Genres

Visitors Review

Tim Kidner 2012-05-25 17:27:55

The only things (in life) that I've missed is a few buses

So surmises Andy Serkis, as punk poet extraordinaire, Ian Dury. How themost unlikely of popsters made it to the top despite crippling polioand how that both complicated and fuelled him as both a person and an'entertainer' (as he describes himself). When I heard that this filmwas being made and Serkis was cast as the uniquely ambiguous Dury, Iwas both delighted and deeply satisfied. That Dury's legacy was to belaid out by 'Golem'. Not that we've seen a lot of Serkis, the actor,though his physical adaptability and no bullshit, in-the-face approachbore well. And that in my mind, he would do proud the now late,rascally, lyrically dexterous Essex wide boy, Ian Dury.I've been aware of the Blockhead's music rather than an avid fan but doat least own their greatest hits CD. I also really like my rock'n'rollbiopics - from The Doors, 24 Hour Party People and Sid & Nancy. Themore honest and frenetic the better. The ups and downs, the grime aswell as the fame. That way, we can live for a couple of hours as the'dream' but knowing as we do, the downsides. I like them a bitmysterious too, with symbolisms and dreams and druggy effects. Thatway, I tell myself, I don't have to actually do things that likemyself, in 'real' life.So, how does this fit in with those others? Surprisingly well - andbetter than more sedate reviewers had suggested. In depth, withoutbeing overlong, I know more about Dury, his psyche and his life - and Iwas entertained along the way. Which is about all one can ask for,really. Except, we get get some other great British acting talentsadding colour and familiarity to the motley crew and the film's overallcolourful tapestry. Downsides - Yes. A couple. The oft cited film's lack of portraying thebig time - 'Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick' stuck out like a sore thumbwhen it hit no 1 in the UK singles chart. (I remember it on BBC Radio1's Sunday chart show at the time) More than a novelty song, it reallywas a breath of fresh air. That must have been on Top Of the Pops -it's certainly on YouTube now. The film should have shown that, atleast. Another - the version I saw was on Sky Movies (via Virgin cable)lacked visual contrast, looking quite 1970's and thus a bit toohomemade. This may have been a transmitting shortfall. Lastly, why arethere only sixteen (at present) reviews on IMDb of this? Why is it sorelatively unknown?I've now ordered the DVD, which can only be a positive gesture in myconclusion of this biopic. Serkis is great (anyone else beingunimaginable) as is the witty script, cast, period detail and mostelse. Whether a Blockhead fan or not, this film really adds to theline-up of decent music biopics. Like its subject, it's bitty andscarrelous but entertaining enough for most people who want to take apeek behind the scenes of one of music's most charismatic and unknownBritish heroes.

2012-05-25 02:04:39

....and Rock and Roll

I can't say as I remember this being released in the cinemas, so it sure took me by surprise seeing it on DVD. This is one heck of a romp.I knew a bit about Ian Dury but not much. I knew the songs of his that managed to garner some air time and I knew he was afflicted with polio as a boy, but that's about the extent of it. Watching this movie was like walking into Ian Dury World. What an unbelievably colorful character. And what a great way to present him in a movie.I'd seen "Ray" and "I Walk the Line" and I enjoyed them enough, but they look entirely pedestrian compared to this. Here is a movie about a rock star and it contains very little footage of him making, recording or performing music. It's about him. Who he is, how he thinks, his bad sides and good sides. He's bright and imaginative and he's almost always "on." It occurred to me that he wasn't really a musician at all but an artist that expressed himself through music. They make note of the fact that he always needed someone in the band to help him write tunes.The movie itself is a hoot. It captures the time perfectly. It's goofy and adventurous, with a lot of funny, wild 'sign of the times' nuances in art, fashion and.......music. The performances are generally good as well. Olivia Williams is gorgeous as ever and turns in a fine performance as Dury's wife. Naomie Harris is good as the girlfriend. But the shining star is Andy Serkis. He steals the show. I liked his portrayal so much I wanted to call him up and have a beer with him.There is nothing I didn't like about this movie. It's a wild and fresh approach to the genre and could probably be enjoyed by someone who doesn't even know who Ian Dury is. The production values are good. I had problems understanding some of the dialogue but I'm not certain if it were in the production or the thick accents. But this is a minor quibble compared to all else it has to offer.If you need a real shot in the arm, this might do the trick for you.

