Quadrophenia

Last night I was watching the 1979 film Quadrophenia, directed by Franc Roddam, on television. The film is set in 1964 and is set among the world of the "Mods" (teenagers who wore smart suits, rode scooters, took amphetemines and listened to rhythm and blues, soul, ska and jazz music) and who frequently fought violently with their rivals, the "Rockers" (who wore leather, rode motorbikes and listened to rock music). In the early sixties, there was a huge panic about rampaging mobs of Mods and Rockers fighting in British coastal resorts. The film revolves around Jimmy (Phil Daniels), a young Mod who works as a runner at an advertising agency, and by night enjoys riding around on his scooter with his friends, popping pills and causing havoc. At first it's all fun and games, but when he and his friends head off to Brighton to fight the Rockers (one of whom happens to be a childhood friend of Jimmy's), he finds his life beginning to fall apart. The film was based on the 1973 album by The Who, who also produced the film and supplied most of the soundtrack. It's become quite a cult classic now. It also features Ray Winstone, Sting and Timothy Spall in early roles. I thought it was pretty good.

Today was pretty quiet. I went out to Princes Street and bought a copy of The Essential Ellison, a large selection of stories, essays and other pieces by Harlan Ellison. I got some groceries on my way home.