If you've ever wanted to hear Jack Nicholson sing (or try to) or marvel at the sight of Ann-Margret drunkenly cavorting in a cascade of baked beans,
Tommy is the movie you've been waiting for. As it turns out, the Who's brilliant rock opera is sublimely matched to director Ken Russell's penchant for cinematic excess, and this 1975 production finds Russell at the peak of his filmmaking audacity. It's a fever-dream of musical bombast, custom-fit to the thematic ambition of Pete Townshend's epic rock drama, revolving around the titular "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" (played by Who vocalist Roger Daltrey) who survives the childhood trauma that stole his senses to become a Pinball Wizard messiah in Townshend's grandiose attack on the hypocrisy of organized religion.
The story is remarkably coherent considering the hypnotic dream-state induced by Russell's visuals. Tommy's odyssey is rendered through wall-to-wall music, each song representing a pivotal chapter in Tommy's chronology, from the bloodstream shock of "The Acid Queen" (performed to the hilt by Tina Turner) to Nicholson's turn as a well-intentioned physician, Elton John's towering rendition of "Pinball Wizard," and Daltrey's epiphanous rendition of "I'm Free." Other performers include Eric Clapton and (most outrageously) the Who's drummer Keith Moon, and through it all Russell is almost religiously faithful to Townshend's artistic vision. Although it divided critics when first released, Tommy now looks likes a minor classic of gonzo cinema, worthy of the musical genius that fueled its creation. --Jeff Shannon
1 The second greatest movie in my book
when my friend told me about this film a few months ago,i thought to myself, self, this must be another boring musical... as i moved away from my friend without seeing the movie he had told me was his favorite, i was surprised to see that my new drama teacher had it in his classroom... i asked him if i could borrow it over spring break, and he said that would be more than okay... he said that to say that this film is "good" would be a massive understatement...much to my surprise (again), the movie really showed me how a musical should be... the story of a boy who musn't speak, hear, or see so that a horrible crime can be covered up is of epic and rock infused proportions... the who and elton john really were great as well, as well as tommy, who in the end struck an unmistakable resemblance to how jesus christ was portrayed in the bible... somewhat of a religious base, very well done... fantastic all the way around...
2 More Deep and Thought Out Then it Looks
The Who is my favorite band of all time. I started listening to them at a very early age, and im still quite young. Their music rocks, is totally awesome and totally punk.
When I heard they had some rock operas, They were a must see for me.
When I seen it for the first time, It appeared kind of strange. Hmmm, His father is killed, Then goes deaf, dumb and blind, Then He Becomes a Pinball Wizard and they become rich . . . a very strange concept eh?
Well, It's quite genius. It represents many things. I think, ( even though It may not be true) that it represents overcoming terrible events and rising to the top. Even though you repeatedly get crushed and defeated, always focus on the greater things. It is quite a Good message. Very philosical and thought out.
Pete Townsend Is a Genius :)
3 Left out the overture
It has been many years since I saw the original Tommy at the theater, but, as I recall, they played the overture when the sun was going down at the beginning of the movie. This DVD left out the overture entirely.
4 A zero star movie that gets three for sheer wretched excess
"Tommy" is an awful movie. Let's get that out of the way right up front. But damned if I didn't have a blast watching it.
"Tommy" is one of those movies that, watched on a small screen TV in your kitchen, is plain weird. But crank this up in Dolby digital, and it becomes an experience.
This is the film version, of course, of The Who's classic rock opera, but even Pete Townsend on a bad 1967 acid trip probably couldn't have dared imagine all the devotedly weird visual goings-on here, which include: a spinning, chrome-plated, mummy-style acid trip machine where the drugs flow through veins to scores of hypodermic needles; a scene of sensuality featuring gallons of laundry detergent, chocolate, and baked beans (!) exploding from a TV set; Ann Margaret (as Tommy's mother) hiding in a S&M caged bed during the London Blitz; and late Who drummer Keith Moon in full perv regalia (well, maybe that wasn't too hard to imagine). And that's just the high points of the weirdness; every frame of this film is packed with a kind of subtle kinkiness.
Of course, you know the plot; Tommy (played as a grownup by The Who's Roger Daltrey, who does a good job) sees his mother (Ann Margaret) and stepfather (Oliver Reed, transcending drunkenness as we know it) kill his dad, who was declared KIA during World War II, and becomes a blind deaf mute. Later, after he visits several "specialists" who try to cure him (including Tina Turner's Acid Queen, who uses the aforementioned chrome plated mummy acid trip machine), and ends up developing into a pinball champion, and messianic figure.
The point of the original "Tommy" rock opera was to condemn the hypicrisy of religion, but the film version makes no attempt to repeat the same point. Indeed, this film revels in its hypocrisy, almost gleefully showing us Tommy's implosion as messiah, then rolling credits showing that soundtrack album (which was a very good one, by the way) is now in stores. Buy your little piece of wretched excess now!
And while this movie is pure trash, it has to be noted that the director, Ken Russell ("Altered States") gives us some indelible imagery. I saw this film when it came out in 1975 (at the tender age of 12 - my God, Mom, what were you thinking?), and found myself recalling a lot of the shots thirty years later.
That's a testament to the kind of weird power this film has. Safe to say that thirty years later, the chances of a Hollywood studio anteing up $75 million for this kind of kinky romp are about nil ("...and, you'll love this, the TV explodes, the baked beans explode all over Julia Roberts, and she rubs them sensously over her entire body...").
So, enjoy this little artifact from The Age Before Ashcroft, and be sure to crank it way the hell up. Annoy your neighbors with it, if you must.
5 A splendid copy of a so-so movie
Musician-for-musician, I think the Who was the greatest band in the history of rock and roll. I can't think of a better guitar player/writer than Pete Townshend, Roger Daltry is unbeatable as a lead singer, John Entwhistle was absolutely without peer as a bass player and Keith Moon's wacko explosive drumming style made everyone else sound uptight.
That said, I never much cared for Tommy.
God knows, I tried. I saw it in a high-end theater when it came out in 1975, but I walked out feeling less than enthusiastic. Why? The story is just a stone downer, even if Tommy does achieve transcendence in the end.
Granted, it has its moments: Ann-Margret in her skin-tight white jumpsuit writhing in a soup of baked beans and chocolate syrup; Tina Turner at the height of her voluptuousness; Jack Nicholson being, well, Jack Nicholson.
But Cousin Kevin and Uncle Ernie and the smarmy greasiness of Oliver Reed (who drank himself to death in 1999) still make me want to turn away.
The movie is eye candy of the highest order, the music is classic Who, but the story is just plain ugly.
From a technical standpoint, however, the video and audio on the new Superbit special edition are fabulous. The wonks at Sony have given us a surround sound experience far superior to what we geezers got in the best of theaters 30 years ago.
If you have a home theater/surround sound setup and like Tommy, this DVD is a must-have. It'll blow your mind.
As far as I'm concerned, I'd much rather have a similarly tweaked Superbit version of Quadrophenia.
6 Good movie - Great soundtrack
One of the few movies that I watch over and over again without even for a moment feeling bored. What the movie lacks in cinematics it more than makes up for it in the soundtrack. Excellent renditions of Acid Queen by Tina Turner and Pinnball Wizard by Elton John (the first time I have actually liked any music from him). Jack Nicholson doesnt do too badly on There's a Doctor either.
7 What The...?
Okay, a kid witnesses his step father kill his father and goes "deaf, dumb and blind", makes his family rich by playing pinball, wakes up and tries to enlighten the world by telling everyone to play pinball "deaf, dumb and blind", at which point they revolte and kill his family and he goes and climbs a mountain. Huh???
8 Ken Russell, and Alan Parker should get drunk together.
I hated this movie. The original album, and the subsequent Broadway musical touched the story with ever so much more power that this movie deserves to be cursed and forgotten.
I think what pissed me off the most about this movie is the fact that they altered the story line every so slightly, but still just enough to slap Pete Townshend directly in the face. In the original album, Tommy's real father returns from WWI, and kills the lover of Tommy's mother. In the movie they changed it around. It is the lover who kills Tommy's real father, and henceforth takes the place of Tommy's father for the remainder of the story. When I saw this it did much more then annoy me. It enraged me. In fact it required all of the patience and will power I could muster to keep myself from running outside and screaming my head off, then going out and finding Ken Russell so I could plunge my fist right through the miserable bastards fat face, sending his brains and eyeballs flying out the back of his skull to be splattered all over whatever poster of this lousy film might lurk on his office wall.
Why did Ken Russell change the story? Why? There was no reason for it. None whatsoever! It is an insult. And to add injury to said insult, the man who took the place of Tommy's father in the film couldn't even sing worth a damn. And we had to put up with him through the end of the film? POOH, I SAY! STINK! This was by far Ken Russell's biggest atrocity in the making of this film, but don't you worry, I'm not finished yet. There were other major flaws, as well.
Everyone seems to rant and rave about Tina Turner, Elton John, and Eric Clapton's performances in this flick, but I didn't find their renditions even the least bit impressive. I would have preferred that they simply dub in the original tracks. Eric Capton, as the hawker was only adequate, Tina Turner's rendition of "Acid Queen" was over-the-top, and Elton John's version of "Pinball Wizard" was just contemptuous.
