Bad News

Bad News, a 1983 British mockumentary film, is a satirical comedy that cleverly pokes fun at the excesses of the heavy metal music scene in the early 1980s. Directed by Jake Paltrow's father, Steve Paltrow, although uncredited and later by Jake himself, however, an official source says it was a collaboration with Jake Paltrow's partner on this particular film being uncredited. The film's plot can be described as a docudrama, where a mockumentary crew follows the fictional heavy metal band Bad News around, capturing their various misadventures and interactions. The story revolves around the band's struggles as they attempt to prepare for a gig. Their primary concern at the beginning is getting their van to start. The scene at the motorway service station is where the plot thickens. There, the band members engage in a heated argument with rock journalist Sally, who is known for her in-depth coverage of the heavy metal scene. What starts as a casual conversation between the band and Sally soon escalates into a confrontation, with the journalist pointing out the ridiculousness of the band's behavior. The argument that ensues revolves around the cost of sausage and chips, which the band members perceive as an outrageous expense. Sally, on the other hand, is baffled by their reaction, perceiving it as a trivial matter. The band's argument is a perfect representation of the excesses and pretentiousness that defined the heavy metal scene in the early 1980s. The scene not only showcases the satirical nature of the film but also provides a glimpse into the social commentary of the time. As the story progresses, we see the band pick up a schoolgirl who is a huge fan of theirs. This subplot serves as a commentary on the unhealthy obsession that some fans have with their favorite bands. The girl's unwavering dedication to Bad News and her willingness to do anything for the band are starkly contrasted with the band's own incompetence and lack of talent. Throughout the film, the band members come across as a caricature of what a heavy metal band should be. They are arrogant, reckless, and self-absorbed, with a complete lack of understanding of the music industry and their place within it. Their ineptitude is a constant source of humor and serves as a social commentary on the music scene of the time. As you watch Bad News, it becomes increasingly clear that the film is not just a mockumentary, but also a commentary on the societal pressures that define different subcultures, specifically in this case, the heavy metal scene. The film cleverly exposes the pretenses and excesses of the music scene, satirically portraying the characters and their behaviors as absurd. The ending of the film is open-ended, with the band ultimately abandoning their van and leaving the motorway service station. The final scene is a comedic portrayal of the band members' chaotic departure, which is met with a mixture of frustration and amusement from the crew. The last shot of the van driving off into the distance serves as a commentary on the band's lack of direction and sense of purpose. Ultimately, Bad News is a masterclass in satire, offering a scathing commentary on the heavy metal scene and the excesses of subculture at large. It's a film that pokes fun at the absurdities of the music world and the people who inhabit it. With its hilarious portrayal of incompetence and the pretentiousness of the time, Bad News is a film that will leave you laughing long after the credits roll.