markgorman 2012-05-25 04:32:23

Andy Serkis makes for a pretty good experience overall

I was a regular Ian Dury record buyer in my late teens but wouldn't sayI was in his thrall. Nevertheless, I was intrigued enough to go and seethis biopic featuring Andy Serkis (Golum in Lord of The Rings) as thegreat man himself.His performance is top drawer and does make you feel you are in theroom with the chief Blockhead himself. But this is more than a musichomage. This is a reasonably complex life story told with more than asmattering of real film skills. It opens a bit frenetically with ahotch-potch of animation, flashbacks, montage and "stuff" that thedirector's (Mat Whitecross - not one I know) using to try to tell theback story quick as a flash. Whilst it works in story-telling terms itfeels like it's trying too hard and it takes 20 minutes for the film tofind its feet as Dury metamorphosises from Kilburn and The High Roadsinto Ian Dury and The Blockheads.Thereafter, the film is far more assured, but strangely unmoving on thewhole, despite the fact that there are a lot of episodes that couldhave jerked a tear or two. Little is made of his chart success. otherthan the typical excesses that stardom inevitably brings in its wake;rather, the film is much more interested in his complicated love lifeand (abysmal) family life which lays true the aphorism that what goesaround comes around. Actually, it's better for that.In particular the relationship with Dury and his son, Baxter (playedbrilliantly by Son of Rambow star Bill Milner) is the main thread ofthe movie. Initially reticent, Baxter becomes increasingly influencedby his rebellious father and follows suit. Again, like Dad, in responseto the bullying and humiliation he faced at school.The finale is really good and pulls together a lot of strands includingthe Spartacus references that cropped up earlier in the action. I won'tspoil it by telling you how though.actually,the movie tries a little too hard; it's a touch too stylisedfor my liking, but it zips along quickly despite its fairly lengthy 115minute running time.Overall, I'd recommend it; if for no other reason than to wonder atAndy Serkis.7 out of 10.

madandbad 2012-05-24 18:44:39

Serkis is no Blockhead!!!

The magnetic performance of Andy Serkis is reason alone to watch thisfilm! Masterly performance! The film itself held my interestthroughout... but having bought Dury's stuff on 7" vinyl when it cameout, I had a vested interest!!! People unfamiliar with the man and hismusic might struggle to last the pace.I would have liked the movie to have paid more attention to the greatchart success the man had... rather than just fast forwarding to theensuing self-destruct mode of fame!!! Missed opportunity... one couldindeed say What a Waste!!! Interested in British music history...success over adversity... controversy... go and see it. A fan of Duryand the Blockheads... go and pay homage.Might have been better... but still a great tribute to a great artiste,and well worth a view!

2012-05-22 00:32:51

interesting

I'm a fan of the music, but never knew anything about Ian or the band. It was interesting and well made.

cottrellpj 2012-05-21 16:28:01

Somehow Unsatisfying

Lots of good performances here, but a lack of cohesion. I'm an Ian Duryfan (as well as Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric et al) and Iwas struck by the lack of historical context. Other than a briefreference to The Sex Pistols, there's no sense of time or place here,no evidence of the seminal Stiffs Live tour that cemented Ian's fameand a lack of recognition to the Blockheads, who were (and are) one ofthe best bands ever - their funkiness and elasticity were unique. A lotof psychological flashbacks and a last 20 minutes that reminded me of a"Movie of the Week". Nowt about the years leading up to his passing. Anewcomer might wonder what all the fuss was about.

2012-05-16 17:01:35

Unexpected pearl!

