Musicians, good musicians, have always had something about them. Just having that talent makes them attractive. Adding a ‘bad boy’ image somehow enhances their appeal (or at least it used to). Amadeus, The Devil’s Violinist, and This is Spinal Tap delve into all the bad behavior.
THE MOVIES
Amadeus (1984, R), directed by: Miloš Forman
Starring: Tom Hulce, F. Murray Abraham, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow
Synopsis: Antonio Salieri is a highly religious composer who enjoyed decent success before the arrival of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri despises Mozart for the all the talent he posses and the fact that he enjoys a hedonistic lifestyle. Salieri believes that with such god like talent, Mozart should have much more decency. He conspires to bring about the downfall of Mozart and soon begins to go against his own beliefs.
The Devil’s Violinist (2013, R), directed by: Bernard Rose
Starring: David Garrett, Jared Harris, Andria Deck, Christian McKay, Joely Richardson
Synopsis: Niccolò Paganini, violinist, composer, and infamous womanizer travels to England for his London debut as he has no more money. His “manager,” Urbani, basically kidnaps him in order to get him there for Paganini wants to remain in Italy. What really makes this film amazing is David Garrett is a phenomenal violin prodigy. And his characterization of Paganini is fun to watch. The movie gets a little iffy at times, but the fantastic music (by Paganini, performed by Garret) really bring it together.
This is Spinal Tap (1984, R), directed by: Rob Reiner
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner
Synopsis: A mockumentary, rockumentary about fictional bad Spinal Tap. It parodies all the mayhem that goes down within a band (name changes, undersold concerts, ups, downs, and the special out-of-the-spotlight moments). Told from the time where the band is losing popularity, Reiner perfectly captures the aging metal star. There are also a host of cameos (including Fran Drescher, Angelica Huston, Billy Crystal and many more!)
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH
A lot of talent mixed with some misdeeds can be a good time. Additionally, all three movies have some phenomenal music; Amadeus and The Devil’s Violinist bring back the true classics and Spinal Tap brings it home with original rock and metal songs. Make time for a little bad musical behavior this week.