Next ... (say it with me) Jack Nicholson as the Doctor. JACK NICHOLSON? Pete Townshend said it best; "He looks more like a bleedin' accountant than a doctor." Not to mention the fact that he completely butchered my favorite song. Normally, I'm a huge fan of Jack's, but whoever thought that he could carry a tune in this rock opera deserves to be beaten to a bloody pulp.
Furthermore, the overall *feel* of the film was wrong. I don't know how else to put it. The album and stage show present an all around dark, lonely, and mysterious temperament in Tommy. By the time he breaks out of his shell he is mad with hysteria and angry to be let free. In the movie, the whole affair seems to be put forth as some kind of great big Dr. Who adventure. I'm sorry, but that is not what Tommy is about.
The original album, and the latter Broadway musical were not without their faults, but at least they were consistent from beginning to end. Ken Russell just made one big mess of things. This is not a rock opera. This is something that resembles puke in the parking lot of some dive whiskey bar in "Deliverance County" Tennessee. Avoid this one at all costs, keep listening to the album, and make sure you get tickets to the play the next time it comes your home town.
9 Tommy is great in all the senses (pun intended)
This is perhaps the greatest bonding of Rock & Roll music in cinema. The artitsry in the film is manificent. The soundtrack is great, but not as good as the album, as Oilver Reed and Ann-Margaret CAN NOT SING. However, all the non Reed/Margaret songs are fantastic.
Even muted, the scenes are all so expertly done that the movie is still great. The "Acid Queen", "Eyesight to the Blind", and "Cousin Kevin" are all very artisticly shot and quite remberable.
One of the greatest things about this movie is that it explans the story. The album was great but made little sense, the movie fills in all the plot gaps.
In conclusion, this is great in all ways a movie can be, enough said.
10 Tommyrot...
I walked 5 miles to see TOMMY at the theatre when it first came out. I was 12 years old. For years, all I could remember was Elton John in giant boots, singing "Pinball Wizard". Well, I watched it again some 30 years later and..... All I can say is please, do yourself a favor and keep your finger on the skip button! You know the story- Tommy is exploited and abused by every adult in his life, turning deaf, dumb, and blind in response, ultimately turning into a messianic pinball champion. The original album was / is a seering assault on religious insanity and celebrity culture. The movie is a series of music videos without any depth or heart. Pinball Wizard and Tina Turner's Acid Queen are the only parts worth mentioning! Jack Nicholson and Oliver Reed "sing" as a form of unnecessary punishment! Tommy's mum, Ann Margaret looks great, but causes nausea whenever her voice begins that awful quavering! Yeah, then there's that godawful baked-beans-from-the-television thing! How Russell got her to do that is astonishing! As the title character, Roger Daltrey spends 99% of his screen time looking like a curly-haired hamster after too many blows to the melon! Kieth Moon as Uncle Ernie is at least funny in a twisted sort of way. Moon pretty much plays himself (read the book "Full Moon" to see what I mean). Pete Townshend and John Entwistle just sort of go along, playing their roles as living scenery! Ken Russell's direction is maniacal and idiotic as always! He took a classic rock masterpiece and turned it into the longest, most ridiculous collection of flashy catterwalling the world will ever know! I love THE WHO, but this abomination is Russell all the way! He sucked any life out of the music, replacing it with inane visuals that serve only to cause severe migraines (check out Eric Clapton in flowing robes, surrounded by people in plastic Marilyn Monroe masks)! The whole mess ends at Tommy's Holiday Camp, where the mindless throng rises up to kill Tommy and company. Ah, if only! Townshend said that Russell ruined his rock opera. I really tend to agree...
11 Nightmarish and just plain awful
I first came in contact with Tommy the movie when I bought the soundtrack prior to auditions for the stage version, thinking that the movie was no different than the orignial concept album or the play. It didn't matter, because I found myself quite attached to it, in lieu of it's creepiness factor, and the fact that Oliver Reed couldn't really sing. I became so fascinated by the soundtrack that I decided I just had to rent the movie...I did this with the knowledge that it had a terrible reputation, and was quite...bizzare. However, I popped it in to the VCR with hopes that I would enjoy it somewhat....after viewing the film, I proceeded to lie in bed, staring at the ceiling in a cold sweat, scared ouf of my wits. This movis is simply terrifying and dreadful, on every level...save of course, for the music. Let me just say that Elton John, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner (born to play this role), and The Who are outstanding...they play and sing their little old hearts out, and it shows on the soundtrack...unfortunately, it does little to remedy the nightmarish landscape that is this film. Let me just say that I'm not squemish or close minded when it comes to films...Clockwork Orange is one of my all time favorite films, a movie, many would argue to be quite disturbing....however disturbing it is though, there is a reason for it's shock value. This movie has none...it proceeds to show Roger Daltry in a series of montages being beaten,burned with cigarrettes, ironed, pushed down the stairs, stuck in the tub,molested, shoved in a metal box full of drug-infused needles, and then become the pinball champion of the world...to make matters worse, Russell beats us over the head with symbolism that it so obvious, it borders on being condescending. A church that worships Marilyn Monroe? Hmm, let me guess....CELEBRITY WORSHIP?! There were points that I just wanted to scream "we get it already!". The film is visually stunning,no doubt about it, but so is a neon green polyester jumpsuit...it doesn't mean that it's pleasent or appealing, does it? And does it bother anyone that Tommy's father is killed (a significant change in the story, as every other version has the lover killed instead, but again, Russell felt the need to make the movie even more pointlessly shocking and depressing by having the poor boy witness the brutal slaying of his father), and that his family blatantly exploits him throughout the movie with little shame or acknowledgement? Even after he regains his senses (after a dreadful montage of him running in place with a cheesy shot of tidal wave in the background), he doesn't seem to mind this fact...personally, I'd be a little bit peeved, but that's just me. Let me just conclude by saying that Pete Townsend had a nervous breakdown after the completion of this film, and the band has since refused to endorse the movie...I, for one, don't blame them...I'd be embarrassed too if I were in any way connected to this miserable piece of filth. Don't even rent it for a laugh, there are plenty of campy movies out there that won't leave you frightened and disgusted. Shame on you Kenneth Russell!!!
12 Satanic? Ha!
One messed up person gave it one star, seeming to think that the who were in league with the devil! I can understand this isn't a film for everyone, and how some people may hate it, but it's hardly satanic! Anyway, I like it, even if lots of other people don't. It's like marmite, and moulin rouge. You either love it or hate it. I love it, and even though it's a bit OTT at some points, it's a lot of fun. I would recommend renting it before buying it, because it's not everyones idea of a great film, but the only advice I can give to you before watching it is this: watch it with an open mind. If you watch it expecting to hate it, you'll get confused, and if you watch it expecting to love it you may be sorely disappointed. I love Tommy, but you may not, so watch it and make your own mind up about it.
13 Terrible "Tommy"
"Tommy" is a terrible movie, but at least it's an interesting terrible movie. That might almost be a verdict on all of director Ken Russell's output. Russell isn't without talent, but he seems to mistake shooting spit balls at established values as artistic innovation. At his best, his movies can be lush, breathless tears through the material. At their worst, they are choppy, sloppy, puerile romps.
To be honest, I'm not that great a fan of the opera. It's always struck me as more than a bit strained and over-heated. Perhaps that's why Russell was selected to direct it. "Restraint" is not a word likely ever to be used to describe his work. His crude bombast works when the material and the performers allow it. The high points of the film are Elton John's Pinball Wizard and Tina Turner's Acid Queen. They know how to energize audiences through their performances, and Russell responds with equally over-heated technique that helps to send the movie over the top.
But whose sadistic idea was it to allow non-singers like Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed and Ann Margaret to sing their own parts? Almost unintelligible most of the time, we can barely understand what they're saying. The overbearingly loud instrumental backups certainly don't help, but then maybe the sound mixers were trying to distract us from the tinny voices of the actors. These non-singers are perfectly fine performers who have proven their abilities repeatedly elsewhere. To expose them this way seems almost an act of revenge, or at best callous indifference to their reputations. As for Roger Daltry, while obviously more at home with material that requires him to be abused, he seems at times to be there for no purpose except to have things thrown at him.
There's no denying the film is effective, in a brutal, primitive way. And since subtlety has nothing to do with either rock or Russell, perhaps that should be the end of it. If the opera is, indeed, a classic, however, doesn't it deserve better treatment than this? Isn't defending this over-produced gruel as `hip' just another form of condescension and abuse? Rock certainly matters. It's not entirely clear that the makers of "Tommy" have the least understanding of that, or the slightest interest in it.
14 A classic film; really?
I purchased "Tommy" on DVD a few months back, with high (too high) expectations. I suppose I have to give this film props for being the first rock opera ever. But I must say, Tommy was a huge disappointment for me.
I should have done more research about this film before just going out and buying the DVD. I have heard from a couple of people a long time ago say that it was a "classic" film based on The Who's album "Tommy", which I love. I starting watching and was in shock nearly every scene of the movie. It was literally torture for watch this film in it's entirety and still keep an open mind.
