movie jumps around in time a lot, but it's there.
This is the story of a boy, Pink Floyd, growing up in England after the war. His father was killed in the war so he is starved for male attention. At one point in the movie he tries to attach himself to some other kid's dad but is rejected. His mother is very over-protective. His schoolmaster at school is abusive and too strict. He grows up to become a rock star and eventually his wife leaves him for another guy because he's always too stoned to even acknowlege her. They are all bricks in his wall. Finally he just loses his mind and nearly kills himself and some groupie that came to his room. When he wakes up from this stupor he imagines himself a cold-hearted nazi leader reborn from a rotting corpse. Finally at the end of the movie he is sentensed in a "trial" to be exposed and his wall is destroyed so that he no longer has any place to hide. Thus his nervous breakdown is complete leaving him to pick up the pieces.
All of us have walls that we build up around ourselves. Some more than others depending on how open a person you are. We only let people see what we want them to see. That's what this movie is about. Imagine if all your deepest fears and secrets were completely exposed. You'd probably have a nervous breakdown too.
This movie doesn't follow a traditional chronological order so it's hard to follow and fit the pieces together. If you think of the beginning of the movie as the end and the rest of the movie as flashbacks you'll understand it better.
This is one of my favorite movies. I watch it every once in a while and am always amazed. It has possibly one of the best musical scores in history. The animated sequences are amazing with a lot of symbolism and pop art. Give it a try, especially if you like Pink Floyd's music.
51 shut up all you fers
hey! dont bad mouth the film just cuzz u dont get it. Its not supposed to have plot. Its about a guy whos mind is messed up cuzz his dad died. Most pplz minds wouldnt make sence if that happend to em. Its like music videos of the soul. If u dont get it, then shut up! Ur not supposed to make fun of sumthing u dont get. God. Can somebody tell me what war his dad was fighting in? by the way, if u understand it, its a great movie. If u dont, its pretty trippy, so watch it! Especially the exploding bird.
52 llaw eht ni kcirb rehtona
This is an awesome DVD. Don't expect a storyline, and don't try to make sense of it. It's all about the music!
53 If I had my way, I'd have all of you shot
I love "The Wall," both movie and album. The story is very close me, so maybe I'm a bit biased.
I've heard people say you'd have to be stoned in order to watch it. I disagree, I understood it perfectly. "Tommy" on the other hand...now there was a movie you'd probably have to be stoned in order to enjoy!
I give it 4 stars only because the album version of "Mother" was better. Plus, the movie doens't have "Hey You." (It was filmed, but was cut out of the movie. See it on the DVD and know why).
54 good but not worth it
the only good thing about this movie is that it has pink floyd music in it. pink floyd is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, no doubt, but this movie is sort-of lame. if you want to waste your money, get this, but otherwise rent it and then decide whether or not u should buy it.
55 Excellent adaptaion of Pink Floyd's classic
The film version of Pink Floyd's The Wall was released in August of 1982. The movie did fairly well at the box office. It initially grossed $23 million which was alot of money back in 1982 and competing against films like E.T., Rocky III and the first Poltergeist. I first saw the movie when my father rented this movie for me when I was 9. It is still a great film even today. The screenplay was written by Roger Waters amd the film was directed by Alan Parker(Midnight Express, The Committments and Evita) and starred Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof in the leading role as Pink. The movie tells the story of Pink, a rock star whom had a traumatic life. His father died in WWII, an overbearing mother, cruel sarcastic teachers, an unhappy marriage and a successful music career. One night after calling his wife and hearing she cheats on him, he invites a groupie into his hotel and loses it. The character was based on part-Waters, part-Keith Moon, part-Syd Barrett and part fascism. The film is noted for having the unreleased tracks When The Tigers Broke Free(parts 1 and 2), a new version of Mother, the studio version of What Shall We Do Now. Plus new versions of Another Brick in the Wall(part 3), Is There Anybody Out There?, Bring the Boys Back Home and Outside the Wall. Also, Bob Geldof does the vocals on both parts to In The Flesh. Gerald Scarfe's animations in this film are the same as the ones shown at the original Wall concerts Pink Floyd performed in 1980 and 1981. This DVD has bonuses of The Other Side of The Wall documentary as aired on MTV in 1982, the Another Brick video filmed to promote the album, the theatrical trailer and various other surprises. Highly recommended!
