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SXSW: Capone is ready to play roadie to THE RUNAWAYS!!!
Hey, everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
Hey everyone. So, I've been in Austin, Texas, for the last week or so attending the SXSW Film Festival. I've done 17 interviews and seen somewhere in the neighborhood of 25-30 movies (when you read this I'll be at the tail end of the my time at the fest). Believe me, I'm not complaining, but I've had almost no time to post any reviews or interviews, simply because I haven't had a spare hour or two that isn't devoted to movie watching, interviewing, or sleep. However, here's a film that premiered at SXSW yesterday that also happens to be getting its national release today. Much, much to come from me in the days ahead. Enjoy…
As much as I'd been led to believe that THE RUNAWAYS was going to be a document of the short-lived, all-female rock band seen through the eyes of its most famous member, Joan Jett (played with convincing edge by Kristen Stewart), the film is, in fact, told from two perspectives--Jett's and that of underage singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning in a career-altering performance). My knowledge of The Runaways as a musical force is limited at best. There were two of the band's songs featured in the film I recognized, including their biggest hit "Cherry Bomb." But I believe that a bio pic or documentary to any musical performer should not be a love letter to that person or group. The job of a film like THE RUNAWAYS is to convince those ignorant of their music (like me) that these are people worth paying attention to, exploring, and maybe even collecting. And for the most part, first-time feature writer-director Floria Sigismondi (whose background is in music videos, although the film thankfully doesn't take on that rapid-fire editing approach) has succeeded in crafting a thoughtful examination of a band that needed to exist in the 1970s landscape.
The Runaways were put together as something of a novelty act by star-maker Kim Fowley (played with slithering deviancy by Michael Shannon), who seemed to see the band (which also included future metal goddess Lita Ford) as jailbait, would-be porn stars singing about woman-on-top sex. Partially inspired by Currie's autobiography, the film makes it clear that Fowley's decisions about the members of this band were as much (maybe more) about their look and style than any musical talent. If the film is true, he spotted Currie in a club, dug her Bowie-esque facade (although he compared her to Brigitte Bardot), and threw her in a room with the band.
In many ways the film is more about Currie's journey than Jett's or anyone else's, primarily because she goes through the biggest transformation. Joan begins and ends the film a tough, bisexual rocker, whose talents as a guitar player and songwriter led the band through some pretty exciting times. But Currie was a golden-child object of desire despite being 15 years old when she was brought in as singer. She came from a broken family in Encino, and it didn't take long for the lifestyle to wear her down. The amount of drinking and drug taking in THE RUNAWAYS is staggering. And yes, any male watching this film will have two thoughts: "My goodness, Dakota Fanning is hot" and "Yes, I'm a creep for thinking so." Kim Fowley would be proud. Fanning doesn't just look good, but she embodies Cherie's adventurous spirit and her clear belief at certain points in her life that she is in way over her head and growing up far too fast. In many ways, THE RUNAWAYS is a tragedy set to fantastic music.
The movie kind of blazes past the band's creative process. One of the film's best scenes is Cherie's audition, during which "Cherry Bomb" is written. Shannon really shines in this sequence as he conducts and inspires each band member to tap into something spontaneous and loaded with raw sexual energy. But while the film revels in the band's excesses and relentless work schedule, we don't get too many scenes of the members building the band, helping each other improve, or creating new music. Maybe moments like that aren't as cinematic as taking drugs or being chased by Japanese fans, but it might have improved the film a bit. I also feel a little bad for the actresses playing the other members of the band--Stella Maeve, HALLOWEEN's Scout Taylor-Compton, and "Arrested Development's" Alia Shawkat--who are basically reduced to background players for most of the film. One supporting player that doesn't get the short shrift is newcomer Riley Keough (Lisa-Marie Presley's daughter) as Cherie's sister Marie, who gets left behind to take care of their drunken mother (Tatum O'Neal). Keough is particularly strong as Cherie's partner in crime prior to Cherie joining the band and promising to bring Marie on the road with her only to unapologetically abandon her.
