Popstar biopics can be inspirational and informative... but sometimes, they're just downright corny. Or, at least, that's what I always fear going into the theater. Time and time again, though, I walk out with tears still drying on my cheeks, feeling like I need to own everything the star has ever recorded. Ray and Walk the Line both got me good, and after pulling the tape for this segment, I feel a renewed desire to cuddle up with a bottle of Jim Beam and watch Coal Miner's Daughter. What about you? Love 'em or leave 'em? Ever hunted down the music after seeing one? And have you ever watched one that made you love the artist-in-question less?
Blog of the Nation
Hands down the best Pop Star Bio is "The Doors"....groovy.
Lisztomania.
While it doesn't quite fit your definition it is in my view definitely a pop star biopic.
One of my favorites is Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Loved it. It tells so many stories in a variety of ways, and made me hear the Motown records much differently. It's a must-see.
I nominate "The Commitments"--Although fictional, the story is as moving, entertaining and compelling as any real life bio-pic.
I loved "The Notorious Bettie Page." She was one weird icon, hey?
I loved Funny Girl. Barbra Steisand's early days bringing Frannie Brice, from one generation to the next from Broadway to film.
How about "Purple Rain?" Prince's bio pic wasn't an award-winner, but it's classic 80s self-centeredness, petulance and over-the-top dress and sexuality. A guilty pleasure!
My nomination is "The Benny Goodman Story". Benny was probably THE FIRST pop star due to the effects of nationwide radio broadcasting. The film is notable because most of the band's actual stars appeared on the screen. It also recreated parts of the historic Carniege Hall "Spirituals to Swing" concert.
I'd like to nominate the Glenn "Miller Story" The man touched everyone in the "greatest generation" during the defining time of their lives. Unlike more recent artists and biopics, Mr. Miller's tragic ending had nothing to do with depression, drugs or failed marriages.
I nominate "24 Hour Party People", it covered a few new wave bands: Joy Division, New Order, The Happy Mondays. More importantly it shows the rise of the DJ as a pop artist.
"La Bamba" and "Selena" are two movies that come to mind for me. Whenever these movies are on, no matter what I'm doing, I will watch them. I think this is common among the mexican-american population. For these movies, the appeal has little to do with the music, but more with the lives and the common themes that all latinos can identify with.
Val Kilmer in The Doors was classic. Don't leave this one out!
how about movies about pop-groups, like the 5 Heartbeats or the Temptations?
This bio-pic is in theaters now.
It has a very hard scrabble beginning
She was known internationally
Drugs are involved
Tragic Death of Lover
Her own decline and death
She was more than Judy Garland in every respect
However, she is French
I mean Edith Piaf, the French superstar know internationally
I tried to call in but had no service, so there I was desperately hoping someone would call in and mention one of the all time best examples of artist films, The Rose with Bett Mideler (sp)Even though this was several years ago it still remains in my opinion one of the best.
THIS IS FOR NEXT WEEK'S SHOW......FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH.....A DEFINITE CLASSIC
One of the best movies I've ever seen was La Vie En Rose, about the life of Edith Piaf. Very authentic and very MOVING - at the end of the movie, everyone in the theater just sat in their seats for a while, catching their breath, so to speak. The actress who portrayed Edith Piaf was OUTSTANDING and deserves the Oscar for best actress this year!
Grace Adams
Cohasset, MA
I think that Val Kilmer did the best job in the "Doors" movie
High School Movies for next week
Dazed and Confused
Heathers
"The Breakfast Club" is timeless and ageless, but the anti-John Hughes "Heathers" will always be my favorite.
"Walk the Line" definitely made me like Johnny Cash less. Thought it was a TV Movie of the Week level film.
Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues (about Billie Holiday) is fantastic! And Richard Pryor plays the most heartbreaking supporting role - highly recommended.
I wasn't able to listen to all the program (had to get to work) but from everything I've seen, no one mentioned the music star bio flick that is a personal favorite of my wife and myself, and that is "Beyond the Sea."
Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Bobby Darin was, at times, spooky in the way he was able to channel the late entertainer. It was at least the equal of Will Smith's portrayal of Ray Charles and, I believe far better than Juaquin Phoenix's Johnny Cash.
This may be getting a little far afield, but I really loved "Bird," the bio-pic about Charlie Parker. Forrest Whittaker was amazing, and Clint Eastwood did a fabulous job directing.
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