56 A great Anti-war film
on the surface this is a trippy pink floyd movie with no plot but if pay attention you can notice strong anti-war/pro-peace themes in every frame. the animation is amazing and probably some of the most beautiful animation ive ever seen (and im a bit of an animation buff)wether you watch this for the anti-war themes or just 'cause you're high out of you're mind, you have to admit that this is a great film with som amazing and powerful images.
57 pink floyd's THE WALL
pink floyd's dvd of THE WALL is a work of art that will blow the minds of those who watch it out the window. combining music and art was a stroke of genius. most people may not understand it, and probably never will, but the message is simple. BUY THE DVD AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!!
58 this is difficult
First of all, when I saw it the first time I hated it. Probably because I hated the trial scene and it is really shocking. It was far too dark the first time through, and I have gradually grown attached to it. First though, there are some great scenes, like comfortably numb, hey you, blue skies, the happiest days of our lives and all three bricks. Those are spectatular. The flowers fooking though, that is a bit much.
I am not really sure wheither the good scenes really redeem the film.
59 Sheer genius.
I am not a stoner, nor a drunk, or anything else of that nature. But I LOVE Pink Floyd. I am a fan of their music with Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. So, as you can imagine, when I heard about a film adaptation of The Wall album, I was immediately excitied. This film lives up to these expectations. The album has been enhanced with an orchestra; the film uses little-known actors, minimal dialogue, animation + special effects, and, of course, the music. They took film director Allen Parker, Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters, who shrotly after quit Pink Floyd (this is a loose autobiography of his life; for example, his father also died in battle), a satirical cartoonist, an orchestra director, animators, and more people with very diferent ideas for this film. The film isn't flawless, but it is great and somewhat essential to a Pink Floyd fan's collection. Good DVD, too, although the menus take a while to load. This is brilliant acting, filmmaking, animation and special effects (for the time), and of course, brilliant music. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and fel free to leave me a helpful/not helpful feedback. God Bless America!
60 wow
this movie has changed my life. I wish that i had never seen those horrible scenes i was forced to watch. A friend of mine brought the movie to my house, i did not realize the terror i was about to see. It caused me to have insomnia and spasms in my right leg. Everytime i see a single object that reminds me of that video i start shaking and my leg moves uncontrollable. I cried throughout the entire film and i know my life will never be the same again. thank you pink floyd for ruining my life.
61 Odd, creepy, gruesome, BRILLIANT
I am a big Floyd fan, and this movie (along with the CD) was something else. It tells the story of a man called PINK who has had such an awful childhood and life that he has built up walls (not real ones, mental ones) between him and the real world. Even though this movie is good, I didn't understand one single part of it. My favorite scene was the Another Brick in the Wall part 2 sequence, where the children destroy the school. (...) I totally wanna do that to my school!" The animated sequences are brilliant too. let me just warn you, this movie is violent, gruesom, frightening, (...)but all in all. I give it A+, two thumbs up, and a scratch on my head because I have no idea what the hell is going on.
62 "Spectacular Failure???" What movie did THEY see?!
I don't get it...how can film critics continue to fail in their reviews of the conceptual film that so perfectly visualizes Roger Waters' utterly brilliant concept album "Pink Floyd The Wall"? Why can't they seem to appreciate a movie that all Pink Floyd fans I've ever known (including myself) find to be such a tremendous interpretation, albeit it at times an admittedly depressing one?
What we have is a character study of A Big Rock Star who could be anyone but is actually a combination of two former founding Pink Floyd bandmates, Syd Barrett and (project mastermind) Roger Waters. The rock star ("Pink Floyd", played by Sir Bob Geldof, pre-"Band-Aid" and knighthood) has had a rather interesting life which is shown in flashback (and the occasional animated hallucinatory) sequence to World War II (where his father, like Roger Waters' own dad, was killed in action in Italy). Awkward in childhood without a father (unusual in those days) and castigated by schoolmasters (at one time busted during class for writing "poetry" -actually the lyrics to the Floydian signature piece "Money"), Pink eventually hits it big, marries...and then begins to lose control of it all, eventually leading to the meltdown that is occurring in...what is supposed to be a hotel room in the Hollywood Hills during yet another tour.
