Breaking Glass 1980

 

Breaking Glass 1980

by Pete Clemons

Breaking Glass attempted to capture London's 1980s punk scene. It was a gritty new wave musical with a poignant rags to riches story of a talented and rebellious young singer-songwriter. Hazel O'Connor gave a tour-de-force performance as Kate, the lead singer of the rock group Breaking Glass.

Kate's socialist ideals are juxtaposed to her pragmatic rock manager, Danny (Phil Daniels), a streetwise hustler who discovers her and develops her into a star. The film pivots around the struggles for artistic recognition and an energetic singer whose talent and sanity are jeopardized by the music business' power structure.

Hazel O'Connor wrote and performs 13 captivating and provocative songs for the film. The cast also includes Jon Finch and Jonathan Pryce as the band's junkie saxophone player.

Phenomenal album, crap movie was the popular opinion among many. And that was reflected in a review from a local source below:

'I went to the film having been impressed by the Top of the Pops version of Eighth Day but found myself waiting for it to be repeated.

Unfortunately, when put into context even that was disappointing. The story traced the rise to 'fame' of a young and apparently original singer – Hazel O’Connor. The love element was played by Phil Daniels who doubled as Hazel’s manager.

We were shown of the struggle that our starlet had as she confronted agents, a record company, people and audiences – the agents ignored her for a telephone, the record company’s people played space invaders and the audiences beat each other up.

One of the most significant points raised by the film was the musical taste of the Nazis – it appears to be the opinion of the director that Nazis and policemen don’t like Hazel O’Connor’s singing.

On the other hand her music is adored by all free thinking, clear headed, purple haired socialists. This is understandable as lyrics like: - 'You drink my coffee and I drink my tea' do not lend themselves to appreciation by the more authoritarian nadirs of society.

It is the philosophy which the film is getting across. A statement that two lovers are capable of having differing tastes viz coffee and tea, but still live in harmony, is clearly a comment on the failings of society today where this is not possible.

I would very much have preferred to hear 'You drink white coffee and I drink black tea', but the film did not attempt to go so far and can you blame it?

I remember seeing Stardust about seven years ago and think that had a lot more to it than 'Breaking Glass'. The first major difference was the acting. No attempt was made at this in 'Breaking Glass' and I think the film lost a little because of it.

To say the film consisted of stereotypes saying lines and speaking lyrics would maybe be a little generous though as the entire audience were close to laughter at the most 'moving' part of the film, I cannot be complementary. Seeing the film was undeniable a waste of 80p'.