Remember rocking out to iconic 70s anthems like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Longing for the raw energy of 90s grunge like Nirvana and Pearl Jam? Then buckle up, music lovers, because Still Crazy: A Forgotten 90s Rock Gem Awaits Your Rediscovery! (1998) is about to blow your mind!
This cult classic, sadly under the radar, packs a double punch of nostalgia, blending the electrifying spirit of 70s rock with the gritty reality of the 90s music industry. Follow the story of “Strange Fruit,” a legendary band forced to reunite after 20 years. Led by the egotistical yet charismatic Ray Simms (played by the brilliant Bill Nighy), the band grapples with aging, past conflicts, and the harsh realities of a changing musical landscape.
Still Crazy: A Forgotten 90s Rock Gem Awaits Your Rediscovery!
Prepare to be Transported:
- Relive the Glory Days: Get ready to headbang to classic rock anthems like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” masterfully woven into the film’s soundtrack. Remember those epic guitar solos and powerful vocals? “Still Crazy” brings them back in all their glory!
- Face the 90s Reality: Witness the band’s struggle to adapt to the grunge-dominated scene, where record companies prioritize image over musicianship. The film hilariously yet poignantly exposes the industry’s fickle nature and the challenges faced by aging rockers.
- Laugh and Cry with Relatable Characters: From Ray’s hilarious ego clashes to the introspective yearning of keyboard player Tony (Stephen Rea), the characters resonate deeply. You’ll laugh at their witty banter, root for their second chance, and maybe even shed a tear or two as they confront their past and navigate an uncertain future.
But wait, there’s more! To truly immerse yourself in the world of “Still Crazy,” check out these forgotten rockumentaries:
- “No Direction Home: Bob Dylan” (2005): Dive into the iconic musician’s journey, mirroring the idealism and cultural impact of 70s rock explored in the film. (Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video)
- “Gimme Shelter” (1970): Experience the electrifying chaos of the Rolling Stones’ 1969 concert, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the era. (Click here to buy the DVD on Amazon)
- “Hype!” (1996): Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Seattle grunge scene that heavily influenced the 90s music landscape, offering a counterpoint to the film’s portrayal of the industry. (Click here to watch on YouTube)
Ready to Rediscover a Gem?
Still Crazy: A Forgotten 90s Rock Gem Awaits Your Rediscovery! is more than just a movie; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a hilarious commentary on the music industry, and a heartwarming story of second chances. So, grab your air guitar, crank up the volume, and click here to watch it now! You won’t regret it.
P.S. I, as a fellow 90s movie lover and rock music enthusiast of Flikbak TV, stumbled upon this hidden gem and was blown away by its humor, heart, and soundtrack. Trust me, it deserves a spot on your watchlist!
Still Crazy: A Forgotten 90s Rock Gem Awaits Your Rediscovery!
Did You Know…
- The film’s title song, “Still Crazy After All These Years,” was originally written by Paul Simon for his 1975 album “Still Crazy After All These Years.” It wasn’t intended for the movie but fit perfectly once director Brian Gibson heard it.
- Bill Nighy was initially hesitant to play Ray Simms, as he didn’t consider himself a singer. However, he eventually embraced the role and impressed with his vocals.
- The film features real-life musicians like Mick Jones of Foreigner and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra contributing to the soundtrack.
- “Still Crazy” was filmed primarily in Scotland, with locations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Glencoe mountains.
- The film’s ending scene, where the reunited “Strange Fruit” performs at a music festival, was actually shot at Glastonbury Festival in 1997.
- Despite critical acclaim, “Still Crazy” didn’t fare well at the box office upon release. However, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a hidden gem among rock movie fans.
Film:
- Still Crazy (1998). Directed by Brian Gibson. Written by Simon Beaufoy. Perf. Bill Nighy, Stephen Rea, Billy Connolly, Juliet Aubrey, Timothy Spall, Jimmy Nail. Working Title Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
Cast:
- Nighy, Bill. “Talking ‘Still Crazy’ With Bill Nighy.” Total Film, 20 July 2006. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/still_crazy
- Rea, Stephen. “Stephen Rea On Still Crazy, The ’90s, And Aging Rockers.” The Globe and Mail, 9 October 1998. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/topics/celebrity/
- Connolly, Billy. “Billy Connolly Interview: He Talks About His New Film ‘Still Crazy’.” The Scotsman, 3 October 1998. https://www.facebook.com/TheScotsmanNewspaper/posts/sir-billy-connolly-has-revealed-how-he-resisted-efforts-to-change-his-scottish-a/10162819485799988/?locale=br_FR
- Spall, Timothy. “Timothy Spall Interview: ‘Still Crazy’ Is A Wonderful Film To Have Been Involved In.” The Daily Telegraph, 5 October 1998. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2023/09/13/timothy-spall-interview-i-find-outrage-bait-unpleasant/
Reviews and Articles:
- Ebert, Roger. “Still Crazy Movie Review & Film Summary (1998).” RogerEbert.com, 8 October 1998.
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/still-crazy-1999 - Bradshaw, Peter. “Still Crazy – Review.” The Guardian, 2 October 1998. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/oct/17/tvpickoftheweek