It's a bit mainstream to be considered an "art flick", but it has settled comfortably into "cult flick" status, deservedly so. Roger Waters' original inspirations that led to the Wall" album -increasing distance between the artists and their fans, alienation from societal institutions such as school, the death of a father Roger Waters never knew, the eventual insanity of close friend Syd Barrett- are all well-covered and simply enough portrayed so that subtle symbolism is never needed. The movie stands as a perfect visual accompaniment to the album...and in fact is a bit broader, particularly considering the extra themes written for the flashback scenes involving Pink's father.
For me the best of the smorgasbord of extra features is the commentary track, if only to actually hear Roger Waters' input and insights (and his brilliant Irish accent when mimicking Bob Geldof). Waters has a deserved reputation for being a bit reclusive when dealing with the media, so getting a chance to hear him discussing one of Pink Floyd's defining moments is particularly enjoyable for me as a Pink Floyd fan. He DID make it a point to mention that he thought the film was a bit too dark and didn't reflect the humor that he felt was found throughout "The Wall" as an album. I listened to "The Wall" again after hearing that comment and have yet to understand what the hell he was talking about. If there's any humor in "The Wall" at all, I've never heard it. It always seemed as brilliant and as heavy and darkly depressing as the movie is...which is probably why I've always liked the movie. See it if you haven't. If you've ever wondered what Pink Floyd was about, see this movie. Like the band itself, you'll either love it passionately or you just won't get it at all.
63 Utterly Disturbing...
I rented this DVD last nite... I have been a major Pink Floyd fan for several months now, and ever since listening to the wall, I had wanted to watch the film. I say film, because it would be wrong to call it a movie. There is no traditional dialouge, its more like i gigantic music video.
I am torn as to whether or not I even like this film. I love the album, love the music, and love the lyrics, but this film destroyed what I had imagined the story looking like, and left me with a very odd feeling.
At times I thought this film was wonderful, yet at the end of it I literally felt like I was gonna throw up in the bathroom. Certain images were spectacular, like the "Another Brick In The Wall, pt.2" scene. "Run Like Hell", however, was a bit too much for me to take, especially with the graphic depiction of a woman being raped by one of Pink's footsoldiers after he beats up the woman's boyfriend. This was not the only sexually explicit scene in the movie, for as any fan of the album knows, there is a whole section on dirty women... lots of breasts in that scene, and not to mention the hardcore depiction of Pink's cheating slut of a wife screwing her boyfriend.
The best parts of the movie were the animated ones, and for the live segments, Bob Geldof is perfect for the role with his satanically-good looks during the "In The Flesh" sequences, but as a whole I would not recommend this movie to anyone, and if they do see it, they should be prepared to be disturbed.
64 Wall live DVD
Any news of the possiblity of the 1980-1981 Wall live performance may ever come to DVD? Apparently, the video exists somewhere and the audio that we all heard a few years ago in "Is there anybody out there?" is excellent.
65 GREAT ROCK FILM, SECOND ONLY TO HEDWIG
NO WORDS FOR THIS WONDERFUL, MUSICAL, HEART-WRENCHING FILM. I HAVE SEEM IT ABOUT 50 TIMES AND STILL CAN'T GET ENOUGH.
WHO CAN'T RELATE TO THE WALL AGAINST THE EMOTIONS OF WAR AND AN ABUSIVE CHILDHOOD.
BUY THIS DVD/VHS!!!
66 Intricately detailed (& visually stunning)paranoid narrative
As a long time Pink Floyd fan, I saw this film for the first time on its opening night. The crowd was packed, noisy; mostly teens, early twenty-somethings, they expected a concert film. I was lucky to see it in one of the last truly large screen houses while it was in its prime. I was initially concerned by the talking and laughing of the sold-out crowd. Soon, there was no worry. It was the quietest full house I've ever been in. I looked around at one point about ten minutes into the movie. Mesmerized. Mouths open, no laughing, no talking, no popcorn eating.
Why an anecdote instead of a review? That's the most pointed thing I could say. No other movie has so grabbed an audience, defied their expectations, and held them in thrall like Pink Floyd The Wall.
3 strong personalities collided: Roger Waters, Alan Parker, and Gerald Scarfe. By all rights, it should have been a mess. Amazon reviewer calls it a fascinating failure. There is nothing failing here. The narrative works on a number of levels. The paranoid rock star who sees himself as a fascist youth leader is only one of the more superficial. Take a look.
