The Commitments (1992)
Released in 1992, Directed By Alan Parker
Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle, originally a schoolteacher in deprived North Dublin, The Commitments is something of a rags-to-riches story that sees the group fall just short of stardom - mainly due to inter-band bickering - but offers them a glimpse of hope. It is through the wily leadership of ambitious manager Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) that the band comes together, and his influence directs the Commitments' soul sound. It seems a perplexing choice - how can a bunch of white, North Dublin teenagers identify with a predominantly African-American style of music? But Jimmy's logic is persuasive: "The Irish are the blacks of Europe Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland North Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin.
Buying musical equipment on the black market, they embark on their first rehearsal - above a pool hall whose owner is in prison. It could go better: the girls sing as if in a choir, the timing is off and Deco upsets everyone with his uncouth cockiness.
After much practice, they eventually convince the local church community centre to give them a gig, under the pretence of it being part of an anti-heroin campaign. Charging £2 to enter and with thug Mickah Wallace policing the crowd, they are all set. They draw a good crowd who seem to enjoy the performance. Suddenly the power shorts out and the amps explode electrocuting the bassist, Derek. Derek is OK, but now the band have another problem - drummer Billy hates Deco so much he wants to quit the band before he ends up hitting him and thereby violating his probation. Believing anyone can play the drums, they enlist the help of livewire Mickah Wallace
who turns out to be not bad. Time for their first proper gig outside of the local community, and the band are excited. Not only do they get to play to a larger audience, but Joey has promised that his 'old friend' - soul legend Wilson Pickett - will be along later to jam with them. On this promise, Jimmy has convinced the local press and Music Week to attend.
Band Member Cast (in alphabetical order):
Michael Aherne (Steven Clifford - keyboards); Robert Arkins (Jimmy Rabbitte - manager); Angeline Ball (Imelda Quirke - vocals); Maria Doyle (Natalie Murphy - vocals); Dave Finnegan (Mickah Wallace - body guard and drummer); Bronagh Gallagher (Bernie McGloughlin- vocals); Felim Gormley (Dean Fay - saxophone); Glen Hansard (Outspan Foster - guitar); Dick Massey (Billy Mooney - drums); Kenneth McCluskey (Derek Scully - bass); Johnny Murphy (Joey 'The Lips' Fagan - trumpet);
Andrew Strong (Deco Cuffe - vocals)
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