LOVE KILLS.Ā
This much-celebrated portrayal of the love affair between Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and an American groupie, Nancy Spungen, was derided by Sid’s band colleague Johnny Rotten, especially because no one had bothered to ask for his input. This is nevertheless a very well made film (for those who can take the constant misery) about a romance made in hell between two people who would have perished sooner had it not been for a certain amount of musical talent. Regardless of Rotten’s opinion, this does feel like the real thing, with an ambitious soundtrack, intense performances and authentic locations.
1986-U.S. 111 min. Color. Produced byĀ Eric Fellner, Abbe Wool. Directed byĀ Alex Cox. Screenplay: Alex Cox, Abbe Wool. Cinematography: Roger Deakins. Cast: Gary Oldman (Sid Vicious), Chloe Webb (Nancy Spungen), Drew Schofield (Johnny Rotten), David Hayman, Debby Bishop, Tony London… Courtney Love.
Trivia: Daniel Day-Lewis was allegedly considered for the part of Sid; Tim Roth as Johnny. Love auditioned for the role of Nancy. The original members of Guns N’ Roses were allegedly cast as extras.
Last word:Ā āLots of memories! Wearing raincoats to film some of the concert footage, as the audience were not picky as to where they aimed their spit. Chloe Webb smashing the real glass out of the telephone booth when we had strategically placed sugar glass for her to hit. The police chasing our boat down the Thames and becoming part of the film. The fire brigade suspiciously appearingā¦ā (Deakins on shooting the film, The Telegraph)
