Still Crazy (1998)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Brian Gibson

Writers:

Dick Clement (written by) &
Ian La Frenais (written by)

Release Date:

22 January 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance | Music

Tagline:

They were "Strange Fruit". Some called them the greatest rock band of the '70s. They haven't played together for 20 years. No wonder they're worried about their performance.

Plot:

"Strange Fruit" had everything that makes a legendary rockband: Money, Fame, Success, Groupies, a Singer who died of drugs and even a divine ending...

Plot Keywords:

Reunion | Tour | Concert Film | Reference To Jimi Hendrix | Fictional Band

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Stephen Rea	...	Tony Costello
Billy Connolly	...	Hughie
Jimmy Nail	...	Les Wickes
Timothy Spall	...	David 'Beano' Baggot
Bill Nighy	...	Ray Simms
Juliet Aubrey	...	Karen Knowles
Helena Bergström	...	Astrid Simms
Bruce Robinson	...	Brian Lovell
Hans Matheson	...	Luke Shand
Rachael Stirling	...	Clare Knowles
Phil Daniels	...	Neil Gaydon
Philip Davis	...	Limo Driver (as Phil Davis)
Frances Barber	...	Lady in Black
Zoë Ball	...	Zoë
Virginia Clay	...	Young Karen

MPAA:

Rated R for language, sexuality and drug content.

Runtime:

95 min | Argentina:100 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Australia:M | Belgium:KT | Canada:PG | France:U | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Portugal:M/12 (video premiere) | Spain:13 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R | Argentina:13 | Philippines:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

The "Druid Circle" they visit actually a real life stone circle in the village of Avebury. The circle is known as "Avebury Circle" and the pub they visit in the film is still there and operating.

Goofs:

Factual errors: In one of the last performances, Luke asks Tony what key they're in and Tony shouts "E and B." But the chords actually being played in that part of the song are A and D. Could be another band foul-up, but at this point in the film, things are supposed to be coming together.

Quotes:

Ray Simms: I can see you Brian, so clearly, do you have a message?
Brian Lovell: Got a gig on Saturday man.
Ray Simms: Wha-what?

Movie Connections:

References Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Soundtrack:

BIRD ON A WIRE

"Here... I've got one - it's got THREE bits of the body in it!"

...Heads, Hands, and Feet - a band from the past, just like Strange Fruit. A triple whammy there. Those who have professed not to like this film are either heartless or under 40, and have had no experience of the real thing. Sad for them. This is an achingly well-observed little picture that is an excellent way of passing an hour or two, and will probably not even fade much on the second showing. Stephen Rae, Timothy Spall as the fat drummer (in many ways quite the most delightful figure of all), and Bill Nighy - a new name for me - as the neurotic vocalist and front man all turn in super performances, and Juliet Aubrey has lovely doe eyes to go with some sharp acting as Karen, who tries to hold the band together as they spectacularly self-destruct.

The Syd Barrett/Brian Wilson echoes are loud and clear, Mott the Hoople rear up before one in all their inflated ridiculousness, and the script is never mawkish for more than a minute. Don't compare this with Spinal Tap or The Rutles or The Full Monty - it's unfair on all of them. The nearest comparison is The Commitments, and that's no bad thing. And any film that can conjure up memories of Blodwyn Pig - a band I do not remember ever seeing, but the name lives on - well, it shows somebody in the team knew what they were on about.

A small delight, and thanks for the memory.

Oh... and I've got ANOTHER one - Stiff Little Fingers; a-a-and what about SteelEYE Span... Spooky TOOTH... Ten Inch NAILS anyone? (You have to see the movie or have been on the road)