Breaking Glass

Breaking Glass is a film that everyone aspiring to be in the music industry should see more than once. It is a very dark tale about the way a record company manipulates a singer to do things their way and to make as much money out of her as possible. Looking at some of today's 'search for a star' style TV shows on both in the UK and abroad I am always reminded of this film. Though not an expert on the subject, the winners of these shows tend to have one very big initial hit and then its downhill from there. This film predates these shows though the effect seems the same. After getting rid of her manager, played quite brilliantly by Phil Daniels, slowly but surely the record company changes her lyrics puts her on stimulants and she is eventually totally burnt out. You potential stars of tomorrow.... WATCH THIS AND BEWARE !!!

I first came to breaking glass some years ago after having heard a track from the film. When I first watched it I thought it was shocking but after coming back to it years later I can see so much more in it. It's a truly excellent film depicting life in Thatcher's Britain as well as a wry view of the music industry. Hazel O'Conner is underrated in my view but she does excel here. Excellent film and even better soundtrack.

Hazel O'Connor is excellent and the movie is much more than just a musical. It reflects society as it was in the 'Thatcherite' era with it's excesses and prejudices. The storyline is believable and despite the low production cost, comes across very well. I would commend it to anyone. Hope that it is re-released on DVD.

I haven't seen this movie in a few years catching it once on late night TV here in the states but I actually saw it multiple times in theaters here and later on HBO its awesome. Hazel O'Connor is amazing her voice, her acting are spot on, the lyrics to every song have great meaning from the radical anti racist Blackman, to the Anti Machine 8th day which looking back was way ahead of its time, to the incredibly touching torch song Will You. Every aspect of this production was a statement on the 80's, the Corporate Music Industry, and most of all our materialism and racism it was so much more than it appears on the service it is for me the Quintessential movie of the 80's. Fueled by good direction, a wonderfully competent supporting cast and powerful music a must see.

Here it is, 2012, and I just watched Breaking Glass, though I actually recognize a couple of the songs (possible I was listening to the movie at another time in my life).

This movie, cheesy and spunky and rough around the edges, but what a fun time I had watching it. The music transported me back to when I was fresh out of high school, in the Navy, going to clubs in NY, Chicago, Orlando and Seattle with my buds and listening to this style of music everywhere. How I love the punk and post-punk era. Some of the best music was came from the UK during this time.

The movie was the perfect anecdote for artistic exploitation amidst unrest, racism and rampant abuse by authorities. I loved the emotion and terror of the scene with the rioting skinheads and Kate singing Blackman.

Still the best scenes were reserved for the performances (dubbed, but who cares). I was overwhelmed by the performance of Eigth Day. Superb in every way.

I just can't believe it took me this long to see it!