Product Description

This classic rock opera is brought energetically to life by an outstanding cast including many stars of the rock music industry. Told through the remarkable music of The Who, this is the story of Tommy, who, when just a boy of six, witnessed the murder of his father by his mother (Ann-Margaret) and her lover (Oliver Reed). They command him, "You didn't hear it, you didn't see it, and you won't say anything to anyone.." As a result, the traumatised boy retreats into the shadows of his mind and becomes deaf, dumb and blind. Growing into manhood, Tommy (Roger Daltrey) is subjected to several bizarre cure attempts by the Acid Queen (Tina Turner), the preacher (Eric Clapton), and the Specialist (Jack Nicholson). In spite of his handicap, Tommy defeats the Pinball Wizard (Elton John) and becomes the champ, attaining a devoted following. When he is finally cured, he is hailed by his fans as a "Messiah".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9632 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-08-27
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Synopsis
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.

Customer Reviews

A period piece movie but still powerful
With its typically over -the-top production by Ken Russell and big musical arrangements of the originally sparse songs, Tommy is something of a decadent 70s interpretation of Pete Townsend's' rock opera. Despite this, it is still excellent and thought provoking, mainly due to Townsend's superb songs and mind-blowing story as well as a fine, often unheralded lead performance by Roger Daltrey.

Tommy tells the story of a traumatised "death, dumb and blind kid" who is horrifically abused by various family members and supposed cure healers. He is then amazingly cured as an adult and is elevated to something of a Messiah figure, a role he ultimately, spectacularly rejects.

Russell's film looks at the themes of religion, the exploitation of Tommy as a product and so much more with one-song cameos by many of the stars of the day such as Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson and Paul Nicholas. All of this adds to the sense of decadence to the movie which, although a period piece, is still powerful today due to Townsend's amazing vision and Daltrey's believable performance.

Rock Opera
Excellent Cast, excellent music, brilliant production, would certainly recomend it to any rock fan especially fans of the WHO, ELTON JOHN and ERIC CLAPTON. For anyone wishing to see Jack Nicholson and Oliver Reed singing together a must. Fantastic performance from Ann Margret who really shows her class. A typical Ken Russel production.

Even the Songs Can't Salvage It
A mess, an utter mess of a film with some outstanding musical numbers but no plot or coherent structure or anything. I don't hate many things, but this film is just pretty awful. It barely even qualifies as a feature film, more a Moonwalkeresque flit through some great song clips with no real plot to join them together. Maybe I hate it because I was expecting much better, but eithwr way if you want a movie based on a Who rock opera watch Quadrophenia. now that's a good film