Tommy
Tommy
PG | 19 March 1975 (USA)
Tommy Trailers

A psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind boy becomes a master pinball player and the object of a religious cult.

Reviews
Tuchergson Truly the worst movie I've ever seen in a theater
Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated
Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
Adeel Hail Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.
utgard14 I doubt I can add much to the many reviews already posted for Tommy, Ken Russell's demented film version of The Who's classic 1969 rock opera. It's not a movie that will please everybody. It's weird at every turn and feels very much like it was crafted by someone on psychedelic drugs. But it's also fascinating to watch (and listen to) and never boring. I've read many reviews here that talk extensively about Russell's creativity, the amazing sets, the various people performing The Who's music, and so on. All of that's great but I would like to focus on one specific person who makes the movie for me: Ann-Margret. Aside from being stunning throughout the picture (even when writhing around in baked beans and chocolate), she has one of the best voices in the film. Most importantly, she gives the film's standout performance. Most of the people in this are camping it up as much as possible or they seem to be high. Ann-Margret manages to match everyone's craziness while still bringing her own special charm and energy to her role. She was nominated for an Oscar for this (and won a Golden Globe). She's really fun to watch and, if you're a fan of hers, I strongly recommend you see this. Overall, the movie is not without its flaws but it's worth a look at least once. Be prepared, though, it's very 'out there' and never lets up, moving along at a fast pace from start to finish.
LeonLouisRicci Ear Piercing Audio, without Dialog, and Visually Overwhelming, this Overblown Rock-Opera Written by Pete Townshend (Oscar nominated), and Directed by Ken Russell, Stars Ann Margret (Oscar nominated), Roger Daltrey (Golden Globe nominated), with a Gaggle of Cameos.The Elton John (Pinball Wizard), Tina Turner (Acid Queen), and Eric Clapton (Preacher) Segments are Highlights but the Movie is on a High of its Own. There was Absolutely Nothing Subtle about The Who, Ken Russell, or the 1970's. Everything was Big, Bright, and Blowhard. The Hair, the Attire, the Politics, and the Culture were on a Mind Expanding Trip to the Heavens.This Movie is a Product of its Era. A Gut-Wrenching, Cringe Inducing Musical Satire on Religion, Pop Culture, Fame, and the Kitchen Sink. It is as Kitsch as it gets. A Sensory Overload of Sound, Color, and Excess for Excess Sake.Unless You are Fan of The Who/Ken Russell, this will be an Inconsistent Piece of Work at Best and a God-Awful Debauchery at Worst. An Objective Viewer most Likely will find something to Love and something to Hate.But, it can't be denied its Ambition, Creativity, and Place in the World of Cult Cinema, Rock on Film, and Artsy Pretensions. It's Long, Well Done, mostly Entertaining, and Exhausting, with a Color Palette and Style Worthy its Subject. A Breathtaking Ballyhoo.
pedro-alceu Tommy is an masterpiece way ahead of its time. The movie tells the story of Tommy, a boy that gets a trauma when his father gets killed by his stepfather and mother, followed by them telling Tommy:"You didn't see it, you didn't hear it, no word of it for anyone in life" multiple times. That made him act like he is deaf, blind and dumb for his whole life, suffering and suffering throughout the whole movie. It's a movie that you need to have your mind open to enjoy. Also keep your mind ready to understand the hundreds of messages and symbols in the movie, or else you won't find it that genius. The movie does psychological analysis on the character of tommy, quotes the story of Jesus, with great charismatic characters that are represented by great actors, followed by the sublime The who discography. Without dialog, only music. If you're the kind of person that likes to think, and also likes rock, this may be your favorite movie, although, that's not a movie for everyone, if you're used to movies that are easier to digest that don't require too much reflection to justify what you've just seen, you may find this movie just creepy and bizarre, as most of the scenes in the movie require some thought to make sense, like the scene where Tommy is tossed to the mirror. I simply loved it, each second of it and every thing in it has an utility for the story, be it to symbolize something(Like the recurring metallic sphere in the movie) or to just make something clear for the audience. The movie almost never gives answers to you right away, if you question what you've seen, search through your own mind to find the answer. The only thing i know that gives me the same feeling of watching Tommy, also providing psychological analysis of the character and symbolism is Neon Genesis Evangelion, although Tommy doesn't give you ANYTHING mainstream, it's all different and strange in the movie. For rock and thinking lovers, this movie is a must watch, if you are new to both subjects, you should watch it too, the best rock opera of all time.
rooprect "Tommy" is a surreal experience. While not quite as over-the-top as the psycho-erotic "Barbarella" (1968) and not as incomprehensible as the psycho-mindfreak "Head" (also 1968), this movie certainly delivers a wild ride.The plot is about a blind, deaf-mute boy who suffers abuse after abuse, eventually finding his salvation as a pinball prodigy. The spectacle instantly turns him into a cult figure, and from there things get really weird. According to writer/guitarist Pete Townshend, "Tommy is an attack on the hypocrisy of organized religion," and there is certainly no question about that. Religious themes and symbols constantly crop up throughout the film, including, but not limited to, the statue of the Madonna (an outrageously suggestive sculpture of Marilyn Monroe), various images of medieval Catholic torture devices, and of course the iconic "T" for "Tommy" symbol (take a guess). The satire is laid on pretty thick.As I just described it, you might think the movie is predictable, and to a certain degree it is. But the film's complexity and power come from the presentation which is just weird enough to keep you guessing while not so weird that you'll lose focus. With unique visuals and music, it takes a tongue-in-cheek comedic approach which gives the director license to get away with murder. An example would be the scene where Tommy is being molested by various family members to the tune "Fiddling Around Fiddling Around". Don't ask how such a disturbing concept can be presented in a silly way but it is.Another memorable moment is when Ann-Margaret's character has a sort of mental breakdown that begins with her drinking champagne in a luxurious, white room and ends with her squirming around in 500 gallons of baked beans. Yeah I told you this movie is weird.Director Ken Russell achieves a strange balance between "Willy Wonka", "The Life of Brian" and "Zardoz". While Roger Ebert criticized him for going too far, I actually feel like he was pretty conservative compared to other rock musicals of the time (like "The Wall", "Magical Mystery Tour" and the aforementioned king of wtf-musicals: "Head").Notable appearances by Elton John, Tina Turner and Jack Nicholson add more fun to the mix. And it should go without saying, if you're a fan of The Who, you can't miss this movie.