Tommy
Tommy

Tommy

1975Movie111 minEnglish

After a series of traumatic childhood events, a psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind boy becomes a master pinball player and the object of a religious cult.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users77%
Director: Ken RussellGenres: Musical, Fantasy, Drama

Plot Summary

Tommy, a deaf, dumb, and blind boy, becomes a pinball wizard and a messianic figure. After surviving a traumatic childhood event, Tommy withdraws into a catatonic state, unable to see, hear, or speak. His journey to healing and enlightenment unfolds through a series of psychedelic and often shocking events, ultimately leading him to become a spiritual leader and a symbol of hope.

Critical Reception

Tommy received a mixed reception upon its release, with critics divided on its operatic scale and unconventional narrative. While some praised its ambitious visual style and musical numbers, others found it over-the-top and self-indulgent. However, audiences were generally captivated by its unique concept and powerful performances, particularly from Ann-Margret and Roger Daltrey.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious visual spectacle and musical sequences.
  • Ann-Margret's performance was widely lauded.
  • Criticized by some for its eccentric and overblown narrative.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's unique and ambitious musical storytelling, with many highlighting the energetic performances and visually striking scenes. However, some viewers found the narrative to be overly bizarre and difficult to follow.

Awards & Accolades

Ann-Margret received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. The film also received Oscar nominations for Best Original Song ('Pinball Wizard' - though this was a pre-existing song from The Who's album and not original to the film, it was nominated), Best Supporting Actress (Ann-Margret), and Best Original Score.

Fun Fact

Elsa Lanchester, who plays Tommy's Aunt Nora, was actually married to Charles Laughton, who had originally been considered for the role of The Doctor.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Tommy" (Barry Winch) is a young lad who lives an almost zombified existence with his mother "Nora" (Ann-Margret) and her second husband "Frank" (Oliver Reed). Flashback tells us that her first husband (Robert Powell) was a gallant flier du...