Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways (2004)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Victory Tischler-Blue

Writer:

Victory Tischler-Blue (writer)

Release Date:

7 October 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Plot:

A documentary feature film about the 1970's seminal all girl band, The Runaways.

Plot Keywords:

The Runaways | Band | Psychological Abuse | 1970s | Rock 'n' Roll

Cast

Victory Tischler-Blue	...	Herself (as Vicki Blue)
Cherie Currie	...	Herself
Lita Ford	...	Herself
Jackie Fox	...	Herself
Kari Krome	...	Herself
Sandy West	...	Herself
Suzi Quatro	...	Herself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kim Fowley	...	Himself
Marie Harmon	...	Herself / Cherie Currie's Mother
Joan Jett	...	Herself (archive footage)
Toby Mamis	...	Himself (voice)

Also Known As:

Edgeplay (USA) (short title)

Runtime:

USA:110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Sacred Dogs Entertainment

Trivia:

The title refers to an element of sexual game playing where one tries to take a partner to the very edge of their sexual or emotional limits.

Quotes:

Cherie Currie: But the bass fell and it broke, the neck snapped... and when that neck snapped, Jackie snapped.

Soundtrack:

War of the Angels

Now, this is a documentary...

Let me be honest before expressing my thoughts publicly: Not only was I a big fan of "The Runaways", but I had the opportunity to meet Sandy West and Joan Jett and Kim Fowley on my first trek out to Los Angeles, California in the 80's and working with musicians who worked with ... each other. So my views many read a bit biased - but I am a fan first above all else.

Let me point out what is very important to all who ever see this documentary - is that "The Runaways" were, are and always will be -the first female rock band that garnered attention and pricked up the music business ears that females can have a band, can ROCK and are well trained to do so.

When the Go-Go's and The Bangles came out, I am sorry, I always saw them as second best and in the case of musicianship - very manufactured. The Runaways rocked and that was so important to open the doors to other female musicians that followed after them and did the same.

This documentary gets into documenting 'The Runaways' and what they went through in five years. Although at times in the film I felt they held back on much that I remember happening to them at the time that they did not wish to get into, they went through enough to let you know. I am extremely proud of Vicki Blue (yeah, I know!)doing this project BEFORE others who may have more more money or other ambitions get hold of these ladies lives and do it. This is the keeper.

The Runaways were SO ahead of their time. Each of them...and as a group. It is stated that "someone has to be first" and in doing so "doesn't get the recognition they deserve". I hope this documentary spurs new dialog and recognition about them. The Runaways are a triumph and a tragedy and this documentary gives you pause to think about each of it. And you should.

These are a talented group of women who were brought together for a nice idea and got abused all the way. As a teen, you only want to do what is best...and for many of them it was the music. Here you learn just how much goes into this and what seeps in to push and break personalities, egos, mental health, family, residuals, sexual health, etc. in this entertainment industry.

These ladies need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before anyone else (Hear me, Jan?!?!?!)that is the least that should be done.

Next, this documentary should be nominated for an Academy Award. The RAW techniques in film documentaries are here, and it places a document of a time, a place and lives that HAS happened. Raw emotion, raw nerves and even the "forgetting" of memories. This is a clean documentary done in the "old fashioned way" -- as a documentary.

A reunion tour? Well, that is quite clearly up to each of these ladies. It's their decision to do it...and WHAT they would do it for. Could be the greatest thing on earth...and then, could be a major faux pas in this day and time for promoters, et al. because of the past feelings, etc. It's all be up to them. But these women should be very smart by now and know whats coming before they get into it.

Regardless, this documentary is the one to see and get an understanding. Bless them all.