Director Ken Russell's vibrant, hyperactive version of the Who's classic rock opera tells the story of a boy (Roger Daltrey) rendered deaf, dumb, and blind by the sight of his father's murder. His psychedelic journey through a maze of abusive relatives and strange "cures" eventually leads to enlightenment and sainthood. The .. Read more
| Starring | Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Elton John |
|---|---|
| Director | Ken Russell |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
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Director Ken Russell's vibrant, hyperactive version of the Who's classic rock opera tells the story of a boy (Roger Daltrey) rendered deaf, dumb, and blind by the sight of his father's murder. His psychedelic journey through a maze of abusive relatives and strange "cures" eventually leads to enlightenment and sainthood. The film is based on guitarist Pete Townshend's stage opera, and features a star-studded cast that includes Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, and Tina Turner.
| Starring | Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Paul Nicholas, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell, Tina Turner |
|---|---|
| Director | Ken Russell |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 46 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | Production year: 1975 To Rent: DVD: 30 Jul 2001 |
The Who's rock opera, about “a deaf, dumb and blind kid” who becomes an exploited “pinball wizard”, here gets the inimitable Ken Russell treatment, which is no more than it deserves. However, while eye-popping excess — what's done to Ann-Margret is unforgivable — keeps us watching, the story is as absurd as the grotesque nature of its telling. Stridency, both vocal and visual, is all, and Roger Daltrey's Tommy is flattened by the weight of celebrity (Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Jack Nicholson and Tina Turner). Elton John has the best of it, thumping away on a piano as though trying to prove something, rather like Ken Russell himself. It's worth watching, though, just for its reputation as a must-see for a generation.
14 out of 23 people found this review helpful
This is the original version, not the recently re-released two disk edition.
This rock-opera was directed by the wierd and wonderful Ken Russel in ... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
its the who! its tommy! its also total crap!
First off the who are brilliant, secoundly tommy the album is a masterpiece, thirdly just before watching this i watched pink floyds the wall. all of this ... read more »
Top list of actors n great sound track
Oliver Reed, the gorgeous Anne Margret, Tina Tuner, Robert Powell, Elton John, Eric Clapton and Ken russell in one film. Great sound track and film overall.
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What a crazy film
I will be totally honest and say I didn't enjoy this film but that's not to say somepeople will , it's a musical packed full of cameo style ... read more »
Moviemaker Ken Russell fears Oliver Reed's wildman reputation cost the late Brit an Oscar - insisting it's a travesty the Gladiator star was never honoured by the Academy. The filmmaker directed Reed in The Devils and Tommy and insists the actor was "brilliant" despite his awkwardness. Russell tells WENN, "He was a tough guy to get along with, there's no doubt about it. "He's a very good actor on the quiet. I think he was brilliant; certainly in The Devils he showed his mettle. He definitely... Read more
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Tommy - Feature
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