Criterion Club: The Commitments with John Anzalone

Join Professor John Anzalone for discussion and scene analysis, of The Commitments, a testament to the power of community

The Commitments
North Dublin, the late 80s. Unemployed for two years, Jimmy Rabbitt has a dream. He wants get off the dole and make it in the music business. And how’s he going to do that, you ask? Simple! Recruit musicians with little stage experience for a band that will play American soul music! What could be easier? Or more exuberant? Or more bloody daft?
Just as director Alan Parker cast this film with a gang of no names (the band’s lead singer was 16 years old at the time and was discovered singing at a wedding), Jimmy brings together a rag tag group of musical wannabes, throws in a couple of experienced veterans and sets them loose until the music takes over.
His argument for a repertory of soul depends on these Irish kids believing they are natural interpreters of black music, so he tells them: “Do ya not get it, lads? The Irish are the blacks of Europe. And Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland. And the Northside Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin.”
This film is effervescent fun, and when the band begins to wail, watch out! The Commitments shows how music can build a community of people who believe in themselves. Come watch them soar!

Currently streaming on Peacock and Prime
Free parking on the street as well as the lot behind the library

Free street parking and in the lot adjacent to the library

PLEASE NOTE SLIGHTLY LATER START TIME!

THIS IS A WATCH AT HOME EVENT, THE FILM WILL NOT BE SCREEENED IN ITS ENTIRETY