Watch Wild in the Streets

Wild in the Streets is a bold and provocative film from 1968 that tells the story of Max Frost, a young and ambitious rock star who rises to political power in America. The film begins with Max as a disillusioned musician who becomes frustrated by the state of the country and the perceived generation gap between himself and the older generation. He decides to use his musical influence to rally young people around his message and ultimately runs for political office.

The film is set against the backdrop of the late 1960s, a time of great social and political upheaval in America. Through Max's eyes, we see the anger and frustration of young people who are tired of being ignored and disenfranchised by the older generation. Max's party, the "14th Amendment Party", promotes a radical platform that includes reducing the voting age to 14, putting everyone over the age of 30 in mandatory retirement, and confiscating the property of those who do not comply.

As Max's political power grows, he becomes more and more arrogant and authoritarian, alienating his closest allies and betraying his original message of peace and love. Along the way, Max's mother, played by Shelley Winters, also becomes caught up in the movement and serves as a cautionary tale for those who blindly follow political leaders without question.

The film's themes of youth rebellion, political manipulation, and the dangers of demagoguery are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. The performances, particularly from Christopher Jones as Max and Diane Varsi as Max's girlfriend Sally, are strong and coalesce well with the film's vision. The direction of the film by Barry Shear is energetic and visually stimulating, employing interesting camera angles, quick editing, and vibrant colors to enhance the film's surreal and psychedelic tone.

One of the most interesting aspects of Wild in the Streets is its portrayal of the relationship between music, youth culture, and politics. Max's use of music as a tool for political mobilization is both inspirational and troubling at the same time. On one hand, the film celebrates the power of music to bring people together and inspire change. On the other, it highlights the danger of blind faith in charismatic leaders and the need for critical thinking and skepticism in politics.

Overall, Wild in the Streets is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of youth culture, political upheaval, and American cinema in the 1960s. Its potent message and bold style make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Wild in the Streets is a 1968 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.