One-Click Wonders / Jan. 15, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Block Cinema presents movies about rock and roll

Much to my dismay, I discovered I missed my chance to see the Talking Head’s famous concert film, Stop Making Sense, last night at Block Cinema. I’ve never seen this heavily-hyped movie (and I am a huge fan of the Talking Heads), so I’m kicking myself for not skipping out on work and watching David Byrne prance around stage in a big suit. Thankfully, one of Block Cinema’s themes for this quarter is “rock and roll movies,” so there are still plenty of opportunities to see famous music-themed movies. To share this slate of great movies (and, mostly, to help remind myself when all of these are), here is the schedule of rock and roll films showing at Block Cinema this quarter.

Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. Meeting People is Easy – An excellent documentary about Radiohead’s world tour in support of 1997’s OK Computer. Especially great because it shows just how the band shifted from the more radio-friendly sounds of OK Computer to the deliberate abstractions of 2000’s Kid A.

Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. A Hard Day’s Night – One of the best overall films of the ’60s and one of The Beatles’ finest moments. Who knew Ringo could be so silly?

Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. Spice World – OK, so this is the only film on the list that doesn’t make me remotely excited. I’ve tried pretty hard to forget about “Spice Up Your Life.” But, griping aside, this is actually an interesting way to look back at the musical culture of the late ’90s…even if the trailer makes me want to set England on fire.

Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – A great way to remember that David Bowie is both one of the greatest rock stars ever and also extremely weird. Though not as weird as agreeing to be in Zoolander.

Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. Chuck Berry Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll – Any chance to see Chuck Berry shouldn’t be wasted.

Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. DiG! – Confession time: I’ve never listened to anything by The Dandy Warhols or The Brian Jonestown Massacre (who are the subjects of this documentary), so this one doesn’t get me as excited as anything else on this list (at least Spice World makes me angry). But still, this movie has received a lot of love, so check it out.

Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. The T.A.M.I. Show – A concert film of the 1964 Teen-Age Music International Show, this film features performances from heavyweights Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Rolling Stones and The Supremes. The best gig, though, goes to a set by the hardest-working man in show business, James Brown.

Mar. 4 at 8 p.m. Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten – A captivating look at The Clash’s lead singer and one of the most interesting figures in rock history.

Mar. 12 at 8 p.m. Don’t Look Back – The famous documentary capturing the moment that Bob Dylan switched from acoustic to electric guitar, one of the most important moments in music history.

Mar. 13 at 8 p.m. Gimme Shelter – A look at the infamous Rolling Stones’ concert at Altamont. Watch the death of the ’60s in excellent quality!

Not included in the “rock and roll” theme but fitting it all the same is Patti Smith: Dream of Life, a documentary about “punk’s great poet.” Check that one out Jan. 30 at (surprise) 8 p.m. Oh, and though Block did a great job, this list could definitely benefit from some Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.

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Comments

  1. how could this series exist without “Song Remains the Same”?

    John

    January 16, 2009 at 12:00 am

  2. OK, the Dandy’s aren’t so great, but you’ve never really listened to BJM?!? For shame, Patrick, for shame. Dig! is hilarious and a definite must see for any music lover. Educate yourself on what you’ve been missing Mr. St. Michel!

    lenifaye

    January 16, 2009 at 7:19 am

  3. how could you not like Spice World?

    René Jovel aka SupaKat

    January 17, 2009 at 11:46 am

  4. Um . . . no Woodstock?

    David M.

    January 18, 2009 at 4:42 am

  5. I agree with René. Spice World is cinematographic genius.

    Jamie

    January 27, 2009 at 3:54 pm

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