Phenomena Rocks!
By Kit Macdonald
The sheer glory of the newly refitted Sala Phenomena cannot be overstated – the surroundings, screen and sound system are simply perfect, and this late-night run of classic music films will be a marvellous way to enjoy it to the fullest. First up, on Friday night, is Pink Floyd: The Wall, Alan Parker’s 1982 film, which brings Pink Floyd’s landmark concept album to the screen as a surreal, nightmarish descent into isolation.
On Saturday night we have Albert Magnoli’s 1984 musical drama Prince: Purple Rain, which stars Prince as the Kid, a Minneapolis musician struggling with family problems, romantic turmoil and rivalry within the local music scene. Built around Prince and the Revolution’s electrifying performances, it's part concert film, part coming-of-age story and part glorious rock melodrama. Sunday's finale is Tommy, Ken Russell’s wild 1975 adaptation of The Who’s rock opera, which stars Roger Daltrey as a traumatised boy who becomes a pinball phenomenon and unlikely messiah.