Low expectations for the movie but intrigued due to a second hand store acquisition of Ian Dury's greatest hits and reliving my UK youth. Well, brilliant acting, especially from Mr Serkis, different direction and an irreverent direction that matches the London scene of the period. Won't win an Oscar but should win loads of plaudits. And in the words of Mr Drury 'there aint alf been some clever b######' - well a lot of 'em made this film. Watch and enjoy!

paul david 2012-05-16 10:06:00

A most curious Musical and good acting by Andy Serkis

Well I was a 70s teenager and no Punk rock fan but I certainly enjoyedthis film almost to its conclusion despite its many shortcomings. I wasaware that it was on the shortlist for Oscar nomination but didn'tquite make it, I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.Ian dury was a popular musician in the 1970s but I would hardly callthis film a tribute to him. In many ways it is a very sad film becausethrough Andy Serkis, we can get an idea of the musical potential whichDury possessed and that which was surely wasted.There were many poignant sensitive moments and I really liked theopening sequences; not sure if all the songs in the movie areoriginally from Dury and his Group and the era? Then suddenly the filmbegan to fall away and the ending was somewhat desperate. As othershave commented, there was a lack of cohesion and so maximum 6 for thismovie because of that alone.Not in the same league as Ray, Walk the Line or even This is It andsome even wonder who Ian Dury was; a Shakespearean Punk legend with afabulous use of the English language, alas, mostly put to waste.One strong message the film gives is in the father-son relationship.Dury clearly loved his Son very much but was lost in his own musicalworld of what the film title dictated, though there was no sex in thismovie and I would not suspect Mr Dury to have been a playboy by thenature of the character acted out by Serkis. Furthermore, we are surelytalking about Punk Rock, not rock n Roll, though I know it derives fromthe title of the song.I may be wrong here but didn't he also write 'Hit me with your RhythmStick'/ I thought that might have been evolved when Mr Dury was in thegroup meeting with the 'kids' and they started to work on a new songwith 'rhythm'.There are many harsh and uncomfortable moments in the movie but don'tbe put off and you don't have to be a 70s teenager to enjoy it. All thesongs used in the movie are lyrical and worth absorbing in the contextof the movie but if it intended to tell the mans life story (such as itwas), I am sorry but for me it failed.

2012-05-15 14:58:51

Craziness and Empathy

This review is from: Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (DVD) Though I was a teen and young adult in the 70s and 80s, I don't remember hearing about Ian Drury during that time until after his popularity had started to fade. Very intriguing movie. Clearly, Ian Drury had a great talent for music and composition. I fear his greatest downfall was his inability to get his personal life in order. His distraction in trying to keep some order in his personal life kept him from truly devoting the attention needed for a successful music career. Sadly, he could not gain the respect in his field that was deserved. As far as the movie goes, I felt much like I did when viewing "La Vie en Rose", the story of Edith Piaf. Constant battles with demons within kept our principal from reaching his potential. Fast moving and full of life, this movie keeps your attention by the wonder of what the next scene will bring. I recommend it.Finally, though the movie makes mention of him, he truly does not receive the recognition he deserves for his performance as Ian Drury's son. Bill Milner does an outstanding job in this movie and is clearly an up and coming actor to watch in the near future. He does a great job in this role and you cannot help but empathize the difficulty of a young boy trying to find some normalcy in his life with a bunch of craziness going on around him. I look forward to seeing him in future films.

Peter Hayes 2012-05-15 08:07:26

Entertaining enough if you know the fuller picture

The Ian Dury story was definitely too strange for fiction. A disabledpop star - in the modern video age - who created a mix of musical hall,punk and pub rock that topped Euro charts and still gets a whirl nowand then on nostalgia radio.But is this is the real story? For a start he had one of the greatbacking bands (and to be frank they were more musical than him!) and,besides that, he was both an art teacher and born and brought up welloutside of London. Making him Mockney No.1.Like most bio-pics, facts that don't fit the overall picture are thrownover the wall. Also chronology is not guaranteed either. Never mind theinteresting bits that the micro-budget couldn't touch.Serkiss is simply great as Dury. Indeed hard to see anyone doing anybetter with the material. Such as it is. Why did women go for thisunconventional man who clearly had a great deal of trouble thinkingbeyond himself and his own creature comforts? ("Don't know" says the movie very honestly. Although he may have beenquite nice on the days he wasn't acting a prick. There was a brain anda conscience up there.)Like many artists you are glad for their art because it shows they hadhidden depths that their appearance and behaviour didn't alwaysindicate. Later he left music ("writers block") to try and be an actor.I don't mean play at being an actor, but become a real one. Work at it.Character roles a speciality. He did OK actually. Another fact thatcould have been a good 20 minutes rather than ending up over theaforementioned wall.The whole production team has worked hard to get some energy and oomphin the film and not to make it limp like the man himself, but despitethat it is really only a time passer. As I have already sad, the filmdoesn't have the budget to get involved in his era (which made himreally) and while it is nice to know he had a country house and aswimming pool the real action is clearly elsewhere most of the time.

