The Commitments 1991
Directed by
Alan Parker
Made by
Twentieth Century Fox
Plot Summary
In the vibrant Northside of Dublin, Ireland, young music enthusiast Jimmy Rabbitte dreams of managing a band that embodies the spirit of 1950s and 60s African-American soul and rock and roll. Motivated by this vision, he takes the initiative to post an advertisement in the local newspaper and hosts auditions at his family’s home. Amid a wave of unsuitable candidates, Jimmy decides to form a band with his friends and other individuals he meets along the way. The lineup includes charismatic lead singer Deco Cuffe, talented guitarist Outspan Foster, skilled keyboardist Steven Clifford, alto saxophonist Dean Fay, bassist Derek Scully, drummer Billy Mooney, alongside strong female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin, Natalie Murphy, and Imelda Quirke.
A twist of fate introduces him to Joey “The Lips” Fagan, an experienced trumpeter with wild, entertaining tales of famous musicians. Inspired by Joey’s stories, he dubs the band “The Commitments.”
To kickstart their journey, Jimmy purchases a drum set and transacts for a piano from Steven’s grandmother. He also acquires the remaining instruments from Duffy, a dealer operating in the shadows of the black market. The group begins to rehearse diligently above a local snooker hall, and their hard work pays off when they convince a church community center to host a gig, cleverly disguising it as an anti-heroin campaign. To keep an eye on the rowdy band, Jimmy enlists Mickah Wallace, a tough and fiery bouncer, as their security.
Their debut gig attracts a sizable crowd, but chaos ensues when Deco accidentally strikes Derek with his microphone stand, resulting in a disastrous power outage caused by exploding amplifiers.
As the band navigates the pressures of fame and personalities clash, Joey finds himself in romantic entanglements with Natalie, then Bernie, and Imelda, while Deco’s egotism drives him to overshadow the others with his inflated sense of stardom. During a performance at a different location, Billy’s accidental mishap with the cymbals sparks an argument with Deco, leading Billy to leave the group behind, further complicating Jimmy’s plans.
At their next gig at a roller disco, faced with Duffy’s demands for payment, Mickah erupts in a violent confrontation, kicking Duffy out. As Jimmy introduces the band with a flourish, they receive a thunderous cheer from the audience.
With hopes high, Joey tantalizingly hints that he can bring the legendary Wilson Pickett to join them. Eager for the spotlight, Jimmy convinces a group of journalists to cover their upcoming show. Though the venue fills with excited fans, backstage drama ensues as band members bicker, casting doubt about Pickett’s participation. Ultimately, they take the stage, and Deco’s outburst marks the peak of tension. Yet, their rendition of Pickett’s classic, > “In the Midnight Hour,” hushes the crowd, reclaiming the energy.
Post-performance, confrontations escalate, and in a swinging storm of frustration, Jimmy declares the band is done. Just when it seems everything is lost, Joey steps outside with Jimmy, who chastises him for misleading them about Pickett. In a twist of fate, Pickett’s limo pulls up, confirming that Joey’s claims were indeed true, albeit just too late.
In a reflective finale, Jimmy shares how the band members went in different directions after their journey: Bernie joined a country band, Deco pursued a record deal and his growing ego, while Mickah embraced punk music. Outspan and Derek found solace in street busking, Dean transitioned to jazz, and Joey even sent a postcard from his tour that sparked intrigue. Meanwhile, Steven became a doctor but misses the thrill of performing, Billy is recovering from an unfortunate horse-related incident, Imelda’s marriage cut short her singing dreams, and Natalie has found success as a solo artist. Ultimately, there’s an implication of romance brewing between her and Jimmy as their paths diverge but remain intertwined.
Timeline
Jimmy's Dream
In the vibrant Northside of Dublin, young music enthusiast Jimmy Rabbitte yearns to manage a band that captures the essence of 1950s and 60s African-American soul and rock and roll. Driven by this vision, he takes the first step towards his dream by posting an advertisement in the local newspaper.
Band Auditions
Jimmy hosts auditions at his family's home, hoping to find the right talent for his band. Amid a wave of unsuitable candidates, his determination grows stronger as he realizes he might need to form a band with his friends and other individuals from the neighborhood.
Formation of The Commitments
After numerous attempts to find suitable musicians, Jimmy decides to form a band with his friends and new acquaintances. The group comes together with a diverse lineup including lead singer Deco, guitarist Outspan, keyboardist Steven, and several backup singers.
Meeting Joey 'The Lips' Fagan
A twist of fate introduces Jimmy to Joey 'The Lips' Fagan, an experienced trumpeter whose tales of famous musicians captivate him. Inspired by Joey's stories and their shared passion for music, Jimmy dubs the band 'The Commitments,' marking a new chapter in their journey.
Acquiring Instruments
To kickstart their musical journey, Jimmy purchases a drum set and acquires a piano from Steven's grandmother. He also turns to a shadowy dealer named Duffy to gather the remaining instruments necessary for the band to start rehearsing.
