Rock-‘n’-roll was central to Quadrophenia, or it was about a culture that thrived on rock-‘n’-roll, so I guess it would qualify as a “rock music film.” But True Stories was not even about rock music at all. It was a bizarre but witty satire about life in America. Its main connection to rock music was its having been directed by a guy who first became famous in a rock band (but then branched out into other kinds of music). It’s been 16 years since I saw it, so refresh my memory: how rock-‘n’-roll integral to True Stories?
It’s how the characters express their inner feelings.
How about some 40 odd posts and no mention of Neil Young’s Rust Never Sleeps? Yeah, the road-eyes and other staging get a little tedious, but it is such a great combination of solo Neil Young (Thrasher!) and straight ahead rock with Crazy Horse, that I should think it would turn quite a few people into fans.
Thanks to the people above who mentioned Rock and Roll High School and The Filth and the Fury. I’m into a more obscure brand of punk and really dug X: The Unheard Music, a documentary about the Los Angeles punk band X that’s better done than a lot of bigger-name rock movies I’ve seen. I’ve never been able to get my hands on a copy of The Decline of Western Civilization, but if you like that kind of thing, I’ve heard it’s wicked.
Also, URGH! A Music War, because although a lot of the music blows, it’s an insanely diverse selection.
Cuate, I’m glad you just posted that. I would opine that hardly ANY BODY goes to see a live rock concert film who is not ALREADY a bigtime fan of a band. Music enjoyment and experiencing new stuff tends to work better in a social venue- party, hanging out with friends, spinning a certain disk in the desperate teenage hopes that it will put your paramour in ‘the mood’, etc.
I’d think that you learn to love a band socially, and THEN go to see their concert film. At least, that’s how it worked out for me and my love for Spinal Tap.
Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii hasn’t been mentioned?