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Quadrophenia



For starters, (this is only my opinion) the movie fails to deal with the 
central theme of QUAD. The fact that a young boy, confused about his 
identity, sees himself as four seperate entities. He looks back on the 
recent events of his life, and reflecting on his seemingly hopeless 
situation, he chooses not to commit suicide. The movie ignores the 
crescendo and startlingly human conclusion. As Jimmy sits on his rock, 
deciding whether or not to drown himself, he wishes for rain. And that it 
does, resolving his inner conflicts. The movie is just an excuse to get a 
whole bunch of mods on film, smash up a bunch of Brighton widow stores, 
and shock people with a horrible ending. Does Jimmy really fall off the 
cliff? Frankly, I didn't even care. The only redeeming qualities of the 
film were Entwistle's amazing reworking and remastering of QUAD. So what 
if Sting parades around as a somewhat confusing and pompous Ace Face? At 
least his scooter was cool.

When I saw the boys in Worcester, MA, I did notice Pete turning pages. 
Perhaps he was merely having trouble remembering lines, but considering 
how many times (by now) that Pete must have played Quad, do you really 
think he was having trouble remembering chords? I mean, the man is 
talented enough to nearly improvise every show in the early seventies, 
you think he'd be able to wing Quadrophenia. Maybe since Keith is dead, 
the Who are without a suitable "musical conductor." I think the music 
stand should remain a mystery. Does it really matter what Pete is doing 
on stage as long as he can play the music that we so admire?

HAPPY JACK