Not Fade Away (2012)

Set in suburban New Jersey the 1960s, a group of friends form a rock band and try to make it big.

Director:

David Chase

Writer:

David Chase

Stars:

John Magaro, Jack Huston, Will Brill

3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Magaro	...	Douglas
Jack Huston	...	Eugene
Will Brill	...	Wells
Dominique McElligott	...	Joy Deitz
Brahm Vaccarella	...	Joe Patuto
Gregory Perri	...	Skip
James Gandolfini	...	Pat
Bella Heathcote	...	Grace Dietz
Molly Price	...	Antoinette
Meg Guzulescu	...	Evelyn
Christopher McDonald	...	Jack Dietz
Brad Garrett	...	Jerry Ragovoy
Isiah Whitlock Jr.	...	Landers
Gerard Canonico	...	Schindewulf
F. Michael Haynie	...	The Bloat

Storyline

Set in suburban New Jersey the 1960s, a group of friends form a rock band and try to make it big.

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Plot Keywords:

band | new jersey | 1960s | singing | dysfunctional family | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, some drug use and sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 October 2012 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Pearl River, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$19,182 (USA) (21 December 2012)

Gross:

$607,327 (USA) (18 January 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chase Films, Gran Via Productions, Indian Paintbrush

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Most feature films slot 1-2 percent of production costs for the music budget, but in "Fade', music supervisor Steven Van Zandt, had about 10% of the $20-million-plus budget or at least $2 million.

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Connections

Features Blow-Up (1966)
Seen by characters at a cinema.

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Soundtracks

"Please Mister Postman"
Written by Robert Bateman, Frederick Gorman, Brian Holland, William Garret, and Georgia Dobbins
Performed by The Beatles
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

Rock is Rooted in the Blues

The Sopranos' creator David Chase's directorial debut, "Not Fade Away", is, at its core, a sad movie, masked by the comedy and music that barricade my empathy. The fictional story of a 1960s teenage drummer (John Magaro) who creates a rock band with a few of his friends, "Not Fade Away" is a very character driven film, focusing primarily on the social life of the protagonist, specifically his relationship with his girlfriend (Bella Heathcorte), his band mates, and his family. I won't spoil the plot, but it is a coming-of-age tale, not as much about learning and growing as it is about doing and living. James Gandolfini is an on screen pleasure as the main character's father, while the rest of the cast, mostly lesser known actors, gratifyingly embody the 1960s rock and roll personality.

Gloriously filmed by Chase's cinematographer Eigil Bryld, the film succeeds in emitting a rock and roll cluttered vibe when the music is playing, contrasted by a dark, Godfatheresque undertone that is signature of David Chase during more dramatic scenes. While the art direction and costume design were spot on, in the end it was the music that was transporting me through time. Repeatedly watching, with the characters, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Buddy Holly perform on a small black and white TV, I was sent back into the age of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. The band's original songs were probably the highlight of the film. Under the supervision of Steve Van Zandt, the music department took advantage of the actors' talented musical backgrounds and were able to conjure up some extremely enjoyable tracks that very well could've been written during the era.

My main problem with the film is the fact that it is littered with unnecessary scenes, scenes that are probably meant to indicate character development, but ultimately convey little to nothing. It also fails to establish Heathcote, the supporting actress, as an interesting or particularly likable character. Not much is ever learned about her through the course of the film while notably less significant characters remain better developed and ultimately more interesting.

When walking into the theater at the New York Film Festival, I thought I was in for another "Almost Famous". What I got was a very different movie. "Not Fade Away" is a simple picture. With a basic plot structure and relatable characters, the film is practically spoon-fed to its audiences. It is the end of the film, the final scenes, that sum up not only the movie, but the era. You must think before you proclaim a lack of closure, consider the times and the lifestyle. Rock spawned from the blues and, in the sad actuality of this movie, can't ever separate from its source. Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration and in the end we often can't keep up. I recommend this vicarious joyride to all music, drama, and comedy movie lovers, as well as anyone who is looking for a party, a party that is shut down by reality. 8/10 stars.