I've seen several musicals, and a couple of rock operas, but this was just ridiculous. I kept thinking, is this a joke? People really "love" this movie? I found next to nothing to "like" about this film; except for Elton John and Marilyn Munroe's parts. You keep wondering throughout the film, is this gonna get any better? The answer is no, it only gets cheesier. There is NO RESEMBLENCE between this movie and The Who's "Tommy" album. I just want to make that clear, so people don't make the same mistake I made.
For all you "rock opera" fans out there. I hope you get more use out of your DVD than mine will be getting, collecting dust on a shelf.
15 I Love The Who!
If you are a Who fan this is your movie.Lead singer Roger
Daltry plays the role of Tommy.He is a deaf,dumb,blind kid who
becomes a pinball whiz.You also have the appearance of some very
talented musical artists.You of course have Elton John performing
the song "Tommy".You also have noted artist Eric Clapton in the
movie.Peter Townsend singing "I'm Free".Sexy bombshell Ann
Margaret plays the role of Tommy's mother.You also have Oliver Reed playing a role in this movie.The main attraction of this movie is the outstanding music.The Rock Opera "Tommy" is played
to the hilt in this movie.The writing skills of Peter Townsend
are displayed in this movie.
16 COUSIN KEVIN IS DA BOMB!!!
Why doesn't anyone mention him? This DVD is worth the price just to see that scene!!! I love everything else too but I like to watch the Cousin Kevin scene over and over again. The movie version is WAYYYY better than the dull, slow version on the album!!! Same thing goes for many of the songs. All in all, this is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable musicals of all time!!!
17 Unique, but as senseless as Tommy
When I first read of Tommy, I found the premise intruiging. A "rock opera" based on music by The Who... starring Roger Daltrey? I knew that the term "cult classic" would be applicable here. And being a fan of rock music, and 60's rock/pop in particular, I knew that I had to see this film. One mediocre review in a newspaper didn't put me off: I felt the combination of The Who and 70's cinema would make for great entertainment. How wrong I was.
With the opening sequences of "It's a boy", an embarrasing and awkward singing performance by a nurse, I was left with my jaw hanging open that this material was not destroyed by a later Government order. Songs often collapse into repetitiveness (I'm Free) just as they border on the great. Potential is repeatedly wasted - and at times, you can almost feel how good Tommy's music COULD have been - but alas, each song, without exception, feels both overblown and underwritten at the same time. It's a shame.
Not that the movie is devoid of artistic talent - it isn't. There are visually stunning sequences everywhere. Set peices become gradually more and more impressive (the Marilyn Monroe idols, Tommy's religious land) and special effects, crude as they are, are used to music video effect - an impressive precursor to MTV.
But the plot is loose, very loose - and scattered. Tommy's plight, his childhood trauma, and the theme of religious exploit all earn marks for originality, and maturity. But there really is very little continuity going on - and though the theme of Tommy's degredation becomes quite dark, his exploitation becomes repetitive. And tiresome. That said, the film's most energetic peak, "Pinball Wizard", is a colourful, memorable and bizzare game of pinball featuring Tommy and Elton John playing head to head before a theatre audience. Even the music shows flashes of inspiration. Without a doubt a proud climax for any film.
But at the end of it all, Tommy cannot be saved by a single scene, and with a plot so light and music so abominably poor (sorry, but it is), the film is rightly one of the smaller cult classics. The imagrey is good, but in the end, it all seems rather pretentious. Perhaps it needs to be, to fill the huge, gaping holes in the story. Yes, I "get" the film, and no, this is not the first musical or rock movie I have seen. Tommy displays both maturity and style at times - but neither are ever subtle, and that is the film's downfall. Only through the rose-tinted view of a fanatic could Ann Margret wallowing in baked beans ever be worth watching. Yes, I know that this is slander, and 0 of 37 people will find this review helpful as a result, but I can't help my honest opinion.
It has Elton John. In 10ft platforms. But this alone is Tommy's entry into rock history.
18 Bring on the special collectors edition!
The five star rating is purely for the content of this marvelous and sometimes misunderstood masterpiece from director Ken Russell. But in the U.K. right now (June 2004) they are being treated to an amazing 2 disc collectors edition DVD! The Superbit DVD with DTS sound is fantastic but we want extras!!! Please, Columbia Home Video! Let us Americans have it too!
19 Best Film Ever Made!!!!!
After watching Tommy, I was absolutely blown away. Every single part of the film conveyed a different and important message and the music was amazing. In addition, the cinematography and editing are brilliant and at times psycodelic. The only reason people give this bad reviews is because they are too shallow to understand the deep meanings behind each scene or because they are ideologue Christians who refuse to realize the horrors and hipocricies of their religion.
20 Amazing Journey
If you have any interest in this besides a casual one, please listen to the Tommy album before seeing this movie.
Seeing the movie first ruins the beauty and subtlety of the album, because Townshend was forced to work out all the details of the story and change things about when switching mediums.
Anyway, that being said, I truly loved this film. Let people say it was a sell out (which it was not) I dont care I still think Ken Russell did a brilliant job with it. People get too bogged down comparing it to the album. They aren't comparable, in my opinion, so there's no use trying.
The film at times can be a bit strange (Roger running wildly over various backgrounds, Ann-Margaret 'zinging' Roger with her hair and dancing, assumedly to cure his blindness) but you have to keep the time period and notoriously quirky director in mind. Try not to expect anything when going into the film, and please try not to overanalyze it or you'll miss the unique and brilliant nature of the performances and work as a whole. All involved (sans Nicholson's singing debut) do an amazing job. Daltrey does Tommy suprisingly well, he was perfect for the role, and his major songs in the film (I'm Free, See me/Feel me) are just amazing.
While I admit a blind love for anything Who-related, I still think this movie is another show of Townshend's ability to succesfully combine art and popular media. And most of all I think it's an enjoyable film.
If you aren't familiar with the brilliance of The Who, it's worth looking at just for the stellar musical performances of Turner, Clapton, and Elton John.
21 more entertaining than floyds the wall
Great performances by Eric Clapton {eyesight to the blind) and Tina Turner (acid queen),also watch for a lame attempt at singing by the great jack nicholson.
22 Dude this movie's a riot
When I first saw this movie I was really like "WTF?" This was because I had seen the movie right after I'd seen a pretty good performance of it in the Birkshires (MA). However, when I was watching parts of it a few nights ago I had never had such a good laugh. There's nothing better than watching Roger Daltrey jog in place, lip synch pretty badly to "Freedom", and be super imposed against background movies including a reacting volcano and a tidal wave!
23 Missing the point
Actually, when I first saw Tommy in the theatre (I was a bit of an Elton John freak), I didn't know what to make of it, either. I thought it was just an abstract, heavily symbolic film. Later, I learned that it was a SATIRE on the abstract, heavily symbolic films of its time. When you've got someone like Ken Russell directing it, you know it's going to be rather far-out. And that was the whole idea.
This is easily the most whacked-out movie I have ever seen. It's also one of my favorites. If you watch it with a sense of humor, it's a lot more enjoyable.
24 Good and Bad
Tommy has some good and bad qualities in it.....Roger Daultry, Tina Turner, Kieth Moon, and ESPECIALLY Elton John offered wonderful musical performances. However, Ann-Margaret and Oliver Reed were so bad and have no talent. Both of those casting decisions were dreadful...The music was great. Pete Townshend's re-recording of "Amazing Journey" is fantastic. "Pinball Wizard" sung by Elton John is the highlight of the movie. You should watch this movie just to see him. He steals the movie and it would be empty without Elton. The visuals are confusing and you become even more confused trying to make sense out of it. Director Ken Russell was probably under the influence of drugs during the entire production. I give the movie 3 stars ONE for Elton John and ONE for Roger Daultry and ONE for the soundtrack...You have to be a cult follower of Tommy to give it 5 stars.
25 A bizarre and wonderful film
Tommy is easily the most disturbing movie I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of disturbing movies. It chronicles Tommy's life from birth to the death of his father to his traumatic adolescence and spirtual entry into adulthood. The scene where Tommy endures sexual abuse (at the hands of Keith Moon, no less) is a particularly unsettling one. While the cause of him being "deaf, dumb, and blind" is never really explained, along with other unanswered questions, Tommy is definitely a work of art.
The cameos by Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Jack Nicholson are brilliantly done. Ann-Margaret, whom I had previously dismissed as just another singing piece of eye candy, shows incredible acting skill as Tommy's mother. The only flaws in the film (besides Tommy's miraculous change from a brown-eyed boy to blue-eyed Roger Daltrey) are the ambiguity between symbolism and reality, which can make the story hard to follow, and the last quarter of the movie, in which Tommy becomes a Christ-like figure of worship. The movie really should have ended with Tommy's final realization of himself, at least in my opinion. However, a child rock star in this sequence eerily resembles Marilyn Manson circa 1996, which should entertain music fans.
Keep in mind, though, that just because this movie is rated PG does not mean it is suitable for children.
26 Well, it wasn't horrible.
Having seen this movie a long time ago and remembering how weird it was, I have since familiarized myself with the Who's original album, the Broadway cast recording, and the Who's performance of the rock opera on the CD "Live at Leeds." The material is brilliant, but this isn't the best presentation.
