Tommy (1975)

After witnessing his father (Robert Powell) killed by his mother's (Ann-Margret) lover (Oliver Reed), a young boy (Barry Winch morphing into Roger Daltrey later in the film) shuts down and loses his ability to see, speak and hear. Racked with guilt, his mother goes through various attempts to cure him from religion to a specialist (Jack Nicholson). Based on the acclaimed rock opera by The Who and directed by Ken Russell (WOMEN IN LOVE). The film is more cohesive than the original Who concept album which didn't have a strong narrative. An inspired choice to direct, Ken Russell brings his vigorous overactive imagination which can often be overkill (think THE MUSIC LOVERS) but in this case, it brings the material to cinematic life. Though the "opera" had serious intentions, Russell dispenses with such pretensions and gives us a rock carnival. Some of the images are indelible such as the bizarre church of Marilyn Monroe service and Ann-Margret wallowing in a bath of soap suds, beans and chocolate. Ann-Margret is terrific here and her best actress Oscar nomination was well deserved. It's vital and energetic, the music is very good so don't worry about it not making much sense. The cast includes Elton John, Tina Turner, Keith Moon, Eric Clapton, Paul Nicholas and Victoria Russell.