cinematic13 2012-05-12 04:03:27

Creative, imaginative, un-formulaic bio

Blows the typical Hollywood bio-pics (RAY, WALK THE LINE, etc. etc.)right out of the water. A career-defining performance from AndySerkis...his BAFTA nomination was more than well-deserved. He literallyinhabits this physically and emotionally demanding role. The film doesnot sugar-coat the fact the Dury was a hard man to be around. Superblyedited as well, combining graphics, animation, varying film-stocks andangles, B&W, flashbacks, and fantasy sequences (ever see a band performUNDER water?). While this might sound like a mish-mash, it certainlyreflects those same artistic elements and chaos of the times. Yet themovie never loses it's narrative thru-line. A must-see, even more sofor those who remember.

colin_coyne 2012-05-11 12:56:11

Plenty of "Reasons to be Cheerful" ...

I thought that "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" was an excellent biopic of the late, great Ian Dury … who, stricken by Polio at an early age went on against all odds to be a leading player / singer in the emerging punk scene of the 70's and onwards ...The cast was very strong, especially the lead role played fantastically well by Andy Serkis (aka Gollum – Lord of the Rings, King Kong – King Kong), Naomie Harris (After the Sunset, Pirates of the Caribbean – At World's End) as Ian's girlfriend Denise and Bill Milner (Son of Rambow, Is there Anybody there?) as Ian's son Baxter.The film takes you through Ian Dury's funny / sad / dynamic / and often chaotic life with a collation of live performances, flashbacks and monologues – often driven by the great lyrics of the songs themselves … this is very well done … The director (Mat Whitecross)moves the film along at a good pace and gets the very best performances out of the actors – and the casting of Andy Serkis as Ian Dury was a masterstroke – I would not be at all surprised if he was nominated for best actor in the Oscars for this amazing performance. I would believe that even Ian Drury would have been impressed by Serkis's performance!I found this to be a very poignant, entertaining film – that (I believe) fairly accurately depicts the life and times of the late, great Ian Dury … and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this film.For those that previously enjoyed the music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads – you will love this film … for those that haven't heard the music before … "What a Waste!" … get ready to be converted … for you'll have "Reasons to be cheerful" when Ian Dury "Hit's you with his Rhythm Stick!"

Mike-969-221358 2012-05-07 18:30:34

A turd of a film

AS a long time fan I cannot believe this disjointed nonsense has beenaired. I saw Ian Dury live so many times this makes me weep. Fansplease avoid this politically correct load of old buylocks like theplague - he would have. The dateline jumps with no explanation. Thereis no I mean no connection with events Christ there is simply no way todescribe this turkey. I watched it all the way through, as I did hiscareer. I have no idea why -He did not deserve this I was a High Roadsfan! This is like a 1940s biopic. Watch it if you don't know anythingabout him. If you do remember him though, turn off and watch "OnlyFools And Horses - at any rate they can make a stab at an East Endaccent

crossbow0106 2012-05-06 23:40:39

Brilliant Andy Serkis. Film Isn't Otherwise Bad

In the states, Ian Dury is mostly unknown, especially now. He was a UKrocker who came out of the pub circuit. He was the most unlikely ofrock stars, stricken with polio and possessed of a less than tunefulvoice. Still, the music is well crafted and other than the film titlesome may remember the clever "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick". AndySerkis does an amazing job as Dury, he catches his ugliness, his drive,his indifference and his fury. They don't make musicians like Duryanymore, and thats a pity. He was an original. The film gets a bitconfusing jumping from the present to the past, but stay with it. Ifyou've never heard of Dury, read up & listen before you watch this.Otherwise, I think this is a faithful film about a difficult person butone who contributed well to popular culture. R.I.P. Ian.

FlashCallahan 2012-05-04 22:31:40

Reasons to be cheerful......