The movie is structured like a 2-hour music video, which seems to be a good enough way to present the film, considering there shouldn't be any dialogue and the plot is presented well enough in this structure. The Acid Queen scene in itself is perhaps one of the most unique scenes I've yet seen in film, with the queen and her two blonde assistants taking Tommy captive in a large robot-like contraption with many needles sticking into it.Perhaps the worst scene in the movie is a song called "Champagne" in which Ann-Margaret basically rolls around in a white room in a fur coat amongst baked beans, mud, and broken glass.
The acting and singing is also mixed. I've heard many complaints about Oliver Reed as "The Lover" and I must say, he can't sing at all and it puzzles me why they would choose him for the role. Ann-Margaret, on the other hand, has a really nice voice. Roger Daltrey and Elton John also do well in their roles, as does Tina Turner. Some of the worst performances came from Eric Clapton as the Preacher, who, besides playing mean guitar has no voice to speak of, and from Jack Nicholson, who doesn't even offer up any acting chops.
The music is generally good besides the parts where the actors are messing it up, and the dubbing is only so-so, as the actors sometimes aren't quite in synch with the recordings.
For me, the best feature of this movie is the fact that it gives the material Tommy a visualization where symbols can be reinforced and plotlines can be at least partially clarified. Also puzzling, however, is the fact that, in ths movie, it is the Lover who lives after the standoff when, in every other version of Tommy, it is Tommy's father. This provides much less emotional development on the part of Tommy's parents.
Really, I'd recommend you get the Who's original concept album first and familiarize yourself with it first. If you're thinking "Oh! Tommy...it's a rock opera and I want to try it," I wouldn't or else this will ruin your perception forever. This film doesn't do the album justice, though it does manage to mildly entertain. The best part is the end of the movie, when the Who take the forefront singing more narrative songs and the newly enlightened Tommy gets his share of film time. When the Who take the forefront, the film is lifted out of the baked beans.
27 HA HA HA
After hearing such good things about this movie and having a great time being in the stage rock opera i was quite excited about finally seeing it. the after i did i was quite excited about never seeing it again. this movie is a plain example of when directors try to be deep and sybolic and just mess it up royaly. this was honestly the sadest thing i had ever seen. the only reason i didn't stop it after the baked beans scene was because of the soundtrack. THE WHO and Pete towndstead are AMAZING, but the direction was horrific. i honestly felt bad for jack nickolson oliver reed and any other cast member. Ken Russel butchered what could have been an amazing movie. i had to watch like 3 jewison film after seeing this to convince myself that film wasn't a curse on the earth. i wish tht this film could be remade with a director who actually knew what he was doing
THAT IS ALL
28 Um... what did I just see?
I love The Who album "Tommy." The countless hours I've spent listening to it have been great. Then I rented the movie one night since I heard it was so good. I couldn't be any more wrong.
Some performances were great, like Roger Daltry and Elton John, but others are just horrible. Like.... oh pretty much everyone else in this movie.
Then, at the very end, I'm not quite sure what happened. I had to rewind it and watch it one more time to see if maybe it'd make more sense if I saw it a second time. But no.
Too many new songs, all a little flat or melodramatic. And none have the same brilliance that the original songs have. Too much weird stuff. Too many bad performances. The movie's too long, too. It's all so much to take in that the greatness that is the album is completely lost. Waste of your time.
29 GOOD AND BAD
Tommy has some good and bad qualities in it.....Roger Daultry, Tina Turner, Kieth Moon, and ESPECIALLY Elton John offered wonderful musical performances. However, Ann-Margaret and Oliver Reed were so bad and have no talent. Both of those casting decisions were dreadful...The music was good (can not compare to the original album) but is tolerable. The visuals are confusing and you become even more confused trying to make sense out of it....I give the movie 3 stars ONE for Elton John and ONE for Roger Daultry and ONE for Tina Turner and Kieth Moon...You have to be a cult follower of Tommy to really enjoy it
30 It just goes on too long
TOMMY is one weird movie. But it is watchable ... for awhile ... then it just gets so stupid. What is the point of it all? It bombed at the movies, but got some exposure through a quite acceptable soundtrack - which featured the awesome "Pinball wizard" by Elton John.
Overall, Pete Townsend spoilt the original idea of Tommy by doing this movie. If you must see it, just watch the Tina Turner scene.
31 horriable
this movie is nothing at all like the real tommy. it doesnt give the true aim of the who and they latter on refuse 2 endorse the movie as they previousaly did because it did not convey the message they were conveying. the broadway rock opera is amzing and remians my favorite show, even after viewing it numerous times and being on staff as the sound designer for it. so save the money from buyign this dvd of the movie and see it live and in it's true beauty
32 Wow...
I saw this movie because I really like the Who, and the Tommy album... let's just say that this movie... SUCKED!!! it was horrible... none of it made any sense... (one second i have to go throw up) ... ... ... ... I will never see anything that is this bad again! it was just... BAD!! I don't reccomend this to anyone. The music was bad as well... it just wasn't well done at all... i don't think that anyone should have to sit through this horrible waste of time again.
33 What About Ann Margaret?
Long a personal favourite of mine, from the minute my brother brought home the soundtrack back in 1975 I knew TOMMY was something new, different & very special. The film fulfilled every expectation .I always find it interesting to read what people think of films I hold close to my heart & in all the reviews on site I found the most important thing about this film only vaguely referred to. And that is of course regarding the star of the film. Ann Margaret's spellbinding Oscar-nominated performance as Tommy's long-suffering mother who sings her way from rags to riches viciously chewing the scenery all the way. Over the top? Most definitely! But her performance is only in keeping with the tone & style of this bizarre, cruel, spectacular rock odyssey. Roger Daltrey(singing & looking like an angel here)is adequate as a modern day prophet of sorts but thankfully Tina Turner & Elton John are on hand to help fill up the screen until Ann Margaret returns in Act 3 to blow everybody off the screen with the now infamous baked beans sequence. Louise Fletcher had nothing on this performance....BRAVO!!!!!
34 The Who's Tommy is really terrific.
Even though I do not believe Tommy is a pinball god or the new meissiah I still enjoyed this film. First time I saw this I knew only three cast members Oliver Reed, Anne-Margret, and Elton John nobody else. First time I saw this movie I was tapping my foot by the time I heard Acid Queen say goodbye chair and hello dancing. Pros and Cons then followed by the Syponsis and a summary
PROS
1. * Oliver Reed! Oliver Reed! Oliver Reed! Sorry, he's too good-looking.
2. Music! Need I say more? This is a rock opera right?
3. Story. God rest this poor man who spent half his lifetime writing this rock-opera I am surpised his hand didn't fall off.
4. Make-up. I am just naming the special effect make-up that I extremley grew fond of Sally Simpson the girl who got that scar and according to the song took twelve stiches just to mend it. She really looked like she had to get stiches on her cheek. They weren't real, right?
5. Art Design a.k.a Special Effects. SMASH! LIGHT! ACTION, BABY!!!
Cons
1. Bootism
Syponsis
This story focuses on Tommy a boy borned into this world like any other child (Captian Walker, It's A boy!) problem was he became blind the deafness did not pick up quite yet. He was taken to a campsite (Bernie's Holiday Camp) as Frank Hobbs was lifting the kids off the bus he grew paticulary fond of 4-year-old Tommy and then we he saw Nora he immeatidtely became attracted to her and grew attached to Tommy and Tommy dreamed of owning the Holiday Camp DIASTER STRUCK! Seven years old Tommy happily resting in bed now deaf and blind in Frank and Nora's bedroom they were singing to each other over commitment (1921) the only thing Tommy could see was dark shadows so he slowly crept into his parent's bedroom Frank knew right away that Tommy heard it and saw it (What About The Boy?) Nora and Frank spefically told Tommy he didn't hear it, he see it and he won't tell no one about it. The rest of the story is simple they worship the ground he walks on, he can play a good game of pinball and he regains his sight and hearing.
Bottom Line: Great Music! Terrific Cast! This isn't just a foundation it's just a few great things in this musical. Buy it, rent it do anything to see it and give it a chance.
35 "Tommy!" Can you hear me?!! This is a GREAT movie!
In my honest opinion this is either a love/hate movie like the movie Natural Born Killers. (i'm not comparing Tommy to NBK in a movie sense) If you love art, music, uniqueness, style, then you'll love "Tommy." Being a rock-opera it took me by surprise that there was no lyrics. But that MAKES Tommy. It makes it the best rock-opera out there and one of my all time favorite movies.
Pete Townshend of The Who's lyrics are certainly amazing. You must buy the "Tommy" album (different then the soundtrack since The Who sing on the album and various artists on the soundtrack with added songs) if you haven't already. You get sucked in "Tommy's" world and "sees" things from his point of view and others. its hard to explain but once you listen to it, you'll love it. Like Cameron Crowe wrote about the album "Tommy" for the movie "Almost Famous":
"Listen to 'Tommy' with a candle burning
and you will see your entire future..."
Roger daltrey as Tommy in the movie was brillant as the deaf, dumb blind boy. Plus the fact that he's very attractive (and he's curly hair, really makes Tommy) adds to his character. He really played a very convincing blind man. One of my all time favorite moments of the movie is when he sings "Free Me." I won't tell you why (it might give some info away) but it will really move you (hopefully). All the songs he sings are wonderful lyrically and musically, and he sings them beautifully. Highlights of Roger's include: "Welcome", and off course, "See Me, Feel Me/Listening to you."
