Six String Samurai - Post-apocalyptic rock n' roll!
There are tons of great movies about music spanning across the ages. Here are five you should check out. If you don't see one you know and love listed here you've got two options. A) You can wait for the next installment when I'll list some more great choices or B) You can leave a comment listing your favorite film for inclusion in a future edition.
1. Six String Samurai - An independent film featuring beautiful cinematography and a very quirky storyline. Set in an alternate version of history, the film depicts an America where Russians launched nuclear warheads in 1957, reducing most of America to a desert. The only form of government that prevails is found in the kingdom of Elvis, who rules his dominion out in Lost Vegas. Unfortunately, Elvis has passed away, and now every musician in the land is travelling to Lost Vegas in an attempt to win the title of the King of Rock n' Roll. The winner will need more than musical ability as musicians pick each other off one by one on the way to Lost Vegas. The film follows the travels of Buddy, a guy who looks just like Buddy Holly, swings a mean samurai sword and plays an even meaner guitar. The film is a fun, surreal romp with a cameo by the Red Elvises and plenty of musical references.
If you were wondering, yes John Cusack stars.
2. High Fidelity - This comedy is often described as a film about a man who suffers from the trials and tribulations we all encounter such as wanting to fall in love, hating his job, and being afraid of commitment. But, more than being about the typical day-to-day issues we all face, this film is about characters who use music to cope and remember the good and bad moments in their lives. The importance of mix tapes and creating the perfect mixed tape is discussed at length. In addition, this film is a must-see for fans of Jack Black, who plays a hilariously obnoxious music snob.
3. Moulin Rouge - Baz Luhrmann pulls out all the stops, making Moulin Rouge into a non-stop spectacle of color and music. Moulin Rouge draws heavily on the best elements of Bollywood film and the most classic pop songs by Western musicians. With remixes of numbers by David Bowie, Elton John, Nat King Cole, Madonna, Queen, Nirvana, Labelle, Carol Channing, and many more, this is one musical you'll have a lot of fun watching. At the very least, you'll get a kick out of trying to identify all the artists who popularized some of the songs you'll hear.
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Jeffrey Wright as the legendary Muddy Waters in Cadillac Records
4. Once - This Irish musical tells the story of two people, a Dublin busker and a young immigrant flower seller who make beautiful music together. The busker, played by Glen Hansard, starts to fall in love with the character referred to as 'The Girl' (played by Marketa Irglova). The story details the struggles of the two to create music and find the right relationships, even if it doesn't mean being with each other. This film is especially notable for the soundtrack, which is written entirely by Glen Hansard, of the popular Irish rock band "The Frames."
5. Cadillac Records - This film depicts the the wild and crazy ride that was sex, drugs, and rock & roll back in the 1950s. The story follows the creation of Chess Records, a record company founded by Leonard Chess in 1950 that quickly became renowned for featuring some of the most talented blues artists of all time. While the film takes liberties with the actual story of Chess Records, it's worth it because of what a fun ride the film is. It also features plenty of modern day super talents such as Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Beyonce Knowles (everyone's favorite pop diva...if she's not one of your favorites by now where have YOU been) as Etta James, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, and Mos Def (who actually got his start as an actor way before his musical career took off!) as Chuck Berry.
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