Tommy

Synopsis

Tommy is a 1975 British musical film directed by Ken Russell, based on The Who's 1969 rock opera album of the same name. The movie follows the story of Tommy Walker, a young boy who becomes deaf, dumb, and blind after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his disabilities, Tommy discovers a unique talent for playing pinball, which leads him to fame and fortune. As Tommy evolves into an international sensation, his journey unfolds with a mix of surreal visuals and powerful musical performances. The film explores themes of celebrity, spirituality, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of iconic songs by The Who.

Cast

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  Oliver Reed

  Frank

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  Ann-Margret

  Nora

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  Roger Daltrey

  Tommy

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  Elton John

  The Pinball Wizard

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  Eric Clapton

  The Preacher

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  John Entwistle

  Himself

Reviews

Tommy, directed by Ken Russell, received mixed reviews from critics upon its release in 1975. Some praised the film's bold visual style and innovative adaptation of The Who's iconic rock opera. The late Roger Ebert gave Tommy a positive review, hailing it as a 'technically elaborate treatment of a questionable story.' On the other hand, some critics found the film to be overly indulgent and chaotic in its storytelling. Despite mixed opinions, the performances of the cast, including Oliver Reed as Tommy's stepfather, garnered praise for their emotional depth. Overall, Tommy retains a cult following among fans of The Who's music and musical cinema. IMDb gives Tommy a rating of 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes scores it at 71%, and Metacritic rates it with 66/100.