Still Crazy

Viewed by many as a kinder, gentler This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Still Crazy opened to mixed reviews in 1998. Directed by Brian Gibson, veteran of What's Love Got to Do With It? (1993), and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the scriptwriters for The Commitments (1991), Still Crazy attempts to capture the comedy and pathos of an aging rock band. To achieve authenticity, Mick Jones of Foreigner and Chris Difford from Squeeze were brought in to write the movie's songs. Unlike This Is Spinal Tap, Still Crazy provides individual portraits of the band members as they reach middle age. Bill Nighy received praise for his poignant portrayal of Ray Simms, a fragile rock star struggling with his loss of fame. Nighy and bandmate Jimmy Nail also use their own singing voices, adding another level of realism to the movie. Still Crazy received two Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture Comedy and Best Song ("The Flame Still Burns"). ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Movie Guide