Feeling trapped? Yearning for a dose of raw reality? That's precisely what Breaking Glass, a film set against the backdrop of late 70s London, delivered for me. It was a gritty, unvarnished relief from the corporate grind, a cinematic escape that still resonates today.
Released in September 1980, the film initially received a lukewarm reception from critics. But through today's lens, it feels remarkably relevant. It’s a powerful snapshot of a specific time and place.
Kate Crowley, played by Hazel O’Connor, is the heart of the story. She's an idealistic singer with punk-inspired, anti-capitalist lyrics. She sings about the struggles of the working class. As Kate puts it, "Most people knuckle under… I don’t like the way life is for the majority of people. I can’t change it but I can write about it." The film's songs, echoing the style of David Bowie, are sharp and direct, reflecting Kate's rebellious spirit. In contrast, the film contrasts Kate's music with the rise of a more palatable, mainstream sound, represented by Susan 'Susie' Sapphire's disco hit, One More Time. This song becomes a recurring motif, foreshadowing the challenges Kate will face.
The film is deeply rooted in its time. The looming presence of the Thatcher years, the rise of fascism, unemployment, a fuel crisis, strikes, and corruption all contribute to the unruly atmosphere of London, ironically creating a fertile ground for creative expression.
O’Connor, drawing from her own experiences in the music industry, infused the film with a sense of realism. As she herself stated, it was "art imitating life and life imitating life." This authenticity is one of the film's greatest strengths.
As the leader of the band Breaking Glass, O'Connor embodies the pent-up rage of suburban punks. She expresses this with a raw determination. Phil Daniels, plays Danny, the band's manager. Their relationship is not a central romance, but it highlights the power dynamics at play. Danny pushes Kate towards fame, even as he knows the pitfalls that await. It's a matter of time before Kate's ideals clash with the manipulative nature of the music business.
But here's where it gets controversial... In Breaking Glass, the music industry is portrayed as a kind of purgatory, a cold and soulless place.
A memorable scene, with eerie doubles of Paul McCartney and Poly Styrene, feels like a musical 'Sunken Place' where rock stars go to die. The film exposes the class divide, contrasting the champagne-sipping, public-school-educated executives who control Kate's career with the artists they often treat with disdain. The film also touches on the manipulative tactics used by record companies, mirroring real-life strategies.
Breaking Glass evokes a specific vision of London, a city of grit and decay. The film's locations, from the tube to the streets, are all shrouded in a grey, uncertain light.
It's a film that keeps revealing new details upon each viewing. The final scene leaves the door open, but a sequel never materialized. O'Connor envisioned Kate becoming a mountaineer, a testament to the character's enduring spirit.
What do you think? Does Breaking Glass still resonate with you? Do you agree with the film's portrayal of the music industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
