Films about 70s music capture the vibrant and revolutionary music scene of that era, showcasing the rise of various genres like disco, punk, and rock. These films often delve into the cultural, social, and political influences that shaped the music of the 1970s, as well as the larger-than-life personalities of the musicians who defined the sound of the decade.
“Almost Famous”, 2000
Director: Cameron Crowe
Directed by Cameron Crowe, this film follows a young journalist who goes on tour with an up-and-coming rock band, providing an intimate look at the music industry in the 1970s.
Starring: Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschanel, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Noah Taylor, Michael Angarano, John Fedevich, Mark Kozelek, Liz Stauber, Jimmy Fallon, Olivia Rosewood, Bijou Phillips, Alice Marie Crowe, J.J. Cohen, Gary Kohn, Ray Porter, Mark Pellington, Eion Bailey, Terry Chen, Rainn Wilson, Erin Foley, Jesse Caron, Charles Walker, Jay Baruchel, Pauley Perrette, Peter Frampton, Zack Ward, Mitch Hedberg, Devin Corey, Pete Droge, Elaine Summers, Eric Stonestreet, Marc Maron, Shane Willard, Chris McElprang, John Patrick Amedori, Kate Peckham, Julia Decker, Brian Vaughan, Anthony Martelli, Zach Clairville, Ian Ridgeway, Isaac Curtiss, Chris Lennon Davis, Scott N. Stevens;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Almost Famous” on the website imdb.com
“Saturday Night Fever”, 1977
Director: John Badham
Starring John Travolta, this classic film explores the disco phenomenon of the late 1970s, capturing the electrifying dance culture and the music that defined an era.
Starring: John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali, Paul Pape, Donna Pescow, Bruce Ornstein, Julie Bovasso, Martin Shakar, Sam Coppola, Nina Hansen, Lisa Peluso, Denny Dillon, Bert Michaels, Robert Costanzo, Robert Weil, Shelly Batt, Fran Drescher, Donald Gantry, Murray Moston, William Andrews, Ann Travolta, Helen Travolta, Ellen March, Monti Rock III, Val Bisoglio, Sandy Biano, Susan Brust, Roy Cheverie, Jay Crimp, David Daniel, Randy Feelgood, Adrienne Framet, Adrienne King, Chere Mauldin, Antone Pagán, Dawn Vivie'nne Principe, Joseph Pugliese, M.J. Quinn, John Sagona, Alberto Vazquez, Frankie Verroca;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Saturday Night Fever” on the website imdb.com
“The Runaways”, 2010
Director: Floria Sigismondi
This biographical film chronicles the formation and rise to fame of the all-female rock band The Runaways, highlighting their influence on the punk rock scene of the 1970s.
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon, Stella Maeve, Scout Taylor-Compton, Alia Shawkat, Riley Keough, Johnny Lewis, Tatum O'Neal, Brett Cullen, Hannah Marks, Jill Andre, Ray Porter, Kiaya Snow, Allie Grant, Brendan Sexton III, Shammy Dee, Aaron Parker Mouser, Peggy Stewart, Robert Romanus, Jay Thames, Masami Kosaka, Masayuki Yonezawa, Hiroshi Otaguro, P.D. Mani, Mickey Petralia, Julia Mondi, Nick Eversman, Keir O'Donnell, Lisa Long, J.R. Nutt, Alejandro Patiño, John S. Konesky, Time Winters, Adam Silver, Koji Wada, Rio Ahn, Kazumi Aihara, Kaily Alissano, Conrad Bluth, Corina Boettger, Rhett J. Brandt, Ronn Burner, Eric Callero, Michael Patrick Carmody, Peter Choi, Scotty Crane, Rachel Daily, Aj English, Nebula Gu;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Runaways” on the website imdb.com
“American Hustle”, 2013
Director: David O. Russell
While not solely focused on music, this film set in the late 1970s features a soundtrack filled with iconic songs from the era, capturing the essence of the musical landscape at the time.
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Alessandro Nivola, Jack Huston, Robert De Niro, Michael Peña, Shea Whigham, Elisabeth Röhm, Paul Herman, Saïd Taghmaoui, Matthew Russell, Thomas Matthews, Adrian Martinez, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Camp, Steve Gagliastro, Christopher Tarjan, Zachariah Supka, Christy Scott Cashman, Simon Hamlin, Martie Barylick, Dawn Olivieri, Becki Dennis, Jay Giannone, Arthur Birnbaum, Rob DiNinni, Michael Fennimore, Jack Jones, Danny Corbo, Sonny Corbo, Bo Cleary, Greg Maxwell, Mickey O'Keefe, Aaron Flanders, Erica McDermott, Alura Carbrey, Kayla Feeney, Shannon Halliday, Volieda Webb, Patsy Meck, Abby Lavin, Damien Di Paola, Paul Campbell, Jeff Avigian, Stacy Hock, Michael Trigg;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Boogie Nights”, 1997
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this film delves into the world of the adult film industry, but its soundtrack features a range of popular music from the 70s, providing a glimpse into the musical tastes of the era.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzmán, Rico Bueno, Nicole Ari Parker, Samson Barkhordarian, Nina Hartley, Brad Braeden, Joanna Gleason, Lawrence Hudd, Michael Stein, Stanley DeSantis, Patricia Forte, Kai Lennox, Laurel Holloman, Jason Andrews, Robert Ridgely, Lil» Cinderella, Greg Lauren, Tom Dorfmeister, Jason «Jake» Cross, Ricky Jay, Jack Wallace, Selwyn Emerson Miller, Jamielyn Lippman, Missy Spell Tanner, Raymond Laboriel, Melora Walters, Jon Brion, Brian Kehew, Robin Sharp, Audrey Wiechman, Tim Soronen, Michael Jace, Philip Baker Hall, Alexander D. Slanger, Tom Lenk, Lexi Leigh, Laura Gronewold, Thomas Jane, Vernon Guichard II, Tony Tedeschi, Leslie Redden, Gregory T. Daniel;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 155 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Boogie Nights” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a nostalgic and immersive experience, transporting audiences back to the 70s and celebrating the music that continues to resonate with fans today.
In conclusion, films about 70s music not only serve as a nostalgic tribute to an era defined by groundbreaking sounds and cultural revolutions, but they also capture the spirit of a generation that sought freedom, expression, and connection through art. These cinematic explorations delve into the vibrant tapestry of the decade, showcasing the iconic artists, dynamic movements, and societal shifts that shaped the musical landscape. From biopics that celebrate legendary musicians to fictional narratives that embody the era's rebellious spirit, these films illuminate the profound impact of 70s music on contemporary culture, inviting audiences to reflect on the enduring legacy of a time that continues to inspire and resonate with new generations.
