GET CRAZY (1983)

Directed By: Allan Arkush 
Written By: Danny Opotashu, Henry Rosenbaum & David Taylor 
Cinematography By: Thomas Del Ruth 
Editor: Kent Beyda & Michael Jablow 


Cast: Daniel Stern, Malcom McDowell, Stacy Nelkin, Lou Reed, Allen Garfield, Gail Edwards, Miles Chapin, Ed Begley Jr., Bill Henderson, Barry Diamond, Clint Howard, Lori Eastside, John Densmore, Lee Ving, Anna Bjorn, Robert Picardo, Fabian, Bobby Sherman, Dan Frischman, Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel 


Mega-promoter Colin Beverly plans to sabotage the New Year's 1983 concert of small-time operator Max Wolfe. Wolfe's assistants Neil Allen and Willie Loman find romance while trying to save the drugs, violence, and rock and roll from Beverly's schemes.

I have tried to find this film for quite some time. So finally getting to watch it is quite a pleasant surprise. You can too on YouTube while it lasts.

This film has so much anarchic energy plus is so ridiculous over the top silly with what seems like a joke or gag ever 30 seconds. Luckily not in an annoying 2 BROKE GIRLS one liner stand up way. each frame of film here seems to have a joke in the background and more obvious. Slapstick and screwball comedy. This movie is downright juvenile. It was never released on dvd officially and is rarely aired on Television or cable.

like the movie THE PRODUCERS the film was Designed as more of a tax shelter for investors to lose money. Which greatly upset the director who had already changed the script from a more realistic straight drama and nostalgic story to reconstructed as more of a wacky comedy ala AIRPLANE. That becomes more of a spoof of sorts with Malcolm mcdowell as the over the top headliner rock star. Not to mention Lou reed and a mix and match cast of recognizable actors.

The film comes off as fun more than anything. Surprised Mad Magazine didn’t produce the film as this material seemed to match more their humor rather then the one film they did produce the coming of age at military school teen comedy UP THE ACADEMY. Though it might not be as sharp as the magazines humor exactly. It plays already like a parody they might write.

This satire of rock stars is actually a perfect companion piece with the movie ROCK N ROLL HIGH SCHOOL yet feels more dangerous. It helps that the material is similar and they both have the same director. Just as it works well with AIRPLANE only not as sharp.

The film has the requisite drug and sexual humor. Though not as much as one would expect. It also has classic 80’s horrible and colorful fashions. That were seen as stylish at the time that seem more like ironic costumes now. Using examples and poking fun of all types of music genres at the time.

This is one of those movies I remember the poster and box art from various video stores in my youth. Yet never choose to watch or take a chance on. So it has stayed a kind of lost artifact for me. That feels historic and a true time capsule of the time period. I am probably giving the film more credit that it is worth ultimately. Likely as it is enjoyable but some might feel is pointless.

The film stays consistent and more of a cult item or exploitive. I really enjoyed the music and that is why the film will be hard to release on dvd officially. The music rights would be very expensive and not enough of an audience to make it worth it. There was a soundtrack that has since been discontinued. The movie has two really exceptional songs. One, baby sister by Lou reed is available on one of his records and plays over the credits. The other not going to take it by Lori eastside so far is hard to find.

It’s hard to tell who the audience is supposed to exactly be for this. Though it’s obviously more for teens but seems like it might actually have more appeal for kids who might not get the material.

The film is enjoyable more for it’s Off the wall appeal and wild spirit. With a kind of sweet ending. It’s a nostalgic guilty pleasure with rock n roll. Especially in it’s heart. As it’s an 80’s artifact with the lovely Stacy Nelkin and the movie stays constant and consistent to itself and it’s audiences spirit.


Grade: B-