Tina Turner off course is a marvelous singer and though her facial expressions can be "out there" at times she still is perfect as the Acid Queen (David Bowie would have been great too!)
Many people either love or really hate Ann-Margaret, Jack Nicholson and Oliver Reed sing. Ann-Margaret is a really good singer though sometimes she sings way too overpowering!! and to high! You get past that with her oscar nominated performance and overall good singing. Jack Nicholson: yes, i must admit he is not a singer. Sure he sings flat at times but its really great to see him try to sing. Its enjoyable and i believe plesant to hear him sing. Plus off course as an actor he is brillant (one of my FAVORITE scenes in "Tommy" is when Oliver reed's character offers Jack's character a cigar and Jack does the best face mouthing "no." I really like Oliver Reed's voice for some reason. I could see how you could think he was a bad singer because like Jack he can be flat (not that i'm a musican-i believe musicans should only really make a bad opinion on someone singing because they can be tech. about it)at times. But he is a great actor and he can sing (just not as well as roger lets say) but he is good and enjoyable to listen too.
My favorite scene is Elton John as the pinball wizard with very, very high shoes on! Plus he sings the best song in the movie: Pinball Wizard. The rest of the cast is also wonderful and people play there characters sooo well.
Roger daltrey, the who, tina turner, elton john, eric clapton, ann-margaret, jack nichlson....all these famous people in ONE movie-where they all sing! What's not to love?!
36 Pretty good Rock Film
This classic rock oprea made in 1969 turns into a film in 1975. Great cast in this film such as Eric Clappton, Elton John, Tina Turner, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, and a short scene of Arthur Brown(Had hit "Fire"). The songs are great but the song "1921" is "1951". This film starts with it's romatic begining to it's bloody end. Tommy is a classic rock film a will be forever.
37 Tommy...
This is one of the rock operas EVER. The songs are lyricly wonderful but ANN MARGERT SINGING ROCK IS JUST EVIL!!!!!THERE ARE ONLY 3 GOOD SONGS ON IT IM FREE,ACID QUEEN,AND PINBALL WIZARD. ELTON JOHN'S CHARACTER WAS WEIRD I THOUGHT HIS DAD DIED IN A WAR INA PLANE!THEN HOW COME I SAW BERNIE HIT HIM WITH A LAMP KILLING HIM. AND ALSO THEY NEVER STOP SINGING! EVER!!!!!
INSTEAD OF BUYING THIS...DROP [$$] ON THE WHO'S GREATEST HITS OR PINK FLOYD THE WALL
38 Tommy is dated!!
I recently purchased "Tommy" the movie and had some friends over to watch it....wow....was this movie dated....it was a lot better in the 70's when we were all stoned out of our minds....sitting thru the movie was like sitting thru a dentist visit, although we all had a good laugh watching the over acting of Ann Margaret....and Oliver Reed....during the song "I'm Free" (which by the way is the most rocking song in the movie) Roger Daltry is running on air and on fake water and stuff which is really bad....perhaps we should have gotten stoned first....like the good old days!!
39 How could you not love it?
Tommy is, by far, one of my favorite 70's films - next to 'Rocky Horror' and 'Clockwork Orange'. Yes, it is big and loud and bizzarre but what did you expect from one of the first 'rock operas'?
Tommy is a nice satire about money and it's various corruptions - a mute and deaf boy who becomes a wizard at pinball and later has his image used to build a large palace/amusement park of sorts. We view the masses reaching for him and demanding he take them to the heights HE'S reached.
It's all about immediate gratification, you know.
40 LOVE THIS MOVIE!
I'm a huge fan of this movie!! I remember when it was in the theatres and my parents said i was too young to see it back then. My brother saw the movie and bought the soundtrack on vinyl LP record, and we wore it out so much that when i was old enough to finally rent it on video i knew all the words to the entire movie. I've loved this movie from day one. I'm a huge fan of Ken Russel because he's so over-the-top and does everything in a big way. Every scene is so overdone and grandiose. The movie is a visual treat for the eyes, full of intense colors and creative sets. It's like watching some kind of cinematic drug trip. Some people were so upset over the Marilyn Monroe scene, saying that it makes fun of the catholic church, but it's easy to see it's a parody on how cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe have been raised up today to almost religious proportions and that many people see her as a goddess of sorts who has healing powers. The movie is full of great musical numbers. Tina Turner is amazing, as is Elton John as the Pinball Wizard. Even seeing Jack Nicholson sing is interesting. Ann Margaret as Tommy's mother is absolutely gorgeous, and i even think she was either nominated for an academy award or else won it for her role. Every scene she is in is mesmerizing and great to watch. My only beef with the movie is that it tends to fall apart in the second half after the adult Tommy gets pushed through the mirror, and the subsequent scenes lack the punch and flash of the first half of the movie. One thing i'll say about Tommy: i guarantee you'll never forget the scene with Ann Margaret and the exploding television set, and her rolling around in soapsuds and beans and chocolate. This movie is one i could watch again and again, especially the first hour.
41 THIS IS THE MOST BIZARRE FILM EVER PRODUCED!
THIS IS THE MOST BIZARRE FILM EVER PRODUCED, EVEN MORE BIZZARE THAN THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!!! I cannot recommend this movie as being a "classic": its bizarre plot (a deaf, mute and dumb blond man who is miraculously healed and then worshipped at a type of messiah) is the MOST BIZARRE thing I've ever seen on the screen! You won't believe the "Marilyn Monroe" worship temple scene: instead of a communion wafer and wine, they are given drugs (pills) and whisky by Marilyn Monroe look-alikes! The main character's parents are brutally murdered at the end of the movie, and the whole movie makes very little sense; even more bizzare than the other 2 rock operas of the 1970s: Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Jesus Christ Superstar. The scene with the woman swimming in beans is truly disgusting! A waste of film!
42 Garbage
Ok let me say that Daultry himself, Elton John, and Tina Turner did amazing jobs (that's why I gave this film 2 stars instead of one) but every other part of this movie was pure garbage. This movie bears little resemblance to the Who's amazing rock album or the equally amazing stage version. It's an ugly, psycodelic excuse for a movie. The sogs are rearranged and destroyed, the cast (except those mentoned above) are horrible and have little or no singing abiities. I'm all for artistic creativity, but so many of the visuals in this adapttion make no sense (expect maybe if you're smoking something you shouldn't be) Some adapttions are so bad they're funny and worth a view just for a laugh, but that's not the case here. If you're curious and have money to waste, go ahead and buy this video, but I would recommend you use your money for the original album by the Who or the Original Broadway Cast Recording.
43 15 Year Old Girl
ROGER DALTRY IS HOT
WATCH THE MOVIE FOR ALL THE SHIRTLESS SCENES.
TEN BILLION STARS
beware uncle erinie.
AWESOME MUSIC!
BUT THE BEST PART IS ROGER DALTRY, who was the hottest man on earth at the time that this was filmed.
44 One of the best films ever
There is no defending this film - it is garish, over-the-top, bombastick, vulgar, 'orrible, awful... but what a cinematic xperience. I love this film... ranks up there with "Touch of Evil" and anything Godard did.. WATCH IT!!!!!!
45 Tommy Is The Greatest!
I have to say that the best parts of Tommy have to be the songs. I just saw this dvd recently and I was interested how the whole movie was all singing, and no talking. I had never seen anything like it before. It just goes from one good song to the next. And you can't miss Elton John as the Pinball Wizard. Also included in Tommy are Tina Turner as the Acid Queen, Eric Clapton as the Preacher, and Jack Nicholson as the Specialist. I think that Roger Daltrey does a great performance as Tommy as well. Overall, Tommy has to be five stars. Buy it today and you'll want to watch it over and over again.
46 Garish, ugly, over the top, blasphemous
First of all, let me say that I love the music "Tommy". It is this film that annoys the heck out of me. If you just see it as a series of visually garish music videos, it will do. But Ken Russell is just too, too much. His best film, "The Devils" came dangerously close to being gratuitously garish but the usual Russell "Let's throw so much at the audience that they puke" fit the subject of that one. Here, it looks like Russell wanted to outdo Fellini. The only problem is that Fellini had excellent taste. Russell has none. Top crimes against good taste: Ann-Margaret swimming in a flood of franks-n-beans, a church that mocks christianity where Marilyn Monroe look alikes serve booze and pills instead of the Eucharist, Oliver Reed, obese beyond all imagination, in a swim suit, Keith Moon as a child molester. A pretty ugly film once you get over the inital visual novelties (Elton John in 15 foot heels). A must for Who fans and "Tommy" fans but everyone else may just yawn.
47 Absolute Must for Serious Who Fans
Ken Russell's masterpiece - plain and simple. This movie helps viewers understand the storyline of the original album by adding to it somewhat. The cinematography is great and Ann Margaret's portrayal of Mrs. Walker is brilliant. Roger Daltrey is also great as the adult Tommy, which is captivating for heavy-duty Who followers. Fans of 70's rock in general will also benefit from seeing such stars as Elton John and Eric Clapton in their short but enjoyable roles. The DVD version is magnificent visually and the soundtrack (rerecorded songs) offers interesting arrangements and lyric alternatives. I couldn't stop watching it for a long time.