I don't mean to gloss over Stewart's work, but the truth remains that all of you who claim that her one and only acting move is tugging at her hair should a) get your head out of your ass, and b) go see this movie to be proven wrong. No hair pulling here (unless it's by another woman). I remain unmoved in my strong belief that outside of the TWILIGHT films, Stewart is one of the best actresses of her generation. I don't know how you can watch a film like ADVENTURELAND or INTO THE WILD or the little-seen THE CAKE EATERS, and think she's a poor actress. And let me add this, I think she's getting better and I can't wait to see her Sundance offering WELCOME TO THE RILEYS. Once we 12-step her through these "vampire" movies, I think we'll all be in a better place. Amen.
Until that time, enjoy her getting to put on a growly face, strap on a guitar, and rock your world alongside Dakota Fanning, who is making it clearer with each new role that her days of playing little girls is likely behind her. She's incredibly strong in THE RUNAWAYS, and the movie works as a fine document of these trail-blazing women who blaze trailed out just as it was at its brightest.
-- Capone
therealcapone@aintitcoolmail.com
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...for saying first.
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Do I get made fun of for that?
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Mar 19, 2010 2:01:25 AM CDT
Capone well done for being hoest about Dakota Fanning
by miyamoto_musashi
I think she is one of the girls that will test even the most hollier than thou, in regards to "would I or wouldn't I if I had the chance"
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though hoest, could be a word in some screwed up world, or a perfectly normal word after a few drinks
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Read Harry's review (a rave, of course, which means nothing); read Anton Sirius's review (glowing of Stewart; damning of Fanning). But now, I've read Capone's review (objective but enthusiastic), and I'm itching to see it. I'm a big music fan and a fan of glam punk in particular, so I hope to God Capone's on point here. Fingers crossed. God, I want to like this.
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She does it once in just the trailer. Glad to hear she's stopped pulling her hair. She gets made fun of not because she's a bad actress per se but because her claim to fame is being the gloomy pathetic emo character in the stupid teen vamp movies and no amount of better roles (faint praise indeed) can alter that. Especially since they are releasing at a pace of production that makes the SAW franchise seem like Alexander Payne.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkYDyPicm50 -
love the idea there's a movie about them, will wait for dvd. i just want one reason to like kristen stewart. i can't find one. i've tried.
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She also bites her lower lip.
Alot. -
That's about it though.
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to think that a teenager is hot? fuck this pc bullshit fanning has finally grown into those freaky eyes, and has gotten cute...but i still aint gonna fap to her image again, im not sure why reviewers keep missing this key point...the reason the other band members are glossed over is that none of them gave up their rights for the movie to this day, there are feuds that will not die it is a shame, because as a result, you dont get to see the strong personalities of the other band members, especially lita and sandy i feel so bad for sandy, she would really be diggin thisoh, and joan isnt bi...she is a straight out rug munching lesbian
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I'm insanely tired of her tragically cool bullshit. It's enough with the "I'm only here because I have to be" shenanigans. But she is hot, and I thought she was likeable enough in Adventureland.
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Dakota Fanning has certainly went from weird looking kid to just that.
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So does Harry. And now Capone.
From what I'm hearing this is a good, not great, but good rock biopic.
Kstew is good. Dakota is very good, maybe great. And Shannon is obviously great.
Now, I'm just summarizing what I've heard, but apparently Dakota Fanning is hot. Really hot.
And she kind of has to be for the movie to work.
Apparently it works.
The experts have spoken.
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...break all the rules while finding out who they were? I must know if this rumour is true.
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She acted EXACTLY the same. All her mannerisms, slouched posture, the whole bit...
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I have to disagree...I don't confuse being comfortable in front of the camera with being a good actress. Haven't seen this movie yet, and I want to, but Stewart has essentially been the same character over and over.
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I am sure Mrs Stewart gives 2 fucks about what you think of her acting. She can buy you 100 million times over and wouldn't glance at you if you were the last male on earth. Stick to criticizing things that are more your speed, like pr0n sites or some low life shit like that. Have a nice day douchebag.
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is 16 now and legal in some states. I could care less if people are jerking it to her or not. Curious about the film but broke so I'll probly get it on netflix
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...just looks painfully uncomfortable in any interview you EVER see her in. It hurts to watch someone that uncomfortable. Especially at the Oscars... she's all clearing her throat and flubbing her lines.
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I'm totally excited for this movie, though. Joan Jett is fucking awesome.
