Watch Telstar

Telstar is a British biographical drama film based on the life of Joe Meek, the eccentric record producer who played a significant role in the British pop music scene in the 1960s. Directed by Nick Moran, the movie features an ensemble cast, including Con O'Neill in the lead role of Joe Meek, Kevin Spacey as Major Banks, Pam Ferris as Violet Shenton, and JJ Feild as Heinz Burt.

The film's opening scenes set the tone for what is to come, depicting Joe Meek's apparent suicide in his recording studio in 1967. From there, we are transported back to 1960, where Meek's career first began to take shape. The movie traces his journey from his days as a struggling songwriter in his flat above a leather shop in Holloway Road to his eventual rise to fame as a record producer.

Joe Meek is portrayed as a deeply troubled individual, haunted by his memories of the war and struggling with his sexuality. He is also depicted as a musical genius, with an uncanny ability to create hit songs that capture the public's imagination. Meek's fascination with the paranormal and his experiments with electronic sound also feature prominently in the film, with scenes of him recording the sounds of water dripping into a bucket and using a broom to create the sound of a guitar.

The film highlights Meek's work with a range of artists, including Heinz Burt, who he manages to turn into a major star with his hit song "Just Like Eddie". We also see Meek's collaboration with the Tornados, who he signs to his record label and produces their hit song "Telstar". Meek's relationship with the band is one of the central themes of the movie, with tensions between them arising as Meek becomes progressively more unstable.

Throughout the film, there are also glimpses of Meek's personal life, including his romantic and sexual liaisons with men, his financial struggles, and his difficult relationship with his landlady, Violet Shenton. The film also touches on the social and political climate of the time, with Meek's fear of the police and his refusal to pay protection money to gangsters adding to his anxieties.

The movie is beautifully shot, capturing the look and feel of the 1960s British music scene. The soundtrack is also a standout feature of the film, featuring classic hits from the era, including "Johnny Remember Me", "Have I the Right?", and of course, "Telstar".

In conclusion, Telstar is a fascinating and moving biopic of Joe Meek, a complex and influential figure in the British music industry. While the movie does not shy away from his darker side, it also provides an intimate portrait of a deeply creative individual who was ahead of his time. The performances are superb, particularly Con O'Neill's portrayal of Meek, and the soundtrack is a fitting tribute to his musical legacy. Overall, Telstar is a must-see for anyone interested in British pop music or the life of Joe Meek.

Telstar is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.