48 I was Disappointed
I was really looking forward to this because I love the album
it is based on. There are some very good songs, like "Pinball
Wizard" being performed by Elton John and Tina Turner doing
"Gypsy Acid Queen". There are also some very interesting
scenes, like Ann Margret humping a giant hot dog shaped pillow
while she wallows in tons of backed beans! But overall, the
score is quite anemic, being mostly synthesizers. The overall
sound is pretty weak also. The original album is much more
engaging than this dvd.
49 Satanic
The worst time of my life, so far, has been spent watching "Tommy." It is the scariest movie in the world. It's extremely freaky and twisted. Not only is it creepy, but I also hate the scene of The Hawker (Eyesight to the Blind) in which Tommy (as a young adult) and his parents attend a ghoulish ceremony that is an obvious parody and mockery of a Catholic Mass. The congregation worships a statue of Marilyn Monroe. That is extremely NOT FUNNY. There are a few other scenes that make fun of Jesus and the Crucifix. I turned it off immediately after I saw that.
The rest of what I saw was also quite demented and freakish. The "Cousin Kevin" scene is a little too detailed, and the Acid Queen is a true nightmare. How anyone can give this more than one star I honestly don't know. The only reason I gave it one star is because that's the least your allowed to. I easily would have given it zero if that were an option. And I know a lot of people are going to vote it "unhelpful" because they think it's a great movie and they're trying to get back at me for it, but they're wrong. This film is sacrilegious, sinful, blasphemous, and ungodly.
"Tommy" is truly evil.
50 Not Bad
I just recently bought this DVD (ironically?) the day after the death of Entwistle. It's pretty good. You get to see the idea of the album and can possibly appreciate it even more. I give it a 3 because I feel that some parts of the movie were very over-acted. It's a lot sillier than what I had expected, but I think that they were doing this so everyone could enjoy it. They took a serious plot and made some elements of it kinda funny to watch (like Tina Turner on acid...). All in all, it's not bad, it's not great, but it's not bad. If you enjoyed the Beatles' movies, (Help!, A Hard Days Night, and Yellow Submarine) then you'll love this.
51 not as bad as some say....
Contrary to popular belief, The Who really was/is a great band. And yes, they WERE unique...not just like other Brit bands. Pete Townshend shows his creativity and talent in the writing of Tommy. I think it is a good story- a bit disturbing at times-but that just adds to its effectiveness. With performances like some in Tommy,(Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton) I really don't see how someone could strongly dislike it.
52 Ann-Margret in a Rock Opera? I guess so!
A visually spectacular and colorful adaptation of The Who's 'rock opera,' Tommy features an all-star cast including some of the greatest names and performances in rock music and a score written by Pete Townshend that was released six years prior to the film's release.
he story is about a young boy named Tommy (Roger Daltrey) who sees his father (Robert Powell) killed by his stepfather (Oliver Reed) while Tommy's mother (Ann-Margret) watches in shock. After the incident, Tommy's mother and stepfather tell him in song, "You Didn't See Anything, You Didn't Hear Anything." Traumatized by witnessing this horrendous deed, he becomes psychologically blind and deaf i.e. His brain won't let him see or hear. In the course of growing up, he proceeded to become a "Pinball Wizard" of the world and had a strong following of admirers. During this time, he endured years of manipulation and abuse by his family. Eventually Tommy breaks "free" of his world of silence and darkness and becomes aware of the world around him, his mental capacity has only evolved to that of a child. At the end of the movie, Tommy's followers finally realize that they have been brainwashed by him.
'Tommy' opened with critical acclaim from virtually everyone who saw the film. The film, costing three and a half million dollars, was produced by Robert Stigwood (of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Grease' fame) who took a backseat in the publicity of the film to director Ken Russell (of 'The Boyfriend' and 'Lisztomania' fame). Russell was commended for bringing the rock opera to life by using spectacular visuals and special effects to enhance the re-recorded soundtrack. "Technically the film is astounding...Russell has fused a kaleidoscope of images that pulsate with the incredible precision of a rock drumbeat in visual counterpoint to the music." (Newsweek March 24, 1975) This is the first of two reasons for the film's appeal. The second is the fact that the film used popular rock stars in cameo appearances to attract the 20-24 year old audience, who already had an awareness of the rock opera in its original form. Those who were not aware of it were wooed via promotions on the radio using the rock stars names such as Elton John, who was at the peak of his success. The rock stars had produced more interest in the film than the already established stars such as Ann-Margret and Oliver Reed, but by using these stars it gave "...the project more legitimacy among movie fans without dulling anticipation amount rock purists significantly..." (Variety February 26, 1975)
The film utilized the two different parts of the entertainment world, rock music and established film stars and used their talents to the fullest making the film appealing to the older audience as well as the younger one.
After reading various glowing, positive reviews and watching "Tommy" I found myself neither liking nor disliking it. By using songs and no spoken dialogue is a most effective and creative way to tell a story. The characters must express in song feelings of joy ('It's a Boy'), the covering up of a crime ("You Didn't Hear It'), joyous holidays and the sadness of Tommy's problem ('Christmas'), the evilness of relatives ('Cousin Kevin' and 'Fiddle About'), a story about one of Tommy's fans ('Sally Simpson'), Tommy breaking out of his world of silence and darkness ('I'm Free'), and the realization of being brainwashed ('We're Not Gonna Take It'). The film also contained great renditions of The Who's songs such as Eric Clapton as the Preacher ('Eyesight to the Blind'), Tina Turner ('The Acid Queen'), Elton John ('Pinball Wizard') and Jack Nicholson as the doctor ('Go To the Mirror Boy'). The use of special effects and colorful visuals helped to relay the story to the audience who only had envisioned it while listening to the original record by The Who.
The one fault I found with this movie was the use of Ann-Margret. She does not fit into this rock-opera or any rock opera for that matter. Her vocal ability does not permit her to sing these songs and consequently she screams them out, for example "Do I Smash the Mirror?" Her voice is very soft and sings some of the other songs without feeling like "Christmas" and "Tommy Can You Hear Me?" Ann-Margret's voice "...works better after you've seen the film and have an image to associate with the sounds." (The New York Times March 21, 1975). After viewing this film several times, it is still difficult for me to associate her with The Who's music and I feel someone else should have been chosen for the part.
**cdk
53 You have to be a Who fan...
The story was kind of funny.
54 There Is no Movie that is worse
Seeing as how I cannot give Tommy zero stars, I will explain why Tommy, the so called "Concept Album" and "the Who" belong in a dumpster full of fire and nasty pointy sticks. First of all, the Who are not even a good band. They simply rode the coatails of success from other FAR BETTER british bands like the Stones and Pink Floyd. Secondly, this movie is garbage. Thea acting and editing are awful, and the story likewise. As for the so called "concept album" that is tommy, Its not a concept album because it has nothing new. To be a concept album you have to intruduce a NEW concept. Tommy just borrows from other better bands. If you want a real concept album, buy Dark Side of the Moon, by pink Floyd. Not, i repeat Not the Wall.
55 Strange but Good
I first saw this movie on tv, and I wanted to see it 'cause it was written by the Who's Pete Townshend, at first I didn't like it and didn't understand it, but after I knew what was the movie about (religion) I was impressed, the only performances I can stand are Eric Clapton and Elton John, the others are bad, especially Tina Turner's part.
But the movie is great, and Ann-Margaret is HOT! I love her on that movie(she was nominated for an oscar for Tommy).
Buy it if you have the money, rent it if you're not sure.
56 Symbolism and Ingenious Music Make This An Enduring Hit
There are some artworks throughout the course of history that can scarcely be evaluated as either good or bad, because they are so unique... they are so THEMSELVES that they can't be compared to anything else. Such is TOMMY. Of all the incarnations of the TOMMY story (I can think of four now: the original concept album, a preliminary stage adaptation which featured Ringo Starr among others, this Ken Russell film, and the latest stage musical) this movie is by far my favorite. Why? The calibre of the session musicians playing on it is best of all-- sorry kids, but the original WHO version could sometimes sound a little effeminate, even though I know they wrote the bloody piece.
(Just listen to the late Nicky Hopkins' killer analog synth work throughout this movie soundtrack!!) And like everyone else, I was, and remain still, blown away by Ann-Margret's stunning performance as Tommy's mother; to align herself with such a daring, countercultural piece was a risky move for an actress d'un certain ‰ge. Had TOMMY failed, it might have proved a damaging blow to her career. But she went for it and pulled it off. (Many kids of the 70's-- like me-- had never seen her in her earlier incarnation as Elvis's wholesome beach party sex kitten, so we didn't have any problem with her in this role, though.) Besides whatever message TOMMY has to impart about religion or fame, etc., I felt it provided an interesting glimpse into Postwar England... with its Butlin's Holiday Camps, scarlet-red memorial poppies, leopard-skin pillbox hats, etc.
Oh, and a note to the person who felt that Capt. Walker's descent into flames looked cheezy: director Russell was obviously creating a mise-en-sc¸ne designed to allude to one of Roy Liechtenstein's pop-art "BLAM!" paintings. (He also alludes repeatedly to Warhol's Marilyn during the "Eyesight To The Blind" sequence. Rather high-minded touches, I thought.)