Ignoring the fact that Dury was a teacher for a while, the film flitsfrom has rise to fame, to his challenging upbringing.It's not like any bio-pic i've seen in recent years, it has a littleTodd Haynes-esquire scenes in the film, and the concert footage isreally something else.But it doesn't glamorise the fact that Dury was a star, it doesn'treally delve into his money or the music he made, it focuses on the thestruggles Dury had with his illness, and trying to bring his son up.It's very interesting to see that the film-makers don't show Dury as ahero, they show him as a vulnerable child-like man, who cannot copewith the real world. Someone who wants to live life to the full becausehe probably feels his childhood was lost, so he makes up for it, andtries to get his son to have fun too.A lot of issues are not elaborated on, which is a shame. The bullyingof his son is never fully established, we just get a little revenge inthe woods, and thats that, and there is also a scene where Dury isdoing a Q&A at the school he attended, and a boy challenges hims aboutGod, there is something there, but the makers ignore it.But these are just minor flaws in an otherwise interesting film. Serkisis uncannily like Dury, and he is absolutely fantastic as the singer,showing rage and passion.The rest of the cast are also good, but this is Serkis' movie, and hecommands every scene he is in.It's a very dark movie, sometimes psychedelic, sometimes disturbing,but the narrative flows well and for fans of the music and the man,it's a must.

2012-05-04 11:54:47

Understanding

This review is from: Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (DVD) Want to understand the Blockheads era? Buy this.Great music and true to life.Great

clivey6 2012-05-01 19:27:28

The Life and Death of Ian Dury

A fine lead performance by Andy Serkis who played Gollum, King Kongand, er Moors Murderer Ian Brady. I suppose what with him playing realpeople - or at least established characters - he's following a similarcareer path to Blair/Frost/Clough actor Michael Sheen. (While Serkisdoing Blair would be a stretch, I could see Sheen playing the anaemicpo-faced Brady.) Serkis seems to BE Dury though he doesn't look thatmuch like him; Dury looked like a malformed Kray twin and Ray Winstone(who pops up as Dury's dad) in his younger days would be more aphysical match.Talking of which, Jamie Winstone appears before the film starts doingher schoolmarm bit, telling us to watch out for anyone videoing themovie. "There's always one who's got to spoil it isn't there..." Themovie is good stuff and I liked the dialogue, though much of it may bebon mots from the man himself rather than from the scriptwriter. It'smainly The Life and Death of Peter Sellers type stuff, in that we havea guy over 30 held back by perceived physical limitations and prejudicewho makes it big at the expense of his family life.That said, the genre is a bit box-ticking in its emotions, it's allemotional shorthand. Everything is deliberately simplified, prettifiedand made a bit phony. When we see the band practising at home, and Durysacks the drummer while his wife is giving birth upstairs, well, that'sbased on a real event, except here it looks phony, comical. And it's abit like that throughout: here's the girlfriend looking moody, here'sthe kid petulantly burning his dad's presents, etc. It lacksverisimilitude, or that seedy, downbeat 1970s punk vibe. The audienceis spoonfed and every scene is a stepping stone. It also has tooverlook the fact that unlike Gene Vincent, Dury did not die young, sayin 1980, but 20 years later, not in a ripe old age admittedly but withenough time to conjure with.Still, enjoyable throughout and artist Peter Blake's titles are verygood. Blake was Dury's tutor don't you know.