67 Mind Blowing, Genius
This movie brought a new demention to DVD. Roger waters is an awesome movie writer. This movie totally blew my mind. It's Impossible to not like this movie. Whoever doesn't, well there's something f*&%#d up in your head. The best movie I've ever seen
68 Dark, Sinister, and Enjoyable
I am not a person that would normally be inclined to watch a movie such as this. Music just is not my favorite thing. There are people out there who love music, spend a lot of money on it, and know every important song from every decade. Whatever. Me, I listen to music when I feel like it, and expend no more effort than that. I rarely buy an album, and I normally listen to talk radio.
So why on Earth would I like this movie so much? It's simple; it's an entertaining movie that symbolizes the struggle within men to make sense of their existence. The Wall is the semi-autobiographical story of Roger Water's life. Made from the musical album that shares it's name, The Wall takes us through the ups and downs of a fictionalized rock star (representing Roger Waters) and explains the difficulty of losing a parent at a young age, shows the pain of having an overprotective mother, and numerous other elements to life.
Finally, this movie is entertaining. For a movie that lacks a lot of dialogue, and is just based on symbolizing the aspects of the album it's based on, The Wall does not bore. I say this movie is easily worth the price of admission.
69 Pretty Bad
Pink Floyd made some awesome music, but this movie is pretty bad. I find it really hard for anyone to be THIS messed up in the head.
70 Great Movie And Album.
PINK FLOYD THE WALL is a great music movies. I enjoyed the album so I thought I should see the movie. The first time I saw it I was blown away, just the visuals in the movie were just outstanding. The 2 major thing I wonder when I saw the movie is why didn't they release a soundtrack and why haven't they released the wall perfomances on DVD yet, they got the all star wall concert but not the pink floyd one. Bob Geldof did a great job performing PINK, I do wonder thought why they picked him. I did enjoy the animation in though. The best part is the music though.
DVD: Good DVD, I was dissapointed though about the commentary, I wish they had one with the band, director, and some of the cast. I also wished they did kind of a documentary on the album its self cause I think that would be intresting to see. The sound is good and the picture is good, this movie is better viewed in the widescreen format and being a widescreen fanatic I am this a better viewed in widescreen.
71 genius!
I believe that people who rated this film as bad did not understand it or pink floyd's music for that matter. This film is a masterpiece and has so many concepts that one should watch it more than twice to get a grasp of it's wisdom. The music is unbelievable and combined with the images created for this film, it is one of the best things ever put on tape/dvd. Watch it if you appreciate pink floyd's music. If you don't wait until you do and then watch it. roger waters is god.
72 The movie that explains it all
I bought the wall, the movie because i really like the wall, the album. IT starts as out Pink, the main character, not born yet's father in the war, then goes through Pinks life and all of his problems. This movie explains all of The Walls Lyrics. In the movie there is next to no talking. I rated this movie 4 stars because it has too much blood and graphic sex, and would not be apprpriate for the younger audiance. If you liked the Album the wall, then you will defidentally like the Movie. I hope you found this review helpful.
73 5.1 is Great
By now everyone should have a good idea what the Wall is all about. But, what you may not know is how good this DVD is in 5.1 sound. The sound effects and music are great. When "Pinky" is in the tunnel next to the train, you are there!!!. If you have a 5.1 home theater system and have not updated from VHS yet, do yourself a favor and purchase this DVD. Enjoy. j.
74 horrible !!!
I just hate this movie. The soundtrack is great, but the movie is pointless, stupid, boring, and isn't about anything. I borrowed this movie from a friend. But I also didn't expect it to be great. I think it's good to avoid it.
75 Either a stupor mix of music and visual, or a masterpice
You decide, but in my opinion when i dint see it until i was 14 (no drugs no drinks no sh*t, i was just a simple A student who liked MTV ect ect.) until a friend of mine recomended this movie. I was skeptical since ive never listened to a band older than the day i was borned, but i decided to see it. The feeling after watching it was intense, i couldnt tell if i was totally overwhelmed or depressed. The movie just leaves a feeling in you of regret and sorrow. Sure some parts couldve been better but the messeage still remains. Point is after watching this movie, i could finally tell when a movie/music is art, and that for me, signald my change from being a kid. Maybe you wont like it, but you dont have too. Its still gona be an important film for those who watch it with a great state of mind (whith or without drugs (wich arent neccesary)).
