Tommy (1975)

The review finds Ken Russell’s film spectacular in nearly every way. It praises the visual dimension added to The Who’s album and singles out Tina Turner’s performance as especially forceful.

Murray finds the film powerful despite its excesses and dated-sounding music. He praises its ferocious musical performances and Russell’s visually extravagant set pieces.

The critic finds the film wildly entertaining but overstuffed and inconsistent, calling it a glorious monument to a bygone era. Ann-Margaret’s expressive performance is singled out for grounding its surreal, image-heavy proceedings.

Rosenbaum finds the adaptation uneven but energetic, a fitting meeting of Russell’s theatrical sensibility and Townshend’s rock opera. He particularly praises Tina Turner’s Acid Queen sequence and Elton John’s lively Pinball Wizard number.

Malcolm finds the film an extraordinary, audacious blend of rock music and Russell’s visual style, though its excess may overwhelm some viewers. He especially praises the Pinball Wizard sequence and the energetic performances, singling out Ann-Margret’s baked-bean breakdown as unforgettable.

The available description presents Russell's film as formally undisciplined but significant. It praises his early break from realism's strictures.

The page could not be accessed, so the critic’s verdict is unavailable. No specific praise or complaint could be verified.

Gilliatt condemns the film as a noisy, self-important commercial masquerading as satire. She particularly objects to its bombastic sound and imagery, which she says overwhelm any critical purpose.