The Jam: About the Young Idea

"At that age you didn't know whether Paul was the guy you wanted to be or wanted to have." The film about the Jam—one of pop history's most influential British bands—couldn't begin more tellingly. The words are the early bandmate Steve Brooke's and they explain how the singer Paul Weller's charisma, in combo with his unassailable style and dangerous energy, drew gazes crossing gender boundaries when the seventies became the eighties. But it was the music too: the unique mix of rock, mod culture, punk and odd political texts. Director Bob Smeaton gives us a band's coming-of-age story and blends interviews with members and dedicated fans, with archive material and clips from classic music videos. And naturally the soundtrack is outstanding. (Göteborg Film Festival)