76 Spellbinding!
One of the most disturbing and thought-provoking films of all time, this masterpiece tells the story of a rock-star named Pink who is slowly diving into insanity. Through a series of flashbacks, we get to see the events and turmoils that drove him to this mental state.
My favorite scenes:
-Young Pink meets Adult Pink. This scene is very symbolic of a child preparing for what his life will eventually become. It's a bit like a child wanting to grow up to be a fireman or writer, but instead turning out to be a deranged lunatic. (The lunatic is in my head...)
-Young Pink meets the Mental Patient. There's something about this scene that sends a chill up my spine.
-The "Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2" sequence. I'm sure that every child has felt like this once in a while.
P.S
Look out for a cameo by Bob Hoskins as Pink's manager:)
77 The Wall is alive!
Unbelieveable! I would never believed that music movie could be so amazing! Well done boys! The Wall's songs lyrics and melodies gets deeper, more sophistic and better shapes in this film. This film main character is a great actor who's past tries to make him live almost impossible. There are many fine acts:
1. A little boy is sitting and writing poem on the classroom where is a cruel teacher who takes his poem and reads it for other students. Little later we can see cartoon part where teacher puts his students on the slaughter.
2. Main character is sitting on the chair and his girlfried triess to make him happier without no result. Suddenly, man gets a rage disease. He brokes television, curtais, quitars, window and so on. Finally he gets a big wound and his hand is bleeding.
3. We can see a flag of the Great Britain. Later, it turns on the white cross which is bleeding blood. Blood streams on the sewer!
This one the greatest symbol menings what I have seen on the movies! People can't see the truth and their only way to salvation. They miss their change of hope!
If don't like Pink Floyd's music, you wont necessarily love this movie but in other way this movie can change your opinion to Floyd's music. In my opinion, this movie could tell for Adolf Hitler... Finally, Tigers broke free and other new song are great songs to this movie!
78 Dont believe the hype...
Ok, just like the album, ive watched (listened in the case of the album) this several times, both sober and not-so. I must say, although many people like it, i think it is pretty boring. Just like the album there are spots of absolute genuis, but there are plenty of times that you would kill for a fast-forward button. Some of the acting, and all of the animation, is riveting, thought provoking, and just plain intense. But after is all said and done, youre left with the feeling of... "what a waste of time". Rent/Borrow it to check it out. Then buy it if you like it, but DONT spend your hard earned bucks just because the hype says the wall is great.
79 Whoa
Ok people im gona keep it short and simple for you. The wall is a trip movie. Yes it is brillant but just like their music, its made for stoners who are chewen on some shrooms or on acid or lsd. It is good when you are in your right state of mind but Excellent when your blitzed. I recomend this to everyone! Also check out 2001 space odessy, fantasia, and alice in wonderland. Sorry if you dont agree but it is the truth.
80 Pink Floyd the wall- What The Wall Is All About
This Vidieo is one of the greatest stories ever told. It showes Pink Floyd fans what the wall realy means and it helps vievers undertsnad the wall. The movie is great and if you are looking for a boring movie and you are not a Floyd fan t hsi isn't for you. It helped me under stand the songs and his troubles. I give this movie 5 stars and i am glad i bought it, I would not ever get rid of this movie and i plan to watch it over and over again!
81 Classic Floyd
To make your Pink Floyd collection complete, buy "The Wall" DVD. Trust Me.
The animation and special effects are UNBELIEVABLE!! I haven't seen it for 3 years, but I remember it was remarkably cool. THIS is Pink Floyd. And, of course, you get the music of The Wall, which, alone, is enough.
I also recommend "The Song Remains the Same" DVD by Led Zeppelin.
-Tabucky
82 Pink Freaking Floyd!
The wall, the wall! If you ever think "man life sucks, I need to watch something to lift my spirits"...pop this sucker in the ole' DVD/VHS players. Not only will you think that your life is easy, you'll also be filled with a hunger for more pink floyd items...I saw this movie almost 2 years ago at a friends house, and watched it everynight for a month! I had to buy it, so I came on Amazon.com, and got it. Filled with depth, and soul stretching music. I give it 5 stars...it's a classic
83 Some of the greatest directing and film making ever
The wall is perhaps one of the greatest films from a director and a filmakers perspective. The shots are brilliantly composed and thought of, and flow consistently throughout the film. Some of the most appealing shots are at the beginning of the film and one of the most artistic scenes of all time can be found through the flow of the main characters insanity being interlaced within the boy running across the field and away from the mental patient.
