STEWART COPELAND

by **DirtyMartini** on 27 Oct 2007 00:34

And you know what? It is not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Yes, the camp factor is undeniable (if sometimes unintentional), and there were times when I think Stewart and J. P. Dutilleux really should have been smacked on the back of the head. But on the whole, it wasn't too bad. The "plot" is iffy (and notice Stewart uses his name for the music credits but his initials for the writing credit), and the "acting" is -- well -- You are a brave, brave man, Mr. Copeland.

But there are some really (intentionally) funny moments and some really beautiful sequences, especially when the music and visuals are working well together, and you can see that there was a lot of potential for something even if the execution didn't quite pull it off.

So add me to Jedsoon's bandwagon as he waits for the new and improved re-edit or sequel. I say, dump the "plot" and lean it more toward a documentary and something rather interesting might result.

by **TOWOS** on 27 Oct 2007 00:48

So maybe I will get it before Xmas as scheduled...
I am just dying to see Stewart. He was young and in his prime, so he was entitled to goof around. There is some drumming and...who cares about the plot, he could play in A Christmas Carol and I would wear out the CD.

I know he is embarrassed now, but, come on, always better then star in a megaproduction with orange hair and flying panties! :wink:

by **DirtyMartini** on 27 Oct 2007 00:49

[quote="TOWOS"]I know he is embarrassed now, but, come on, always better then star in a megaproduction with orange hair and flying panties! :wink:

[/quote]

^ Fact.

by **visions** on 27 Oct 2007 01:37

Personally I do not understand why Stewart embarrassed by the film

I got that film when it first come out on the self all those years ago and still love it

I am not bias by any means :lol:

by **TheEqualizer** on 27 Oct 2007 01:39

Was this on DVD or VHS?

by **Jose** on 27 Oct 2007 02:20

[quote="DirtyMartini"]And you know what? It is not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Yes, the camp factor is undeniable (if sometimes unintentional), and there were times when I think Stewart and J. P. Dutilleux really should have been smacked on the back of the head. [/quote]

Do you explain it? I am one of the fews that never see completely this film... Why he feels embarrased?

I watched some clips of the film and for me is unbelievable

by **conroy** on 27 Oct 2007 02:24

The Rhythmatist definitely has a charm to it that I've always enjoyed. I would like to see a special Ultimate DVD edition that has the video unedited (except for a commentary track with Stew, JP, and cameos by Jeff Seitz and music only track) along with a version similar to what DM said, basically a re-edited documentary style version with Stewart narrating it similar to what he did with Everyone Stares. It has never been officially released on DVD but was released on Laserdisc in Japan, I believe.

by **Divemistress of the Dark** on 27 Oct 2007 02:36

(note to those just joining us: several people here have Rhythmatist dubs on DVD. Post if you need one, and a kind soul will most likely set you up.)

by **irishrose1969** on 27 Oct 2007 02:44

I saw it back when it came out on like TV. Wish I could get it. everywhere I try to go and order it..no go, so frustrating. If any kind soul would be nice enough as to the above statement...email me please. Thanks.
Shannon

Edit: I would LOVE a copy of Rhythmatist Please!!

by **DirtyMartini** on 27 Oct 2007 02:47

[quote="visions"]Personally I do not understand why Stewart embarrassed by the film[/quote]

Haha. Oh, I understand exactly why Stewart is embarrassed. I admit that I cringed at times for him.

Jose, I find that the parts of the film that are similar to a documentary -- images of the landscape and wildlife, meeting new people, discovering different music in different places, even some of the stranger-in-a-strange-land bits -- work just fine. It's a bit dated in style because it's 20-something years old, but those parts work nicely and are often quite beautiful. (The giraffe chase is lovely.)

But there is this really dopey "plot" thrown on top -- a love interest (whose acting is just as bad as Stewart's -- please don't smite me, Stewart, but you kind of suck), a dream sequence (which is almost never a good idea, and this is an example of why), some questionable motivations and goals throughout, . . . It's a bit of a mess as it's bunch of disjointed sections loosely tied together by a bit of mumbo jumbo. And the number of times that we see Stewart give a big-eyed, crazy-eyed look of surprise or fear is rather hilarious.

But Conroy is right that it absolutely has a charm to it -- and I think that's because it's almost (not quite, but almost) aware of how dopey it is. You can't help but laugh at some of the embarrassing bits, but there are also quite a few genuinely funny moments. (I loved the comment about how attending college in California had prepared Stewart for a bit of African pipe-smoking.) I think had it not tried to do the whole dramatic storyline bit, it could have made a pretty good documentary or pseudo-documentary of rock 'n' roll white guy journeying through Africa and learning something new about music and rhythm in the process. Particularly because of some of the wonderful mergings of styles that resulted.

Con, I absolutely agree with your Ultimate DVD edition ideas, especially the music-only track. There are some lovely bits of music in the film that don't appear on the soundtrack that I would really like to have on my iPod.

[quote="Divemistress of the Dark"](note to those just joining us: several people here have Rhythmatist dubs on DVD. Post if you need one, and a kind soul will most likely set you up.)[/quote]

Definitely. Once I know that I can copy this sucker, I'm happy to make copies -- I just need to make sure that I can do so first. (I remember some folks having trouble.) For what it is, the quality of the copy I've got is quite nice (which I know isn't easy to find).

by **Jschoel483** on 27 Oct 2007 02:53

I would love to have a copy!!

-Jen

by **visions** on 27 Oct 2007 03:06

I have a really good copy on video pal version and i was thinking of getting it professionally done on DVD like I did outlandos to synchronicities which is brilliant

A company does it where I live and do a fantastic job and have all the equipment

however i was going to wait to see if it come out on DVD if not i will look into it next year after the concert what with Christmas coming and all so if i do go ahead I will let you know when i do.

by **IndyGirl** on 27 Oct 2007 03:18

I'd like a copy, please.

by **TOWOS** on 27 Oct 2007 03:21

Already pre-ordered it, but if it doesn't get here for Xmas, I am going to ask you for one.
(hoping to receive a HD version with whistles and bells like an idiot) :oops:

by **TOWOS** on 27 Oct 2007 03:22

[quote="visions"]

Jackie....

Another one for my collection (hehehe....)

STEWART COPELAND

I've FINALLY seen The Rhythmatist film

I've FINALLY seen The Rhythmatist film

Re: I've FINALLY seen The Rhythmatist film

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