Watch Breaking Glass

Breaking Glass is a musical drama film from 1980, directed by Brian Gibson. It stars Phil Daniels, Hazel O'Connor, and Jon Finch. The movie examines the life of a young woman named Kate (O'Connor) who is trying to make it in the music industry. Kate meets a talented band called The Conservatives, fronted by an ambitious manager named Woodsy (Daniels). Kate winds up joining the band as their lead singer, and the group begins to gain momentum with her unique style of music.

As the band rises in popularity, Kate becomes more confident as a performer and forces Woodsy to take the band in a new, more experimental direction. However, their success and fame also come with a price. The band begins to fall apart as Kate becomes increasingly alienated and erratic, leading to clashes between her and Woodsy. Kate's personal life also suffers as her rise to fame comes with complicated romantic complications with members of the band.

Overall, Breaking Glass is a commentary on the music industry and the pressures and sacrifices that come with success. The film highlights the struggles and sacrifices that aspiring musicians often face to gain recognition. It depicts a gritty and realistic look at the music industry, showcasing how the industry is often influenced financially rather than artistically. The film also explores the themes of mental health, drug addiction, and artistic identity that make it highly relevant even today.

The performances in Breaking Glass are outstanding. Hazel O'Connor brings a highly charged performance as Kate, the ambitious singer who becomes increasingly unstable. Daniels, who was best known for his role in Quadrophenia, delivers another flawless performance as Woodsy, the conniving manager who is willing to do whatever it takes to advance his band. Finch's role as Kate's mentor, Danny, is also highly commendable. The chemistry between the actors is electrifying, and the energy of the band's music and concert scenes creates an immersive cinematic experience.

The musical aspect of the film is notable. O'Connor delivers a range of powerful and emotionally charged songs, including "Eighth Day," "Monsters in Disguise," and "Will You?" The music showcases Kate's unique singer-songwriter style and makes the movie highly memorable. Breaking Glass shows how music can be an outlet for expression and helps to convey the message of the movie. The film's music is highly influential and has garnered a large cult following today.

One of the most captivating aspects of Breaking Glass is the way it captures the era and cultural mood of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The movie was released at a time of social and economic uncertainty in the UK, with the rise of unemployment and the punk rock movement. The film captures this sense of disenchantment and angst that can be felt throughout the story. The movie tells the story of a generation that is seeking to find its own voice and identity amid a tumultuous period in British history.

The film's cinematography and editing are also notable. The use of lighting and camera angles creates a captivating visual aesthetic that complements the music and story well. The editing is also exceptional, with the concert scenes and performance montages being particularly noteworthy. Breaking Glass is a well-made and engaging film that stands the test of time.

In conclusion, Breaking Glass is a must-watch for anyone who loves music or is interested in the music industry. It is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles of wanting to make it big in music, and the sacrifices that often come with success. The film's themes of artistic identity, mental health, and drug addiction remain highly relevant today, making it a must-see movie for a new generation. The film's performances, music, and cinematography create an immersive cinematic experience that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Breaking Glass is a 1980 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.