In terms of actual appeal and plot, The Wall is actually quite decent until the ending (at the approaching of the trial). Unfortunately if you don't appreciate the music of Pink Floyd it is very unlikely that you will appreciate this film, seeing as it is composed to the music of their "rock opera" album, The Wall. It is very likely that if you are not a Pink Floyd enthusiast you will maintain interest past the first half hour and the events will seem pointless and not organized very well.
Nonetheless, if you are an art student or a film student this is defenitely a film that you MUST, not should, MUST see. However if you are just an avid movie-goer this is one movie that you should just consider passing (unless you happen to be a Pink Floyd fan).
84 It's Pink Floyd The Wall, what else can I say?
Great movie, great music, nice to see the deleted scenes. The commentary track [stinks] but that's not why you buy movies anyway.
85 It gets better every time you watch.
Excellent, excellent, excellent. The first time I saw this movie, I didn't think it was that great. WATCH IT A SECOND TIME. You really get to appreciate it the second time around. I think that the first time everyone sees it, they're expecting great animation and The Wall played straight through (at least that's what I was expecting). Its completely different, and you pay more attention to the plot than focusing on "When's the next cartoon." It's just my opinion though, and you're bound to have yours. If you like Pink Floyd, this movies for you. If you like bands of the same genre, give it a try. If you like rap, I laugh at you. (JK) ...but this films not for you. Really a five star film.
86 Amazing
I saw The Wall because I really like Pink Floyd's music and was curious how the movie would look. I'm sorry to anyone who disagrees, but I think that this movie is amazing and Roger Waters is a genius. Bob Geldof was awesome in this role and I really liked the little kid who played him as a child. The movie is basically an analysis of how we build a figurative wall around ourselves to block out the world which everyone, like it or not, can relate too. The movie is insane, it doesn't stay put or follow the conventional setup of how we think a movie should be done, very much like Pink who is basically going crazy. It was a very imaginative and creative venture. Pink Floyd's The Wall makes you pay attention to what's going on, you get wrapped up in trying to figure out what exactly is happening and I must admit it can be confusing at times but it's well worth the trouble. The music really adds another dimension to the movie that you don't normally get with dialog. And of course, Pink Floyd is super-cool and amazing, so the music is very beautiful and full of life and vivid emotions. The animation is just incredible it flows in an odd fluid sort of way, it seems very different from what you normally see. Some of the themes are (gasp) dark and to watch it you're going to need an open mind, sorry! This movie may not be for everyone but I think everyone should at least try it and see what they get out of it. It's very different, very confusing at times, but very worth it. Buy the soundtrack too!! This is an incredible movie, it's different, like everything about Pink Floyd and so incredibly original it blows my mind. Watch it!!
87 Do You Like Pink Floyd?????????????
BUY THIS MOVIE!!!!! If you like Pink Floyd. If You Like The Wall album. Brilliantly Acted and Written. Roger Waters is the best artist in the world. The Animations for this movie blow any cartoon out of the water.
what else do i need to say
88 Not quite
I rented this thinking that it would be entirely trippy cartoons like in fantasia except with the freedom of modern art. But alas no. It tries to set a movie to the album with a few songs missing and one extra. Ok i love the album it is magnificent but by putting a movie to the music you don't get the chance to actually listen, the scenes get kind of drawn out and repeatitive. The cartoon snippets are awesome yes but the take a back seat to the predominent live action parts.
It is the story of Roger Waters so you got to feel for him a bit, it tells his story but why mix that with the music and inserted trippy cartoons.
89 Worst movie ever made. I LOVE IT!! Alan Parker is brilliant!
Not really Oscar material, this movie is so disturbing and strange that it's exciting. The cinematography and art direction is amazing. It's these bizarre films from the 70s and 80s that are exciting in they way they show things on a movie screen that no one ever sees in a conventional film(like Ann-Margret swimming in baked beans shooting out of a TV in TOMMY and dead corpses sucking blood from a live person in TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Alan Parker is really great at adapting "pop movie musicals" to film after seeing his work with FAME and EVITA in 1996.
