Breaking Glass (1980)
Breaking Glass is the story of punk singer Kate and her meteoric rise to stardom. Starting out in the rock pubs of London, Kate, assisted by her manager Danny, becomes a huge star overnight. Once at the top the pressure is immense as Kate's band are squeezed out and she is left to cope alone in the spotlight.
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Dodgy spiv record promoter Danny (Daniels) appoints himself manager for spunky but homely and not particularly talented New Wave singer Kate (O'Connor), fires her band and recruits a new one dubbing them 'Breaking Glass'. Immediately a spark ignites and Kate's position is improved as she finally has a band worthy of backing her. But that is far from all that is needed.Harried by drunken club goers, skinheads, police, striking workers and the excesses of the music industry they find their niche. Having sold out to a record company they are gradually played against each other by music executives and a sly producer (Finch). Danny is induced to quit. Gradually the rest of Kate's band quits or are fired and her music becomes more commercial but completely insincere.This examination of life in the recording industry from gruelling bottom to lonely top is very satisfying in a lot of ways. The inside dope on how record companies manipulate chart position is particularly amusing.
Hazel O'Connor is excellent and the movie is much more than just a musical. It reflects society as it was in the 'Thatcherite' era with it's excesses and prejudices. The storyline is believable and despite the low production cost, comes across very well. I would commend it to anyone. Hope that it is re-released on DVD.
I first saw "Breaking Glass" in 1980, and thought that it would be one of the "Movie Classics". This film is a great look into the music industry with a great cast of performers. This is one film that should be in the collection of everyone and any one that wants to get into the music industry. I can't wait for it to be available on DVD.
I first came to breaking glass some years ago after having heard a track from the film. When I first watched it I thought it was shocking but after coming back to it years later I can see so much more in it. It's a truly excellent film depicting life in Thatcher's Britain as well as a wry view of the music industry. Hazel O'Conner is underrated in my view but she does excel here. Excellent film and even better soundtrack.