For me, it's the music that has endured most from this film... it moves me as much at age 38 as it did when I was 12 years old in 1975!
57 Tommy, The Movie: More than meets the eye
How you relate to this movie will vary, more than most movies, on your own context. If you are one who makes a habbit of not thinking too deeply, you will find this movie wierd but visually and musically stimulating, and you won't derive much meaning. I saw it's original release as I was entering adolescence and I instantly related to young Tommy, feeling isolated and surrounded by ignorance and unkindness that would take quite a few more years to comprehend and move beyond. I also found the symbolism of the white sphere (the ever illusive "truth" that by the end of your teens becomes so important to find) brilliant and powerful, as was the linking of this symbol to Tommy's father at the beginning, at the junk yard, and at the end (which returns to the beginning in a way that reassures a teen or anyone else, that there is an ultimate light and truth worth following - I challenge you to find many movies in the past decade that haven't tried to lead you to the exact opposite conclusion). Listening to You is an anthem of hope, idealism, romantacism and individualism, which leaves wide open the choice of what you "listen to". The Movie is brilliant with minor flaws (at least to my forgivingly biased eyes); my next favorite song is Amazing Journey because it sums up the movie's premise and underlying theme powerfully with meaning. Townshend wrote a brilliant score and Russell created a thoroughly entertaining, inspiring and often humorous movie musical that in many ways epitomizes what it means to be that young idealist trying to survive the "Amazing Journey". This DVD version is restored to its original ground breaking 5 channel perfection and then some. Too bad noone could have included a "making of" feature noting the array of stars involved and interesting site location in the English southern coastal town of Portsmouth, but that is a very small criticism.
58 The best bad movie ever made
Tommy is a spectacle. Don't watch it for narrative or music or movie-making or even entertainment. Watch it like a hallucination. Part of it is like a fireworks show of brilliant color and images (e.g., Tina Turner as the Acid Queen). Part of it like a gifted artist having a psychotic break from good taste (e.g., Ken Russell's direction of the baked-beans-and-bed-bolster scene). I've seen it six times, and I enjoy it more each time. But each time, there are scenes that are so bad that I just laugh out loud and wonder how in the world did this movie get made? See it. You won't believe me unless you do.
59 Tommy
This movie is dated. It does not stand up to the test of time.
60 Tommy: The Movie
This movie is a must-see for anyone into music. After hearing lots of critisism of it's style, I have to say that it only adds to the nature of the movie. However, if you haven't seen it before, be ready for two scenes that are definately eye-popping: 1...Tina Turner injects drugs into Tommy and locks him in a metal costume wehere he turns ito a skeleton crawling with snakes and one nasty-looking cobra; 2...Ann-Margret goes insane and smashes the TV screen, and beans being advertised squirt out of the broken set and she rolls around in them. Both are shocking and funny at the same time. Watch for other such moments.
61 Very few saving graces...
The original double LP of "Tommy" by The Who blew me away! It was the first real rock album I'd ever listened to and it changed my life! When the film came out, I was one of the first in line to see it - boy, what a disappointment!! I agree, a film version of a rock and roll opera needs to be outrageous - but at what price? The music was absolutely butchered for this movie! Oliver Reed and Jack Nicholson singing? Please - pass me the earplugs! Tina Turner and Elton John stand out as the two saving graces of this movie - their performances and singing electrify! And I must credit Ann Margret for her nerve in rolling around in baked beans and chocolate (that scene is endlessly watchable). But director Ken Russell really should have preserved the integrity of the story by putting the music first - get some actors who can sing! There are a handful of scenes that work ("Cousin Kevin", "Acid Queen", "Sally Simpson", "Pinball Wizard"), but the rest should be dumped in the garbage! Anyone who has only seen this film version of 'Tommy' should buy the original rock opera to find out what an 'amazing journey' it was meant to be!
62 Odd, but enjoyable.
This movie/rock opera seemed very strange the first time I saw it a few years ago. It still seems a bit out of the norm to me, although that's not neccesarily a bad thing. Some of the scenes have no poinin the seemed to t, while the one right after it hit on the "whoah, cool!" factor. That and several of the songs from this movie get stuck in my head so easily. (Pinball wizard, for one.)
If you like movies that aren't what most people call normal or just want to try something new, get "Tommy."
63 Best Bad Movie Ever
This movie is the greatest movie ever made. In the most liberal of senses, of course. This movie is wretched. In that kind of "ow- my head hurts!" kind of way... oh, but dear lord, is it fascinating. I could watch it every day. I love Tommy for all its flaws. Tommy!
64 Tommy the Best and First real Music Video!
Wow this is a must for all DVD collections. When I got my first DVD player there were three DVD's that I had to have to start my collection (Tommy The Movie, Pink Floyd The Wall, and Animal House) Tommy the Movie when it first came out in theaters was recieved with mixed reviews because at that time it was considered a cult film and it was "Rock and Roll". This movie is the first and best rock video. The performances of Elton John, Eric Clapton, The Who, Tina Turner and Ann Margret were unforgetable! And how can you forget Uncle Ernie as he fiddles about.To view this movie today does it no justice for how much this movie was rejected because of its sex, drugs, and rock and roll theme. I think every colloection should have this DVD in it not only to review the movie but to just listen to the music! Watch the movie and see if you don't want to go to the nearest arcade and play pinball. Break out those ski hats with the big silver ball on top and relive those yester years this movie knows how to make you rock!
65 Maniacle
The Who's epic rock opera is brought to life in complete sight and sound for the first time in this 1975 Ken Russel Film. And it is amazing. the first time I saw it my emotions and opinions were torn apart. I have seen it several times since then and each time it get's better. The film works as both a steady storyline and a sort of anthology of events in Tommy's life. It strays from the original album in a few ways but most of the lyrics are intact. Anne Margaret's voice is perfect for her character, Tommy's mother, however, like Oliver Reed's character of the father, it also strays a bit from the original. This does not impair the film at all however, Tommy is still a camp as Hell parady of everything in modern society from organized and independant relion to. . . Pinball. And yes, I am the biggest Tommy fan alive, I own all six versions of the opera.
66 25 years and better than ever!
As the five-star rating would indicate, I've loved TOMMY sincethe day it opened (and yes, I was there for its premiere). I've alsopurchased the movie in just about every incarnation that have been released: videotape, laserdisc, and now DVD.
What's most exciting about the DVD version -- and something which doesn't seem to have been mentioned in other Amazon reviews -- is that the soundtrack to the film has been completely restored. "Quintaphonic sound" may sound a little silly and may not even mean much in this age of digital sound, but TOMMY was the movie that saw the rebirth of multi-channel audio (most films of the late 60s and early 70s were either mono or 2-channel stereo). The enhanced 5-channel discrete sound was a perfect extension of Ken Russell's audacious visuals. The tag line to the movie was "Your senses will never be the same," and it perfectly described both the visual AND aural assault on audience members.
Well, this DVD is the first (and only) format to feature the complete "Quintaphonic" soundtrack. If you have a Dolby Digital decoder, you're going to hear the movie in a way that wasn't even possible back in 1975! All of the vocals are locked dead center while the score itself blasts out of the remaining four speakers. And there's absolutely no distortion, even when you jack the volume up (which you should, since it was intended to be heard that way). It's a wonderful - and quite unexpected - thrill to hear the movie this way. Previous editions had absolutely terrible audio tracks that were poorly mixed down from the originals. The result -- even on the laserdisc -- was a muddy mess. Not so with this DVD edition, which includes a written essay insert explaining the soundtrack's restoration.
The picture quality is also outstanding. One key moment: during the blackout section of "Fiddle About" the screen is absolutely dark -- not a speck can be seen, proof that this film was carefully transferred from a pristine source print!
This is an incredible film presented on an incredible DVD. If your home system isn't yet able to decode the Dolby Digital soundtrack, do yourself a favor and get a decoder at the same time you buy this disc. You won't be sorry.
I'd warn the neighbors first, though!
67 The Amazing Journey
Beautifully filmed, unique conception, brilliant use of symbolism, and over the top performances. The only true downside to this is the certain slumps in the story that I feel the Broadway show improved on. Primarily, the fact that the ending in the movie differs from the play same as the "You didn't Hear it, You didn't see it scene." But I refuse to make comparisons. So. What I'll say is that Ann-Margret's voice fit this musical like a glove. Oliver Reed was purely sinister and just as scary as he was in "Oliver!" Tina Turner's "Acid Queen" Is truly a milestone and Elton John was hilarious as Pinball Wizard. Daltrey had an interesting touch with the Title role. And the orchestrations were great. I just bought this one a few days ago and I've watched it 6 times already. This is definitely a good buy. Don't believe me? Then watch strictly for the sake of watching AND listening to Jack Nicholson try to sing (It's just as funny as Marlon Brando flat singing voice in Guys and Dolls.) But if you're a devoted "Who" fan, or a musical lover I recommend this movie.