90 Why didn't this sweep the Oscars/Grammys?
I had seen The Wall at a younger age and didn't appreciate it fully...until now. This was a big-budget movie with a great story/acting/cinamatography to further enhance Roger Water's brilliance!... For serious Floyd fans, the DVD includes excellent bonus features such as R. Waters interviews and an inside look into the making of the movie. - I watched the whole thing twice in a row the day I got it!
91 watch this with Antichrist Superstar!
This movie has stunning images and a dark interior and i'm sorry, but i'm actually not much of a Pink Floyd fan. Although i have noticed that if you watch this movie on mute with Marilyn Manson's epic "Antichrist Superstar" it goes along perfect with the plot of the movie! It's so awesome, especially if your more of a Manson fan than a Floyd fan. : )
92 Fabulous
This movie provides a creative story, set only to the music of Pink Floyd. Still, it shouldn't be viewed as an rock opera, but as a real movie, and should be enjoyed like a real movie. We are told, in fragments and memories, the story of Pink, who grew up fatherless and under the control of a stifling mother, and then went on to have an unfortunate relationship with his wife. He slowly becomes more and more detatched from reality, until we realize he has finally snapped, and has been building a "Wall" for years to distance himself from the world. The story plays out in a very interesting and visually artistic way. The music gives every scene a dazzling emotion.
93 MEDICAL/CULTURAL/MENTAL/ANY-CONTINENTAL
Being a physician - I can't get rid of looking to this movie in from a professional point of view:
It is not just a mere diagnosis-making-statement -a history of a mind tortured by the most painful points of the time (SIGN OF THE TIMES): (1) "family" made of a mother and a boy child (father may have died in WW2 or divorced - does it make a difference?), (2) overdose and a consequent split of a marriage (crack, spiff, junk, music, work - or anything other chemistry/social driven stuff - and she's gone ... I know what I am talking about ...), (3) aggressive reaction to a public personal/emotional humiliation ... or Give me ANY OTHER names of your nightmares - and they ARE THERE!
I consider the BEST-SELLING effect just a material documenting of a fact, that THE WALL in its audio and video presentational makes a major impact on the majority of the now livings - me included VERY ... :-)
Talk to me in 200 years (I may have changed my mind by then ... :-) - but NOT NOW!
WE ARE ALL THERE.
P.S. Hey Amazon.com - are you sure that 7-stars would be considered 2-B an ATYPICAL form of voting? ... :-)
94 The WALL
- Pink, (Bob Geldof) is the main character in this remarkable movie directed by Alan Parker. Pink is a Rock star who spends most of his time locked in a hotel room watching classic war movies from his TV-set with a lot of [bad] channels...then slowly he starts losing his mind as he reminisces about his past, that brought him to the isolation from the world. The whole story of "The wall" unfolds by the phenomenal, fantastic songs made by Pink Floyd. It is so important to add that Gerald Scarfe,a prominent cartoonist, played a great role on making this movie a huge success.
If you happen to like,Pink Floyd's music,this movie is a must have and a must see.Until I now I've had it only on video tape and I have watched it tens of times and now when I have it on DVD I'll watch it hundreds of times as this movie never gets boring and because this movie everytime you watch it gives you a new understanding of it.
95 This IS NOT the original release!
For those Pink Floyd fans out there, like myself, looking to add another great movie to your DVD collection, take note before purchasing this one. This is a great DVD, no doubt about it; however, if you have seen the original on VHS, you might be disappoionted. There are scenes cut, the music is changed and the movie as a whole is not as "dark" as the VHS version. I was dissapointed. I had purchased the DVD to save my VHS, it got frequent use, but the VHS is still watched and the DVD is sitting on a shelf collecting dust.
