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Madness Film: Grimy Origins & Unsung Landmark?
21 Sep
Summary
- Film captures the band's gritty, working-class London origins.
- Stiff Records head Dave Robinson funded the semi-fictional film.
- Restored film showcases 70s London and band formation challenges.
The 1981 film "Take It or Leave It," documenting the early days of the band Madness, is poised for rediscovery following a 4K restoration. This semi-fictional cinematic telling, initiated by Stiff Records' Dave Robinson, delves into the group's humble beginnings in 1970s London.
Robinson, who signed Madness in 1979, recognized their unique energy, encouraging their "nuttiness" which also fueled their innovative music videos. He invested his own funds into "Take It or Leave It," aiming for a kitchen-sink realism that mirrored their working-class background.
Shot using guerrilla filmmaking tactics, the production often bypassed conventional methods due to budget and time constraints. The band contributed to the soundtrack, performing covers and original songs, while drawing inspiration from gritty dramas and films like "Mean Streets" and "Raging Bull" for a realistic aesthetic.
The film highlights the band's struggles, including internal conflicts and external pressures, contrasting sharply with their later public image. It portrays their journey from petty criminality and difficult home lives to becoming a significant musical act, serving as a testament to their resilience and artistic drive.
