Tommy (1975)

If you've ever wanted to hear Jack Nicholson sing (or try to) or marvel at the sight of Ann-Margret drunkenly cavorting in a cascade of baked beans, Tommy is the movie you've been waiting for. As it turns out, the Who's brilliant rock opera is sublimely matched to director Ken Russell's penchant for cinematic excess, and this 1975 production finds Russell at the peak of his filmmaking audacity. It's a fever-dream of musical bombast, custom-fit to the thematic ambition of Pete Townshend's epic rock drama, revolving around the titular "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" (played by Who vocalist Roger Daltrey) who survives the childhood trauma that stole his senses to become a Pinball Wizard messiah in Townshend's grandiose attack on the hypocrisy of organized religion.

The story is remarkably coherent considering the hypnotic dream-state induced by Russell's visuals. Tommy's odyssey is rendered through wall-to-wall music, each song representing a pivotal chapter in Tommy's chronology, from the bloodstream shock of "The Acid Queen" (performed to the hilt by Tina Turner) to Nicholson's turn as a well-intentioned physician, Elton John's towering rendition of "Pinball Wizard," and Daltrey's epiphanous rendition of "I'm Free." Other performers include Eric Clapton and (most outrageously) the Who's drummer Keith Moon, and through it all Russell is almost religiously faithful to Townshend's artistic vision. Although it divided critics when first released, Tommy now looks likes a minor classic of gonzo cinema, worthy of the musical genius that fueled its creation. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

 Strange! (and watchable!)
Hard to sum up or interpret the meaning of this film or the motivations of the story composer/writer Pete Townsend, but it's recommended for a look even if not a fan/familiar with the famed rock opera.
Another star would have been awarded had the movie not featured the unwatchable and less than listenable Oliver Reed in the role of Tommy's(Roger Daltrey)stepfather. Mother Ann-Margaret is a little easier on the ears and eyes and shines in a don't-miss scene with beans and soap suds that must have been conceived on strong hallucinogenics.Be warned however that with the exception of "Eyesight to the Blind" "Acid Queen" and maybe another, the majority of songs here are far inferior to the 1969 album versions.
Frankly the music is not as good as the album, even for the all-star cast of Tina Turner, eric Clapton and Elton somebody. First 15 minutes or so are weak and show-tuney, but starts to rock when Clapton appears. There's a message here but who knows what it really is. It's a tale that may be about false prophets, religion or self-awareness, but remains ambiguous enough to be a good topic of discussion. Visually imaginative sets and backgrounds make a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Save your drug money and see this instead, kids. It is weird!! February 21, 2008

 Rock Opera-licious
This moviw was a gift for my husband and at first I thought it was just weird! However, after watching the whole mive I've got to say it is at least entertaining. It is full of stars, some before they were very famous. It is very creative and fun to watch. February 15, 2008

 Visually perfect!
I saw this movie when I was young and absolutely loved it. Not a word is spoken, only sung to the Who's rock opera by the same name. I would call this a "modern day silent film". Innovative for its time. Pete Townshend shows that he is one gifted writer and musician.

Briefly, the movie is about a boy who lost his father during World War II before he was born and suffered a tramatic shock when he saw an event. He lost his ability to see and hear and then regains it after a long journey. This is the journey we witness.

When I saw this again the other day, it still had the same impact on me, visually perfect. Since no words are spoken, the story must be conveyed through sight and sound (music), something Tommy is lacking. I grew up in a photographically minded family and remembered my dad liking this movie for the cinematagraphy (he didn't like the Who's music).

This film has a great cast. Roger Daltry, Ann Margret, Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, Elton John and even Keith Moon. It was great to hear Nicholson try to sing, and Elton in those big boots.

You have to like the Who's music to totally enjoy this film, but it still is a visual and musical feast after all these years. Buy and enjoy. This version sounds great on a home theater system!

Oh, if you're too young and don't think you remember the Who's music, think again. All three of the CSIs use the Who's songs as their theme songs. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" ("Who are you"), "CSI: Miami"("Won't Get Fooled Again") and "CSI: NY" ("Baba O'Riley"). All written by Pete Townshend and performed by the Who. January 20, 2008

 Funny 70's retrospective
When I was 18 or so I listened to The Who's music and I also listened to the album Tommy. I can agree that it's not so great, unless you have seen the movie. I finally had the chance to see it recently and I enjoyed enormously.

The movie is a great wink and attempts to laugh at everything, including stardom itself. Nice that it features some performances of the 70s most famous popstars, like Eric Clapton, Tina Turner and Elton John.

Every shot in this movie, from starting with a picknick somewhere in the countryside until Roger Daltrey climbing the same mountainous countryside, is full of nostalgia if you've grown up in the seventies. I can agree with some other reviewers; this movie should not be watched completely sober nor should you be to serious about the plot or characters.

But I don't recall The Who being such a serious band anyway. :-) Enjoy! January 15, 2008

 The Who!!!
I am thrilled that this is finally affordable and on DVD! One of my favorite movies, Tommy captures the lost feeling we all felt in the 70's. We were not sure what we had to hold onto, and music saved a lot of us from drowning in that nothingness. Pete Townsend's opera says it all. December 22, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...