Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story (2001) (TV)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Robert Mandel

Writers:

Christopher Ames (writer)
Carolyn Shelby (writer)

Release Date:

18 July 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Tagline:

Music made them legends. Tragedy made them heroes.

Plot Keywords:

1980s | Severed Arm | Flashing | Rock Music | Band

Cast

Nick Bagnall	...	Pete Willis
Karl Geary	...	Steve Clark
Adam MacDonald	...	Rick Savage
Esteban Powell	...	Phil Collen
Orlando Seale	...	Joe Elliott
Tat Whalley	...	Rick Allen
Dean McDermott	...	Peter Mensch
Amber Valletta	...	Lorelei Shellist
Anthony Michael Hall	...	Mutt Lange
Brett Watson	...	Tony Kenning
Danette Mackay	...	Mrs. Elliot
Matt Cooke	...	Barry Clark
Larry Day	...	Joe Elliott Sr.
Emma Stevens	...	Mrs. Allen
Ivan Smith	...	Doctor

MPAA:

Rated R for some drug use.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Germany:12 | UK:12 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company:

LS Productions

Goofs:

Continuity: In the scene where Joe Elliott is driving and listening to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" he reaches down to rewind the tape. Immediately before he reaches down he passes a white car parked on the side of the road. When the shot cuts back to Joe from the tape deck, he passes that same white car again.

Quotes:

Steve: I am a rock God!

Absorbing and thoroughly entertaining biopic

Engaging look at one of the biggest bands of the '80's. Although peppered with some inaccuracies, the movie is well acted and quite absorbing. The band's rise is traced from their working-class roots to mega-platinum status, including their drummer's near-fatal car accident and triumphant return despite the loss of an arm, and their guitarists' battles with alcohol. The actors are far from look-alikes, but manage to bring through their real-life counterparts' personalities. Most noteworthy is a heartbreaking performance by Karl Geary as Steve Clark. While Orlando Seale dominates the film as the ambitious Joe Elliott, Adam MacDonald's portrayal of Rick Savage will send goosebumps down the arms of some fans. Die-hard fans will spot lots of gaps in the script, but should appreciate it for the tribute that it is intended to be.