The Blues Brothers (1980)
The Blues Brothers (1980), directed by John Landis, is the definitive combination of musical, comedy, and action film. It's celebrated for one thing and one thing only: its high-energy performances, larger-than-life car chases, and a deep reverence for blues and soul music. The film features John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as the iconic duo Jake and Elwood Blues. It follows their ›mission from God‹ to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised. They reunite their old band and raise $5,000 through a benefit concert. This film is a cult classic that masterfully bridges music and cinema in a way few films have. It masterfully combines slapstick humor, elaborate stunts, and performances by legendary musicians.
The film opens with Jake Blues (John Belushi) being released from prison after serving time for armed robbery. His brother, Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), picks him up in a beat-up former police car, which Elwood proudly calls the ›Bluesmobile.‹ The brothers swiftly identify the orphanage, where they were raised by nuns, as the target of a $5,000 tax debt that could result in its closure. Jake and Elwood are determined to save the orphanage. They visit their old mentor, Curtis (Cab Calloway), to get help. He tells them to get the band back together and raise the money through a concert.
The brothers set off on an episodic adventure, tracking down former band members in humorous and outlandish ways. They are pursued by law enforcement, neo-Nazis, and a mysterious woman (Carrie Fisher) hell-bent on killing Jake. The film reaches its climax with a wild and thrilling benefit concert, followed by one of the most legendary car chases in film history. Jake and Elwood race to pay off the orphanage's debt, evading police, military, and anyone else they've crossed along the way.
The Blues Brothers is a story of redemption. Jake is on a mission to atone for his past sins and save the orphanage that gave him and Elwood a home. He has recently been released from prison and is ready to get to work. They are on a divine quest to raise $5,000, a mission they repeatedly state is from God. The film knows it's a comedy, but it's also deadly serious about the theme of personal redemption. The film effectively frames this theme through comedy and action, which provides a clear sense of purpose to the narrative.
The relationship between Jake and Elwood is the film's beating heart and source of humor. Their bond, forged in childhood and maintained through their shared love of music, is the driving force behind the plot. The chaos they create only serves to highlight the genuine sense of loyalty and unbreakable connection between the two, making their dynamic one of the most memorable sibling pairings in film.
The Blues Brothers is all about the music. Blues, soul, and R&B are not just a soundtrack. They are the driving force behind the narrative. The film features show-stopping performances from legendary musicians like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker. These musical numbers are seamlessly woven into the plot, with many of them performed by characters within the film, and they definitively blur the line between musical and narrative storytelling.
Blues and soul music are not just entertainment in this film. They symbolize community, culture, and history. The film's reverence for these genres is undeniable. Jake and Elwood's quest to reunite their band is an unmistakable ode to the enduring power of live music and its ability to bring people together. The film boldly and unapologetically showcases the cultural significance and revitalized interest in these genres, especially during a time when pop and rock dominated the mainstream airwaves.
Jake and Elwood are anti-heroes, plain and simple. They boldly rebel against authority figures throughout the film, from law enforcement to neo-Nazis. The audience is drawn to them because they disregard rules and norms, and they have deadpan humor and are committed to their mission. They are sympathetic, even as they wreak havoc across Chicago.
The film's comedic tension comes from the brothers' calm, collected demeanor in the face of absurd situations—they are the epitome of cool under pressure, no question. Jake and Elwood embody a carefree spirit that boldly challenges the rigid systems of control around them. Whether they are calmly driving through a shopping mall during a police chase or giving nonchalant responses to a police raid, they do so with a confidence that is both unwavering and unapologetic.
The film's tribute to blues, soul, and rhythm and blues is unquestionably one of its defining features. It was a crucial platform for many African American musicians who were facing a decline in mainstream popularity at the time. The film captured the essence of these genres and reignited interest in them for new generations of audiences with performances by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
The film unapologetically embraced the African American roots of these musical styles, showing respect and admiration for the artists who helped shape them. The Blues Brothers doesn't just use music as a backdrop. It unapologetically celebrates the culture, heritage, and energy behind these genres by positioning legendary performers as integral parts of the narrative.
Aretha Franklin delivers a powerful rendition of "Think," making it clear that her character will not let her husband leave her restaurant to join the band.
James Brown owns the screen as a preacher in a gospel-filled church service, singing ›The Old Landmark.‹
Ray Charles delivers an incredible performance of ›Shake a Tail Feather,‹ showcasing his incredible skill on the keyboard while also portraying a streetwise music shop owner.
Cab Calloway, as Curtis, delivers a bold and nostalgic performance of his classic ›Minnie the Moocher,‹ boldly introducing a vintage swing sound to the film's otherwise blues-heavy repertoire.
These performances are not just musical interludes. These narrative moments elevate the plot and enhance the film's atmosphere, making the music integral to the film's DNA.
The comedy in The Blues Brothers is unmistakable. It's a unique blend of deadpan delivery, physical slapstick, and absurd scenarios. The film's humor is all about the chemistry between Belushi and Aykroyd. Elwood's stoic, sunglasses-clad demeanor is the perfect complement to Jake's more manic energy. The humor is derived from the duo's nonchalance in the face of extreme danger and chaos. This understated comedic style starkly contrasts with the increasingly outrageous situations they find themselves in, from over-the-top car crashes to massive destruction.
The film's love for large-scale destruction is undoubtedly one of its most memorable elements, particularly during the numerous car chase sequences. The most iconic scene is the record-breaking 103-car pileup as Jake and Elwood race to deliver the money to the tax office. These sequences are defined by their sheer absurdity, which provides a sense of spectacle while maintaining the film's lighthearted tone.
The Blues Brothers has left an indelible mark on both the film and music industries. The film may not have been a blockbuster at the box office when it first came out, but it has since gained a devoted cult following. It is lauded for its exceptional music, comedy, and unforgettable performances. The film's unique ability to blend musical performances seamlessly with a fast-paced, comedic narrative sets it apart from traditional musicals, period. Its influence is undeniable, as evidenced by later films like Moulin Rouge! (2001) and La La Land (2016), which have also integrated music into their storytelling.
The Blues Brothers is the most beloved comedy of all time. Its irreverent style, iconic characters, and innovative approach to action-comedy make it a true masterpiece—no question. The film cemented the status of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as comedy legends.
The film's deep connection to blues and soul music also left a lasting impact on pop culture. It reignited a passion for these genres in the 1980s, thrusting artists like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker into the mainstream spotlight.
The Blues Brothers (1980) is the ultimate cinematic experience. It brilliantly blends musical performances, action-packed car chases, and deadpan comedy into a cohesive and entertaining narrative. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's iconic performances as Jake and Elwood Blues, combined with unforgettable appearances from music legends, make the film an indisputable favorite. The Blues Brothers is not just a comedy. This film is a tribute to the power of music, brotherhood, and the joy of rebellion. It is a timeless cult classic, and its influence on music, comedy, and film is undeniable.