68 Preety Good
I had just seen the play and loved it so i wanted to see the movie. I wasn't as impressed with the movie. I was also surprised when the cast in the play I had seen had better voices then the movie. I thought it was cool how the movie was made in that freaky kind of way that music videos are made. I also love Elton John's glasses, outfit,and Shoes. Elton did great but I didn't like his voice in it. Also the movie's songs are slower then the play's. And what is up with that ending. There where some diffrences from the play that i hated. Let me know what you think of my review e-mail me at Merl1111@aol.com
69 Tommy and Messianic Tradition in the 20th Century 2
I was told that my previous review was not detailed enough, so here is another try. Okay, the best part: Ann Margaret, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson singing? Ann has done some good work in the past, but in this production, all her numbers are forced and sound like they are poured through gravel and scotch, Almost an opera star tring to do Top 40. But she gives the best performance as a mother torn between love for her son and greed. Best halucination in a movie when her all white bedroom is filled with baked beans spewing out of the television set that she has just smashed with a bottle of Dom. Oliver Reed sounds the same, but as a successfull business man it works as camp in a big way. And camp? Jack Nicholson playing the doctor that may save Tommy (and seduce his mother) has not shown such honesty since Little Shop of Horrors (the original) or The Shining. Not a great voice, but the most interesting casting decision in a long time. Tina Turner,"The Acid Queen", trashy, sensuous, just perfect! Elton John, The Pinball Wizard, well the only single that I recall from the movie. Those glasses, those 27 inch platform shows. At least they didn't have to go beyond his closet for his costume. Sally Simpson is a young daughter of an Angican Minister and becomes smitten with Tommy to her parents dismay. This is the turning point in the film. From this scene on we must deal with our own ideas of belief, redemption, sacrifice, and atonement. Also watch for those great shots of Roger Daltry in wet white pant which happen more than you could wish for. Once more,other resources from this era: Jesus Christ Superstar, Kansas Greatest Hits, Godspell, Hair, Oh Calcutta.
70 Tommy and Messianic Tradition in the 20th Century
Tommy is born into affluence but must indure great hardship in his youth. Deaf, dumb and blind, he somehow masters the world of pinball. Greed and desperation on the part of his mother brings him to brake through the mirror that is his disability, and the realization that he is special beyond pinball. A cult grows around him starting with Sally Simpson ( and she is the first casualty). Unlike Christ, the disciples and apostles have only currency on their minds until they realize that the souveneirs and posters aren't enough to save them. Rather than be crucified, he is denounced but finds redemption in the denial of his followers. Great film. I would recomend also Jesus Christ Superstar and the CD Kansas Greatest Hits which when listened to in order seems to portray the life of Christ.
71 pure rock'n'roll magic!
This movie made me a fan of the Who when I was only ten years old (back in 1978). Roger Daltrey is the perfect Tommy (the broadway version with that moron playing Tommy is a total fiasco; awfull); Keith Moon is really frightening and at the same time, fun. Ann Margret is absolutelly great, and sings much better than most of broadway female singers: her voice is beautifull and powerfull. Actually, one of the best moments in the film is "mother and son" where she sings a dueto with Roger Daltrey. That song is so lyrical and the curious thing about it is that Pete Towshend wrote it only for the movie. That song was not in the original Tommy record. The final scene, where Daltrey sings "listening to you" at the top of the mountain and suddenly the sun comes out, is magical. I must have seen this movie about 200 times already and never get bored. This is the ultimate rock movie!
72 A lot to see
Anyone who sees Tommy has to place it in its time. It was made in the mid-1970s, by Ken Russell. Actually, much of the movie is innovative, and was in many ways ahead of its time. I think Ken Russell started the cheesy aspect after Capt. Walker crashes to show the descent Nora makes into suburbian sterility. Tommy's condition may have even been a comment on how stifling, artificial and restrictive that lifestyle is. He may have been implying that Tommy was better off with his fantasies than he would have been living in the present with Nora and ol' Uncle Frank. In any case, this is a must-see movie simply because there are many social references to it that seeing the movie will clarify. You've got to appreciate the music, and especially Elton John's performance. It was an extremely ambitious work that doesn't always succeed, but it is certainly watchable. Regardless of the fact that Ken Russell has been blamed for many of the movie's shortcomings, I think one must look at Robert Stigwood as producer. Yes, he was responsible for Saturday Night Fever and Grease, but also for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and for Grease 2. Need I say more?
73 listening to you, I get the music
I mainly bought this dvd because of the final track where Daltry is running up that mountain, with the Who's national anthem playing (listening to you, I get the music etc). I have many fond memories of them singing that song live. The movie itself I enjoyed. It's colourful and keeps you interested. There's not a dull moment. For a 1973 movie, it's still pretty good today; Ann-Margaret is georgeous in it. I also liked "I'm Free" and of course "Pinball Wizzard". If I was a non-Who fan, I would give it 7/10. As a Who fan I give it 9.
74 listening to you, I get the music
I mainly bought this dvd because of the final track where Daltry is running up that mountain, with the Who's national anthem playing (listening to you, I get the music etc). I have many fond memories of them singing that song live. The movie itself I enjoyed. It's colourful and keeps you interested. There's not a dull moment. For a 1973 movie, it's still pretty good today; Ann-Margaret is georgeous in it. I also liked "I'm Free" and of course "Pinball Wizzard". If I was a non-Who fan, I would give it 7/10. As a Who fan I give it 9.
75 great
When I first heard about this movie i thought it would be lame, but when i watched it, I thought that it was the best movie I've ever seen. It is a big trip movie that doesn't leave you the same when you get done watching it. I was in awe for hours. If I were Siskel and Ebert, I'd give it two thumbs up.
76 What is this film about?
I have to give this film kudos because it is really one of the first things that got me hooked on The Who. However, I must protest the music and singing in this film. Jack Nicholson? Already, this has "disaster" written all over it. Plus, to take all of that great Who music and synthesize it, well...that's just wrong. The Who shouldn't be heard that way. And then there's the plot...well, there is no plot. It was insane. If they were trying to clear up any confusion over the album, they failed miserably. This was just too weird. But then, I like weird. I just don't like incoherence. The best part of this film was Keith Moon as Uncle Ernie. Man, if that doesn't keep you awake at night, I don't know what will! See it at least once and then judge for yourself.
77 SCARY
This movie messed me up quite badly as a young 'un. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
78 This DVD rocks!
The 5.1 Dolby Digital remix enhances an already solid sountrack of toe tapping Who tunes. Nobody says a word in this movie because the music does the talking. The visuals are provacative and move the story right along. The pitfalls of commmercialism message applies today more than ever before.
79 A bit confusing... Just enjoy the music.
When I watched this movie the first time, I was lost. I didn't understand it, and when I don't understand things I get bored. If you're this sort of person, this movie is not for you. The music is good, but I'd really suggest you just go out and buy the Who album. I finally understood the plot (as well as one can) when I read through the lyrics that come with the cd.
80 A GOOD MOVIE
OVERALL THIS MOVIE IS PRETTY GOOD WHEN YOU ADD UP ALL THE PLUSES AND MINUSES. EVERYTHING IS GREAT UNTIL AFTER TOMMY IS FREE AND CAN HEAR AND SPEAK, THEN THE MOVIE KIND OF FIZZLES OUT, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT PARTS BEFORE HE SPEAKS THAT THE MOVIE IS STILL PRETTY COOL. SOME PEOPLE MIGHT NOT LIKE IT BECAUSE OF ITS WHOLE OVERBLOWN STYLE, BUT I RECOMEND ALL PEOPLE AT LEAST RENT IT. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE PARTS ARE: THE MARILYN MONROE CHURCH, WHEN TOMMY IS BEING TORTURED BY HIS COUSIN. ELTON JOHNS OUTFIT AND HUGE SHOES, WHEN ANN-MARGRET BUSTS THE TV, AND WHEN TOMMY FALLS THROUGH THE MIRROR. OVERALL I LIKE THIS MOVIE.
81 TINA KEEPS THIS MOVIE AFLOAT.
I love this movie about a blind, deaf, and mute boy who goes to a variety of people to help him get his sight, hearing, and voice back. Great performances by Elton John and Ann Margert, but the best performance of them all is Tina Turners show stopping performance of Acid Queen.
82 That deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball !!
Being a big WHO fan I was eagerely awaiting the release of TOMMY on DVD. I can honestly say it has been well worth the wait. The sound quality is superb,the picture sharp and the subtitles add to the viewing experience. So break out your air guitars, kick out the cat, crank up the volume and get ready to rock. This one is a must for everyone especially WHO fans new and old !!!!!!
83 The Who's "Tommy" Rocks!
Ken Russell's brilliant, kaleidoscopic screen adaptation of The Who's rock opera Tommy. Roger Daltrey is Tommy, Ann Margret plays his tortured mother, Oliver Reed as her seedy lover, Jack Nicholson (singing!) is the Doctor, Tina Turner vamps it up as The Acid Queen, Elton John (a camp) Pinball Wizard, Eric Clapton as the Preacher....what a stellar cast alone! The music is timeless, the visuals (still as powerful now as in the 70s) are mind-blowing.... especially the now classic chocolate and baked beans scene. Turn down the lights, crank up the surround sound and be pleasantly blown away by one of the great movie musicals of the 70s. Enjoy the trip!
84 It's about time too!
What a visiual treat this movie is. Everything is done to excess. Tommy is garish, loud and very well acted. The Baked bean scene does it for me every time.......good on ya Ann-Margret for having the balls to do it!
