It was super crummy weather in Seattle today so I listened to a ton of reggae and thought of warmer climates. When I envision reggae music , scenes from these movies always come to mind.If you have not seen "The Harder They Come" you MUST, I repeat must, go and do so.
No question about it. Style for miles and one of the best soundtracks as well. Roger Corman interestingly enough took charge of distribution of this film in 1973 which led to placement in plenty of art-house theater midnight showings. This film was re-released through Criterion sometime ago. It stands as one of my all time favorite films.
I just read this review on wiki...
Kevin Sanders (bless his heart) says "Infinitely more intelligent the Last Tango in Paris."
Sorry Brando, I'm agreeing with Kevin on this one. Jimmy Cliff (who plays the lead) is a rougher than tough bad ass in this story of a struggling musically talented outlaw.
Next one up is "Rockers" - 1976
Rockers is a gem. Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, an Alpha Boys music school alum who was in countless of influential bands, plays the down and out star this time.
Theodoros Bafaloukos the writer and director was just interviewed in VICE.Check it out and read why this Greek guy from NY set out to film this amazing film.
Again, style for days. Plenty of star power on the soundtrack as well.
Next up is the documentary style film "Roots, Rock, Reggae" - 1977
This film is shot live and direct 1977 Kingston style. It includes some great studio footage of Lee "Scratch" Perry and King Tubby behind the controls of some excellent bands.And finally into the 80's with "Countryman" - 1982
A CIA agent and his girlfriend are accused of wrongdoing when their plane crashes in a remote jungle area of Jamaica. Thin on plot, but still one hell of a movie.
One of my favorite scenes...
I would like to imagine that the likes of Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and the Rolling Stones were influenced in a big way by Jamaican music and culture.
I know these films had a huge impact with me. Enjoy.
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