“School of Rock”, 2003
Director: Richard Linklater
This comedy directed by Richard Linklater stars Jack Black as a failed rock guitarist who impersonates a substitute teacher at a prep school and ends up teaching his young students about rock and roll, forming a band with them.
Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Chris Stack, Lucas Babin, Jordan-Claire Green, Veronica Afflerbach;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “School of Rock” on the website imdb.com
“Rock Star”, 2001
Director: Stephen Herek
Inspired by the real-life story of Tim “Ripper” Owens, this film stars Mark Wahlberg as a lead singer of a tribute band who becomes the frontman of the group he idolizes. It explores the realities of the music industry and the essence of rock stardom.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Jason Flemyng, Timothy Spall, Timothy Olyphant, Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Blas Elias;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Rock Star” on the website imdb.com
“This Is Spinal Tap”, 1984
Director: Rob Reiner
A mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner, featuring a fictional British heavy metal band called Spinal Tap. The film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of rock bands and the hagiographic tendencies of rock documentaries.
Starring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Tony Hendra, R.J. Parnell, David Kaff, June Chadwick, Bruno Kirby, Ed Begley Jr.;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “This Is Spinal Tap” on the website imdb.com
“Walk the Line”, 2005
Director: James Mangold
Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, this biographical film focuses on the early life of country music star Johnny Cash and his relationship with June Carter. While it delves more into country music, the film addresses the crossover influence of rock and roll.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Larry Bagby, Shelby Lynne, Tyler Hilton, Waylon Payne;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Walk the Line” on the website imdb.com
“Rocketman”, 2019
Director: Dexter Fletcher
This musical biopic directed by Dexter Fletcher tells the life story of Elton John, from his early days at the Royal Academy of Music through his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin and his rise to rock stardom.
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Matthew Illesley, Kit Connor, Charlie Rowe;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, music, musical, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Rocketman” on the website imdb.com
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, 2018
Director: Bryan Singer
A biographical drama about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, which focuses on the band's music and their extraordinary performance at the Live Aid (1985) concert.
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers, Aaron McCusker;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the website imdb.com
These films capture the essence, energy, and evolution of rock and roll, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of those who've shaped and been shaped by this influential genre.
In summation, films about rock and roll provide an essential window into the cultural revolutions that have shaped multiple generations. Whether it's the raw energy and rebellious spirit captured in classics like “The Doors” or the more recent biographical masterstrokes like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” these films resonate powerfully with audiences by chronicling the tumultuous lives of music legends. They serve not only as entertaining escapades into sex, drugs, and rock and roll but also delve into the complex dynamics of creativity, fame, and personal sacrifice. These cinematic explorations underscore the enduring impact of rock and roll as both a musical genre and a social phenomenon, enshrining the lore of iconic bands and their members while inspiring new artists and aficionados alike. As a cultural artifact, the rock and roll film genre cements the legacy of the music that has, and will continue to, define the zeitgeist of its era.
