And the music never stopped...

A really great movie, ‘the music never stopped’ came out in 2011... i am totally surprised why no one insisted that i must see this movie.. 

The story is based on a neurologist’s case study of a patient with brain tumor.  It’s heavily into American culture of 1950’s and 1960’s... and music bands of that time – ‘grateful dead’ genre...  but even a person with no idea about it will be able to appreciate the emotions this movie generates...

Its basically about a family of 3, parents and a son... there is generation gap, patriotism v/s peace, husband and wife, father and son, and what all it takes to bring about change from a rigidity.  The role of the son is done by ‘Lou Taylor Pucci’, and is outstanding, even though all the actors have done a great job.  On rotten tomatoe reviews, as i suspected, there was accusation of overindulging in sentimentality, but one has to take in the time of that setting, almost 60 years ago... and one of the perspectives is through the emotions of a teenager, who also happens to be sensitive character as well. 

Generally i don’t feel this way, but this movie should be watched by all.  I am surprised why it isn’t a cult already. 

**spoiler alert**  from now on, I am going to write about the story of the movie, so, do not read ahead unless you’ve seen the movie already or don’t mind it. 

Since the story was so un-usual, and the base material was prominently shown as an essay by oliver sacks ‘last hippie’, I googled and read that essay.  It’s a case report by a neurologist, of ‘greg f’, who had a huge brain tumor and which got operated, but resulted in loss of many brain functions.  But when this patient is discussed about music from a certain period (his passionate interest as a youngster), he becomes animated and connected.  (I have observed this on self and in others – when they get into a topic they are passionate about – the person’s communication style changes, they just flow… our brain might be getting into a ‘zone’ as in athletics).

The case study of patient ‘Greg F’ is a dry report in comparison to the movie script. In the case study, the neurologist goes to a music concert with the patient, but in movie, it’s the father of the patient. It would be a good idea to read the case study ‘the last hippie’ and see the movie as well – to realize the vast difference in emotional screen play and academic report.  But many things are studiously taken up from the case study – and the lead actor wonderfully portrays them.  It makes more sense to remember the lead actor suffers from a neurological condition, thus his reactions and expressions would be different from a normal person.  The schism in relationships and how an unusual condition/situation brings out a different perspective of the son, in a father-son relationship of the late 1950’s in USA is brilliantly portrayed.

The mother and changes in her life, empowerment, the doctor’s technical focus, the canteen girl cilia and the lead character’s earlier girlfriend – all are wonderfully shown in detail.  The loss of permanent memory, and how it can lead to the shock of hearing a sad news again and again is another thing to watch out.  This movie, thus, is emotional drama, medial case study, about music, generation gap, peace, and so many things… the title is taken from a ‘greatful dead’ (music band) song, the music never stopped, but probably, the movie ‘magic never stops’ would be appropriate way to describe this movie experience…