THE RUNAWAYS directed by Floria Sigismondi, written by Sigismondi from the book Neon Angel by Cherie Currie, with Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon. 109 minutes. An E1 release. For venues, trailers and times, see Movies. Rating: NNN
Floria Sigismondi has huge cred, having mounted many photo shows and directed music videos for decades. So she’s an excellent choice to helm this story of Joan Jett’s first band.
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Based on the memoir by lead singer Cherie Currie and set in 1975, the film’s narrative is not exactly new: band forms when Jett (Kristen Stewart) meets manager Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) he recruits hot babe Cherie (Dakota Fanning) to be lead lungs. Sex, drugs and band jealousies ensue.
From the first startling shot, Sigismondi keeps things raw and super-energized. Fanning is weirdly flat as the star battling addiction, but Shannon is gloriously over the top as the band’s Svengali-like motivator. And Stewart is voracious as Jett, a welcome change from her glum Twilight persona.
Cool lesbo content, too, subtle and worked in as an organic part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. And art direction to die for. Was there ever an uglier decade than the 70s?
