If the aim of a film is to create a mood, The Runaways succeeds. 1970s sex, drugs, and rock and roll is perfectly captured by director Floria Sigismondi. Canted angles, zooming in and out of focus, trailing shots; Sigismondi employs a variety of techniques. It’s true that the content – chronicling the 1970s band comprising Joan Jett and Cherie Currie – is controversial and somewhat shocking but the craft of the director brings this historical film to the next level.
The audience wishes that the film could continue, even though it encompasses the entire career of the band. Jett and Currie were pioneers among female rock stars and faced prejudice on their way to the top. Unfortunately, drugs and fleeting glory corrupt a memorable partnership and destroy a promising band. The Runaways could have carried on but egos and poor jugment triumphed. Jett continued her career but Currie is now a chainsaw artist in the San Fernando Valley.
After Currie leaves the band, she returns to her family in need of detox and a new career. Meanwhile, Jett releases “I Love Rock and Roll” and achieves new levels of fame as a female who is both recording artist and owner of a record label. More time could have been paid to this conflict and the film lacks a climax as a result (I suppose they could only film the story that really transpired). There is detailed coverage of Currie’s chaotic rise to the top but little coverage of her fall from grace.
It is visually stunning and unique but lacking in meaning during the final third. Substance abuse does not equal substance, although it is unfortunately a significant and destructive factor in the lives of many people. ***