Spoiler-free review of 'The Runaways'

[aphrodite_mine]

I've just gotten home from the epic adventure north to see the Sundance Film Festival--USA premiere of Floria Sigismondi's film 'The Runaways' in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally, Floria was to be in attendance, but I suppose something happened, and instead, we were treated to a Q&A with Runaways lead singer Cherie Currie after the film.

What follows under the cut are some of my thoughts on the experience after having a night to sleep on it, and a seven hour drive to ponder. I've tried to keep things spoiler-free, and WILL NOT ANSWER specific questions in this post. Specific references to spoilers or the script will be screened, as this is a public post. If you would like specific questions answered, please ask them at the posts on runawaysmovie or dakota_kstew, DM me on twitter (user aphrodite_mine), or email me at cookingwithedna at gmail. Please don't ask for 'more description in general' -- if you want that, you can find the script or watch Edgeplay.

And enough formalities.
Okay, the question on everyone's minds. Is it good? That answer is an easy yes. Could it be better? Easily. Right when the story is picking up, it sputters to a halt. My fan-knowledge helped fill in the gaps of the story, so it wasn't as rough for me as it was for my two friends who had no explanation but what the film gave. The film is simply too short. As a three-hour movie it would have been an opus. It feels a bit chopped and edited.

Acting: Are Kristen and Dakota that great? They really are! There were maybe two scene when remnants of *themselves* came through, and I was watching closely. Especially Dakota's performance is stellar, but Kristen's role is understated in nature, so I don't think she should be overlooked. At a few times it seemed like Dakota was still too gangly and awkward for the role, but in others she worked past it effortlessly. This may have been an issue of filming order.

Singing: Again, are Kristen and Dakota that great? There are actual tracks from The Runaways used in the film along with recordings done by Kristen and Dakota, and I can attest to the massive amount of work they must have put into this. They sound FABULOUS. I was a little disappointed in Kristen's vocals, not because they sound bad, but because they don't sound *as* much like Joan as they could. Basically, they sound like what The Runaways would have sounded like, had they had the benefits of actual recording equipment and producers.

And a bit about the film itself: Floria seems like a filmmaker/scriptwriter to watch. I'll be really interested to see what she does next. The film is full of very female/feminist imagry and themes. She uses color in interesting ways, and plays with light and dark.

That said, if you are looking for a story that is based on fact, this is not the movie for you. Edgeplay is not even the movie for you. With a band like The Runaways, I feel like the truth lies somewhere between what is said, and this movie adds another layer to that story. It doesn't say it all, but it says something, and it says it well.

Comments

[cyandragonfly.livejournal.com]

I was starting to be afraid that the hype we've given the movie would overrule the actual film, but it sounds like a good time.

Was the trip good?

[aphrodite-mine.livejournal.com]

The trip was shlammin :D

[jaymes-maxwell.livejournal.com]

Can't wait for this movie, friended you purely because I saw your comment on a FaBerry glee fic and I loved your dp.

[aphrodite-mine.livejournal.com]

Thanks for letting me know! :)