Watch Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll

Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll is a 1991 American comedy-drama film, written by and starring Eric Bogosian. Directed by John McNaughton and produced by Martin Scorsese, this movie revolves around the life of a struggling, middle-aged musician named Johnny, who is trying to make it big in the New York City music scene. The story starts with Johnny in present day, reminiscing about his life as a musician. He takes the audience on a flashback journey into his past, starting from his teenage years, when he first discovered a guitar and his passion for music. As he grows up, Johnny joins various bands and tries to make a name for himself in the music industry. He struggles to find gigs and financial stability, resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope with his failures.

Throughout the movie, Johnny narrates his journey in a humorous and gritty manner, making the audience privy to the ups and downs of a musician’s life. He talks about the thrill of getting on stage, the joy of creating music, the pain of rejection and the temptation of drugs and alcohol, all while trying to balance relationships with his girlfriend, his family, and his bandmates.

The film features an impressive cast of actors, including Bill Raymond, Kevin Bacon, and Anita Morris, who play pivotal roles in Johnny’s story. Kevin Bacon portrays the role of a slick and manipulative music manager, who promises Johnny the world but delivers nothing, and ultimately leads him down a path of self-destruction.

As the story progresses, Johnny’s drug and alcohol abuse takes a toll on his health, and he ends up losing his girlfriend, his family, and his band. He is left alone, destitute, and with no prospects for the future. However, through his struggles, Johnny ultimately finds redemption in his music. He realizes that even though he has lost everything, the love for music still burns bright inside him.

The movie is an honest portrayal of the struggles that face artists in any creative industry. It delves into the darker aspects of the music industry, including drugs, alcohol, and exploitation, while also showcasing the passion and creativity that drive musicians. Eric Bogosian's performance as Johnny is outstanding, and his narration of the story keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The movie features a great soundtrack, with a mix of original songs as well as classic tracks from well-known artists such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. The music perfectly captures the mood and vibe of the movie and complements the themes explored throughout the film.

In conclusion, Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll is a poignant and entertaining film that presents a raw and truthful depiction of the music industry. Eric Bogosian’s powerful storytelling combined with John McNaughton’s direction and Martin Scorsese’s production make for a must-see movie that not only entertains but also educates audiences about the struggles faced by artists. This movie is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant to this day.

Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll is a 1991 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.