96 The Wall : A Pink Floyd masterpiece
Whoever reviewed this movie and had something negative to say about it must not understand the true meaning! Being a Pink Floyd fan, I saw this movie, bought it on the spot not even knowing what it was about, and watched as soon as I got home. When it finished, I was in awe. Never had I pictured Roger Waters' life being soo immense. This movie helped me understand why Pink Floyd writes the way they do. This record blew me away along with the movie. It's one long story on Waters' life. The music from the Wall fitted perfectly with the movie word for word. I guess only the true cult fans of Pink Floyd would understand it, but if you don't even know much about them, this movie is worth seeing just for the mind [game]
97 This is NOT about Roger Waters, it's about Syd Barret!
Contrary to popular belief, The Wall (movie) is about the life of original Floyd guitarist/vocalist/lyrical mastermind Syd Barret. The movie stars "Pink", the receding rock star, who is slipping into insanity and slowly losing control. This is a DIRECT reference to Syd Barret, who was diagnosed with schitzoprenia and was asked to leave Pink Floyd in 1969 because while performing he would either play a completly different song thean what was being played, would not play at all, or not even show up at the performances. after Syd left, they hired David Gilmoure to fill in for him. By the way, for those of you who still have an old turntable lying around, play the song on The Wall "Empty Spaces" backwards to reveal a hidden message. for those who don't, the message says "congragulations! you have found the hidden messsage. please send your reply to 'Original Pink, Care of the funny farm, Lancaster." This is referring to Syd Barret.
98 Best rock movie ever, by far
I am stunned by any review that claims this film is a failure in any way. Director Alan Parker wisely puts the famous soundtrack up front, and rarely interrupts it with any dialogue at all. In fact, most of the dialogue is also found on the double-LP set that inspired the film, back before CDs were the prevalent form of musical media.
This film and accompanying music are an attempt to explain and understand the rise and fall of Syd Barrett, original founder of Pink Floyd, a mentally unstable young man who unfortunately indulged in mind-altering drugs and is now out of touch with reality. According to band members, Barrett lives in a house in a small town in England, is cared for by friends and family, and occasionally leaves his house and makes a sad, public spectacle of himself in one way or another. The equally classic "Dark Side Of the Moon" LP is another glorious musical collection that focuses on the kind of madness that Barrett sunk into, although "The Wall" is more specific and oriented around one individual.
In any event, the film begins with the birth of "Pink" and the death of his father in WWII, follows briefly through his childhood with a smothering mum, abuse at the hands of cruel schoolmasters and the British education machine, and into his adulthood as the leader of a successful rock band. He slowly loses his mind, relating his fame and the fans' mania toward him to a Hitler/Nazi type of self-image, and the imagery fits the music and theme perfectly.
It is impossible to listen to "The Wall" the same away after seeing the film. Its occasional dark humor and generally dark characterization are ultimately shattering to the viewer who is paying attention, and that's the point. Parker & the Floyd did a fabulous job of translating the subject matter to film, which is something nearly impossible to do. Be warned: It is not an "upper." You will be bummed at the conclusion of the film. But then, Pink Floyd has never been known for happy themes.
99 excellent, deep, and enjoyable!
The Wall is an excellent movie. My parents don't see why i like it, but it's very deep and heavy. The songs have more than one meaning and relate to different parts of the movie. For instance,Another Brick in the Wall part II ("we don't need no education..") talks about the corrupt school system pushing conformity, while it also shows children going to death, which could relate to war. Meaning, that education would be pointless if they were to die anyways, and that the corrupt education was forcing them to mold and conform.
I also noticed that The Wall reflects Rodger Water's life. I've read some analysis of it, which also forced that point.
It's rather distrubing, yet it's meaningful. "The Trial" sums things up, and the music is good even without the visual. WIth the visual it is even better, though. It's really a great movie, and i would definitely reccommend it. I can watch it over and over again and still enjoy it and analyze it.
100 5.1 Mastering Sub-Par
Anyone who has experienced The Wall knows that it is an incredible film. Having been intimately familiar with the songs before I first saw the movie, I was astounded by how the visual images exceeded my imagination to a degree I didn't think was possible.
I am however compelled to log a complaint about the DVD. The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound track is inferior to the PCM stereo track on this DVD. The 5.1 track is not as crisp overall, with the surround channels being particularly noisy. This finding really surprised me, but despite numerous adjustments and listenings I find the PCM stereo track to be much more enjoyable.
On a positive note, the PCM stereo track is still better than most DVD movies. The PCM track invokes a full 3-D sound -- you will still hear artillary shells zipping over your head, and feel the crashing down of The Wall. I possess THX-certified components and am experienced with 5.1, so I don't think I'm having a technical issue. Additionally, I have heard this same problem with a friend using a different disk and audio rig.
Please Roger, we need a new 5.1 remastering of The Wall !!!
