Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Alan Rickman | ... | Hilly Kristal | |
Malin Akerman | ... | Debbie Harry | |
Justin Bartha | ... | Stiv Bators | |
Richard de Klerk | ... | Taxi | |
Johnny Galecki | ... | Terry Ork | |
Kyle Gallner | ... | Lou Reed | |
Ashley Greene | ... | Lisa Kristal | |
Rupert Grint | ... | Cheetah Chrome | |
Estelle Harris | ... | Bertha Kristal | |
Taylor Hawkins | ... | Iggy Pop | |
Ryan Hurst | ... | Mad Mountain | |
Stana Katic | ... | Genya Ravan | |
Joel David Moore | ... | Joey Ramone | |
Ahna O'Reilly | ... | Mary Harron | |
Freddy Rodríguez | ... | Idaho |
CBGB follows the story of Hilly Kristal's New York club from its concept as a venue for Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock 'n roll and punk. When Kristal had difficulty booking country bands in his club on the Bowery he opened his doors to other kinds of rock music. Kristal had one demand of the acts he booked; they could only play original music. No top 40's, no covers. It was the credo he lived by, support the artist at whatever the cost. Hilly Kristal ironically became known as the godfather of punk giving a chance to such bands as Blondie, Television, Ramones, Talking Heads, Dead Boys and The Police. Written by anonymous
Regardless of the inaccuracies, the music is great and the film provides a small glimpse into the scene at the Bowery club. Alan Rickman is wonderfully droll and captures the spirit of Hilly. Nice seeing a few old rockers pop up in cameos. Would have been nice to see more character development and have the bands that helped kick off the club and the punk scene be portrayed more than cardboard cut-outs. You can practically smell the stale beer and pee. I would suggest reading Legs McNeil's, "Please Kill Me" to supplement the film's account of the mid 70's NY music scene. Some casting was spot on, but the Lou Reed scene was pathetic and the actor was horrible. I like Justin Bartha, as well, but Stiv Bators was hardly adorable. The wigs were ridiculous too.