Peter Hayes 2012-05-01 06:22:00

Entertaining enough if you know the fuller picture

The Ian Dury story was definitely too strange for fiction. A disabledpop star - in the modern video age - who created a mix of musical hall,punk and pub rock that topped Euro charts and still gets a whirl nowand then on nostalgia radio.But is this is the real story? For a start he had one of the greatbacking bands (and to be frank they were more musical than him!) and,besides that, he was both an art teacher and born and brought up welloutside of London. Making him Mockney No.1.Like most bio-pics, facts that don't fit the overall picture are thrownover the wall. Also chronology is not guaranteed either. Never mind theinteresting bits that the micro-budget couldn't touch.Serkiss is simply great as Dury. Indeed hard to see anyone doing anybetter with the material. Such as it is. Why did women go for thisunconventional man who clearly had a great deal of trouble thinkingbeyond himself and his own creature comforts? ("Don't know" says the movie very honestly. Although he may have beenquite nice on the days he wasn't acting a prick. There was a brain anda conscience up there.)Like many artists you are glad for their art because it shows they hadhidden depths that their appearance and behaviour didn't alwaysindicate. Later he left music ("writers block") to try and be an actor.I don't mean play at being an actor, but become a real one. Work at it.Character roles a speciality. He did OK actually. Another fact thatcould have been a good 20 minutes rather than ending up over theaforementioned wall.The whole production team has worked hard to get some energy and oomphin the film and not to make it limp like the man himself, but despitethat it is really only a time passer. As I have already said, the filmdoesn't have the budget to get involved in his era (which made himreally) and while it is nice to know he had a country house and aswimming pool the real action is clearly elsewhere most of the time.

ajs-10 2012-04-27 14:43:24

An interesting take on the life and times of Ian Dury...

Back in 1977 while punk was just getting going, a band called Ian Duryand the Blockheads released an album called 'New Boots and Panties'. Afew years later, feeling a bit nostalgic, I bought said album reallycheap. I still have it today; in fact I'm listening to it as I typethis review. Now, onto the film, it's a biopic all about Ian Dury, hisfight against disability and his rise to fame. Here's a brief summarybefore I tell you my thoughts (summary haters please mingle with theaudience while I write the next paragraph).Ian Dury was an entertainer, or that's what he always said he wasinterviewed. He had been struck down with polio when he was young andthis left him withered down his left side. When we first see him, he iswith another band who are rehearsing downstairs while his wife, Betty,gives birth upstairs. Later, after their last gig, he meets DeniseRoudette, with whom he has an affair. They move in together and a whilelater, his son, Baxter, comes to stay with them. As Ian puts a new bandtogether, including musician and songwriter Chaz Jankel, Baxterstruggles to come to terms with the chaotic lifestyle he has beenthrown into. The film plots his rise to fame and the effect it has onIan and those around him. It also tells of his early life in flashback,his relationship with his father, Bill, and his unhappy childhood in aninstitution. I won't say any more as I don't want to give too muchaway.Made in a very theatrical style, this film cuts from live action toanimation, to live musical performances and back again. It all sounds abit chaotic, but, for me at least, it works. At the centre is a reallygreat performance from Andy Serkis as Ian Dury, although he doesn'tparticularly look like him, he has all his mannerisms down to a tee. Ialso thought Bill Milner played the part of Baxter Dury very well, itcan't have been an easy part for a young actor and I thought he copedwith it pretty well. Similarly, Wesley Nelson played the part of YoungIan Dury very well. I should also give honourable mentions to OliviaWilliams as Ian's wife, Naomie Harris as Denise Roudette, Tom Hughes asChaz Jankel, and nice cameos from both Ray Winstone as Bill Dury (Ian'sdad) and Noel Clarke as Desmond.Although Ian Dury wasn't the easiest person to get along with (forthose that don't know, he passed away in 2000) and consequently not thenicest man in the world, I found this quite an enjoyable film to watch.I can't say I'm a huge fan of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, but I dorecognise that Ian was a very talented chap and I always respected himas an artiste. Later in his career he appeared in quite a few films,not a bad actor. Over all, it's quite an interesting film, verytouching at times but also quite bold in its approach. I know it won'tbe everyone's cup of tea, but still… recommended.My score: 7.1/10

beresfordjd 2012-04-27 09:31:40

Do people really throw plates?

In one scene Olivia Williams (as Dury's wife) throws plates at AndySerkis(Dury) in a domestic argument - typically of this film it seemedstilted and unreal. That said Andy Serkis is terrific as Dury, as Iexpected. Naomi Harris is hot and a damned good actress to boot. Thestyle of the film rather gets in the way of a coherent narrative and isultimately unsatisfying. The Blockhead's music is always worth hearingand I would have liked more band performance on screen as that is whatmade Dury great. It is to the movie's credit that Ian Dury is seenwarts and all, like most rock stars he was a complex and difficult manat the best of times. This film was not quite what I expected it to beand therefore overall I was disappointed in the final result.