Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll
In cinemas
nationwide on Friday 8th January ... the story of Ian Dury (Andy Serkis), lead singer of the Blockheads who,
severely disabled by polio as a boy, defied the odds to become one of Britain’s
most original and influential singer-songwriters. Artist, actor, the Godfather
of punk, husband, lover and errant father, Ian Dury was the man who put the
phrase “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” into
the English language.
The film is produced by Damian Jones.
“A barnstorming,
passionate performance from Andy Serkis brings 1970s music legend Ian Dury
stunningly back to life in this gutsy biopic, written by Paul Viragh, directed
by Mat Whitecross and produced by Serkis himself. It's obviously a labour of
love, but it never looks laborious. Dury was the singer-songwriter and
pugnacious polio survivor who in the glorious anyone-can-have-a-go era of punk
became a mega-star. Andy Serkis's recreation of Dury gave me goosepimples, and
his vocals – Serkis himself sings all the classic tracks with the real band,
the Blockheads – are eerily good.” **** Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“A barnstorming
performance from Andy Serkis as the raucous, engagingly barmy Dury, and a
quietly effective contribution from young Bill Milner as his understandably
troubled son, Baxter.” Chris Tookey, Daily Mail
“This time
[Serkis] outdoes even himself with a blistering portrayal of rock 'n' roll star
Ian Dury that's sure to be one of the performances of the year. Sweaty,
wide-eyed and maniacal, it's a turn that deserves to put him in serious awards
contention. Even aside from the white heat of Serkis, there's plenty to admire
in a rock biopic laden with great tunes, an able supporting cast and some
refreshingly original touches.” **** David Edwards, The Mirror
“A large part of
this movie’s success comes from the smartness of its design, the way that every
scene is made to look and feel, spinning Ian Dury and the Blockheads and their
associates into a state of play that is memorable and fun.” **** Anrdrew
O’Hagan, Evening Standard
“A riot of clattering noise and kaleidoscopic
colour, off-kilter imagery and foul language, all the good things the title
promises and much more ... You don’t need to be a fan of Dury’s music to enjoy
‘Sex & Drugs…’. This is just gorgeous, celebratory cinema, unfettered and
courageous, if unashamedly scattershot, much like the man himself. Forget young
Lennon and his tedious Oedipal angst – this is the one by which a new decade of
music movies will be judged." **** Tom Huddleson, Time Out
“Serkis captures
the low growl of Dury’s voice, his louche manner and simmering danger that
always seemed to attend him. It is a well-considered, detailed piece of acting”
Allan Hunter, The Express
“A sometimes
whimsical and magical take on the life of one of Britain’s most artistically
charged rock stars. Serkis shines in his role as the troubled singer.” ***
Philip Wilding, Empire
“Serkis shines
in a warts-and-all take on a figure who’d relish its anarchic stance.” *** Neil
Smith, Total Film
Watch the trailer here!
Update 21st January: Andy Serkis has been nominated for a BAFTA for his performance (note: he is represented by Lou Coulson Associates) and the film has been nominated for Best Music (by Chaz Jankel).