The Commitments (1991)
They Had Absolutely Nothing. But They Were Willing To Risk It All.
Starring: Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Dave Finnegan, Bronagh Gallagher, Félim Gormley, Glen Hansard, Dick Massey, and Johnny Murphy.
Director: Alan Parker
Running Time: 118 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy, Drama, Musical
On DVD It's difficult not to like a film such as 'The Commitments'. It has a variety of themes, including the dreams of youth; artistic inspiration; the world of rhythm and blues/soul music. It also happens to be a very amiable film, which no doubt contributed to the success of its original theatrical release. It is well-edited, with gritty, realistic photography.
The basic premise is the rise and fall of a working-class, all-white soul band from the North Side of Dublin. They achieve some mild success and eventually go on tour, but basic personality differences and band politics finally get the best of them.
It's clear this is a feel-good film. From the moment Jimmy's tough and dour father breaks out into an Elvis standard, it's clear what the tone of this film is going to be.
Most of the drama entails Jimmy trying to find new recruits for his R&B/soul band. However, it's not very clear why Jimmy wants to start the band, or if that's his real passion, etc. The band falls together in a very casual way - no big obstacles or problems. About halfway through the film, it's clear he's not trying to promote or push the band toward a contract, label, or company - his band becomes a distraction more than an enterprise. Subplots are started, and then promptly abandoned - such as the members trying to make a living versus following their musical pipe dream; romances in the band, etc. One of the biggest moments comes when the drummer quits. We might have felt more drama and suspense if it were the lead singer leaving.
About 3/4 of the way through the film, the band decides to hit the road for a brief tour. At one particular gig, they finally attract a record producer. Although he's from a smaller label, he seems genuinely interested in funding an album. However, all good things must come to an end - and the producer winds up witnessing a personality meltdown of the band, which is basically the beginning of the end. The members wind up playing in the street, joining other bands, or toeing the line in the 9-5.
The film works as a comedy, but a mild one. The main running joke is the irony of a soul band trying to make a name for themselves in Dublin. "The Irish are the Blacks of Europe, and Dubliners are the Blacks of Ireland . . . You've got to think, 'I'm Black and I'm proud'". Jimmy's words leave a dumbfounded look on the rest of his lads.
The realism and everyday life of the working-class North Side of Dublin is expressed in many shots and scenes. Children vandalizing an abandoned building; young men standing in the welfare line; the local street market - and of course the local pub. This struggling part of Irish society is in typical UK weather, i.e., overcast sky with rain threatening. The Irish spirit and humor however foils these natural hardships.
The soundtrack is filled with a healthy dose of R&B, soul, and rock 'n roll covers - including such standards as 'Chain of Fools' and 'Try a Little Tenderness'.
The transfer maintains the look the director was looking for, which is evidenced in the photography by Gale Tattersall; slightly gritty, smoky, and urban. The soundtrack is nearly flawless. It's clear the scenes were well mic'ed during shooting, and the DVD result preserves the natural, atmospheric audio. The musical numbers are dynamic, but not overwhelming.
DVD Extras: Disc One: The feature film; with optional director's commentary by Alan Parker.
Disc Two: The making of the 'The Commitments'; 'The Commitments: Looking Back'; 'Dublin Soul: The Working Class and Changing Face of Dublin'; 'Making of Featurette'; and a music video of the song 'Treat Her Right'.
It's Got: Irishmen playing soul music.
It Needs: A tad more dramatic structure.
Alternatives: That Thing You Do; The Doors.
Summary: Quintessential film musical-comedy from the 1990s.
Review by Brad Dunn
External Links
The Commitments at the IMDB