First Rehearsals
The band begins to rehearse diligently above a local snooker hall, dedicating themselves to mastering their craft. Their hard work pays off when they convince a church community center to host their gig, cleverly disguising it as an anti-heroin campaign.
Debut Gig Chaos
On the night of their debut gig, the band attracts a sizable crowd, but disaster strikes when Deco accidentally hits Derek with his microphone stand. The ensuing chaos leads to a catastrophic power outage caused by exploding amplifiers, marking a tumultuous start to their musical aspirations.
Tensions Rise
As the band experiences the pressures of fame, personal conflicts begin to surface. Joey's romantic entanglements with band members Natalie, Bernie, and Imelda are complicated by Deco's ego, which continues to overshadow the contributions of his bandmates, creating an environment of tension.
Billy Leaves the Band
While performing at a different venue, Billy's accidental mishaps with the cymbals lead to a heated argument with Deco. Frustrated by the ongoing conflicts and Deco's behavior, Billy ultimately decides to leave the group, complicating Jimmy's plans for the band's future.
Confrontation with Duffy
During their next gig at a roller disco, the band faces pressure as Duffy demands payment. A violent confrontation breaks out when Mickah, the band's bouncer, kicks Duffy out, emphasizing the volatile nature of their musical journey while Jimmy prepares for an introduction.
Hope for Collaboration
With high hopes, Joey tantalizingly suggests that he can bring the legendary Wilson Pickett to perform with them. Eager to skyrocket their success, Jimmy arranges for a group of journalists to cover their upcoming show, fostering excitement among the band members despite their backstage drama.
Performing for the Press
The long-anticipated show begins with an enthusiastic crowd, but backstage tensions mount as disagreements arise over Pickett's possible participation. Despite the chaos, they take the stage, and Deco's explosive outburst raises the stakes for their outstanding performance of Pickett's song 'In the Midnight Hour.'
The Turning Point
After their uplifting performance, confrontations spiral out of control, leading Jimmy to declare that the band is finished. In a surprising twist, Joey reassures him outside, but just as tensions threaten to unravel completely, Wilson Pickett’s limo arrives, confirming the unexpected partnership.
Reflections on the Band's Journey
In a reflective finale, Jimmy shares how the once-tight band members have gone in different directions after their time together. Each member has pursued their path, from Bernie's new country band to Deco’s solo ambitions, highlighting the profound impact of their shared experiences.
Epilogue of New Beginnings
As the credits roll, hints of romance linger between Jimmy and Natalie, now a successful solo artist. While the band has disbanded, their journeys continue to intersect, leaving the audience with a sense of hope that their musical dreams may someday converge once again.
Characters
Jimmy Rabbitte
Jimmy Rabbitte is the ambitious and passionate protagonist who dreams of managing a soul band. His tenacity in the face of challenges showcases his commitment to his vision, often clashing with band members due to differing aspirations. He embodies the spirit of youthful determination, navigating the complexities of friendship and fame.
Deco Cuffe
Deco Cuffe emerges as the charismatic yet egotistical lead singer of The Commitments. His inflated sense of self often leads to conflict within the band, testing friendships and teamwork. Despite his challenges, Deco's talent and showmanship are undeniable, hinting at the thin line between confidence and arrogance.
Joey 'The Lips' Fagan
Joey 'The Lips' Fagan is an experienced trumpeter with an adventurous spirit and a knack for captivating stories. His charisma and connections help propel The Commitments towards success, although his romantic interests complicate band dynamics. Joey's larger-than-life persona adds a vibrant layer to the group's interactions.
Setting
Time period
1950s and 60s
The 1950s and 60s were a transformative period in music history, characterized by the rise of African-American soul and rock and roll. This era saw the emergence of iconic artists and the blending of musical genres, shaping the soundtracks of many lives. It was a time of social change and youthful rebellion, reflecting a diverse cultural evolution.
Location
Northside of Dublin, Ireland
Northside of Dublin, Ireland, is known for its rich cultural scene and vibrant musical history. It serves as the backdrop for young dreamers and aspiring artists, embodying the spirit of creativity and community. The neighborhood resonates with life, where music fills the streets and bands emerge from local talent.
Themes
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Community
The film explores the theme of community through the formation of The Commitments band, showcasing how individuals from different backgrounds come together for a shared passion. The struggles and triumphs of group dynamics highlight the importance of collaboration and support in achieving dreams. The camaraderie of band members illustrates how music can create bonds and reflect collective aspirations.
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Ambition
Ambition drives the narrative, with Jimmy Rabbitte fervently pursuing his dream of managing a successful band. His relentless determination to make The Commitments a reality reflects the pursuit of artistic passion amid challenges. The theme underscores the highs and lows of chasing success in the music industry, emphasizing the sacrifices and conflicts that arise along the way.
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Romance
Romance subtly intertwines with the plot as band members navigate their personal relationships amidst their musical journey. Joey's flirtation with different band members adds layers of complexity to the story. The potential romantic connection between Jimmy and Natalie hints at the intersection of love and ambition, suggesting how personal and professional lives can influence each other.
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