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Stewart knocked it out of the fucking park in every way. If the Academy Awards weren't a year away, she'd be a shoe in for a supporting nom. Her Joan Jett was so great, I just cannot get over it. You add this to an always dependable Fanning who delivers a STUNNING performance and Shannon who put the cherry on top, literally. This film is so much better than some on this site have given credit for. Do not miss this movie. It is not what you think so do not dismiss it. It fires on all six and does not relent. I hope the director's cut is an hour longer. I did not want this movie to end. Damn, this made my day. I'm definitely going back to see this again. Terrific film that does not shy away from language, nudity, drug use, lesbianism and good old fashioned sex, drugs and Rock & Roll.
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#1. As Joanie Larkin shops for clothing, the proprietor of the store tells her she's in the wrong section and that the girls' stuff is over there. Joanie points to a punk rocker at the counter and says "I want what he's wearing." Cut to Joan Jett emerging from the store clad in black leather and studs up and down. She runs down the street like Superman. #2. Young Cherie Currie enters the high school talent contest dressed and made-up like David Bowie, sings one of his songs and flips a two fisted bird to the dazed audience when she's done. #3. Kim Fowley brings stunt hecklers to abuse the band before their first gig, and they proceed to throw bottles and dog shit on the girls until they learn to fight back. #4. Joan Jett drops her leather pants and pisses on the headliner's guitar after sneaking into his better dressing room with better food. #5. Cherie becomes mesmerized by Joan's performance at the roller boogie and with a slow burn takes her mouth full of toke as a prelude to a night of sexual awakening. The shot is one of the more beautiful I have ever seen committed to celluloid, or digital. #6. Japanese photographers convince Cherie to pose in her black panties and platforms for press kit photos in her back yard. Her grandmother sees this and proceeds to beat the men with her cane. #7. Lita Ford tears into Cherie for taking the spotlight and looks great doing it. Joan defends Cherie, but moreover, asserts herself as a force to be reckoned with and the real powerhouse behind the band. #8. The entire band's performance of "Cherry Bomb" in Japan. It is perfect and electrifying. Dakota really brings it. #9. Joan's rise, like the mythological Phoenix from the fire and ash. As she dons the hot pink blazer, "I love Rock & Roll" and "Crimson and Clover" ensue. There are many, many more great moments in this incredible film. Oh, and Cherie's sister is played by Elvis Presley's granddaughter.
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Did you actually SEE the movie?
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I copied my original review from the upper SXSW section to the other Runaways sections just so people would have a shot at reading it. Sorry if that ruffled feathers. Some people don't go back to Capone's review or Harry's and stick to the recent headlines. I just didn't want people to condemn the film without more detail on what is actually in the film itself. If you don't get any indication that you might like it from my post, it's probably not your bag. I love the film and I just wanted to make sure people did not dismiss it unfairly.
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For Fucks sake man..the bitch is 16yrs old...She is legal everywhere but here. Hell..In Canada you could not only legally fuck her...you can legally buy her as an escort in those provinces that allow prostitution.Get over your religious/Statist dogma...16yrs old is not a child...not a kid...16yrs old is a woman and Dakota is some delicious fucking fruit at that.
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Kristen Stewart's range started out mediocre in PANIC ROOM, grew to "bewildered, angry and swooning" in ZATHURA, then faded into stoned boredom in everything else since. ADVENTURELAND was basically Bella from TWILIGHT again: moaning, unfriendly, boring, and always with the stoned demeanour. How the hell do these useless one-note boredom peddlers get the label "actor" these days? Does anyone remember when we used to have young actors like Matt Dillon, Heath Ledger, Charlize Theron? Yeah, they got old (except the biggest and brightest of those three) - but at least the work was solid when they were young. Nowadays all we get are clothes horses and male underwear models that can occasionally memorise dialogue. Acting? It's a lost fucking art due to actors like these. Kristen Stewart is as typecast as the moody, bitchy nobody that has no friends as Jesse Eisenberg is typecast as the stuttering, awkward Michael Cera Mark II. And lest we forget, Michael Cera is easily the most obvious of these new actors - forever playing ONE FUCKING ROLE in everything he does.
Fuck these so-called "actors". I remember when acting meant playing DIFFERENT people, not the SAME PERSON in different clothing. -
Just curious if you felt Anna Kendrick's Oscar nominated performance for Up In The Air was deserved, because I believe that Stewart was even better IMHO.
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