If you’re into classic rock music, there may be no better film to watch than Richard Curtis’ 2009 motion picture Pirate Radio (sometimes referred to as The Boat That Rocked), as it provides the viewer with an epic soundtrack as well as a rich retrospective look back at the chaotic era that was the 1960s.
Loosely based on a true story, Curtis (who also wrote the screenplay) tells the tale of a group of rogue DJs who anchor in the waters off of Britain (in the North Sea, to be exact), playing rock `n roll music to the masses, much to the chagrin of the classical music loving establishment – wonderfully illustrating the turbulent clashes of chaos found in the 1960s.
Bringing together a who’s who cast of character actors, the story follows teenager Carl (Tom Sturridge), who has been sent to the rockin’ boat to spend some time with his godfather Quentin (Bill Nighy) – the man who runs the ship, so to speak (or more precisely, the radio station). The troubled teen (who has been caught doing drugs and has been recently expelled from school), joins a group of individuals that will likely not aid in his rehabilitation. The motley crew of rogue rebel audiophiles living on the edge of society are led by the only American on the boat, the audacious and intrepid head DJ coined ‘The Count’ (Philip Seymour Hoffman). There is also Dave (Nick Frost) – a charismatic and charming teddy bear (who makes the girls go wild), ‘Simple’ Simon Swafford (Chris O’Dowd) – a kind, gentle soul who believes in true love, the always silent ‘Midnight’ Mark (Tom Wisdom), as well as the aptly named ‘Thick’ Kevin (Tom Brooke), and the reclusive late night DJ ‘Smooth’ Bob Silver (Ralph Brown). There are also other shipmates, including the rather dry news and weatherman John Mayford (Will Adamsdale), cook Felicity (Katherine Parkinson) – the only female allowed on the ship, except on allotted days (she is only granted this exception as she is a lesbian), as well as several others.
A stuffy government employee named Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh), porting a slightly wider than Hitler mustache, is outraged by the station, their cacophonous music, their free-loving ways and their ever-growing listeners (at its peak listed at nearly half of England). Needing a loophole to shut the station down, he utilizes his knowledgeable underling with the unfortunate name of Twatt (Jack Davenport) to discover a way to tighten a noose around the rockin’ rebels’ necks. Their first ploy is to cut off advertising to the station.
To counter the government’s move, Quentin woos back formerly retired Gavin Kavanagh (Rhys Ifans), a legend with a cool, sexy purr that gets his audience’s motor running. This rubs The Count the wrong way, as he was and still wants to be the big man at the station – leading to a budding rivalry that mostly consists of an extended game of chicken. Though The Count does protest, the ploy works, salvaging the station by recovering its profits.
Shenanigans continuously crop up on the ship, mostly humourous, but some do create a divide in the group. When ‘Simple’ Simon marries Elenore (January Jones) – with The Turtles’ tune playing in the background, it seems like happily ever after (especially since the song’s lyrics say “You’re my pride and joy et cetera). . . until he finds out the next morning that the only reason they married was for her to join Gavin as his mistress (that is one heck of an et cetera). Other lighter moments find Dave trying to help inexperienced Carl get ‘experienced’ with his own gal pal Desiree (Quantum of Solace Bond girl Gemma Arterton) as well as a surprise visit from Carl’s unmotherly (and very promiscuous) mum Charlotte (Emma Thompson). Carl also begins to fall for Quentin’s niece Marianne (Talulah Riley), though even that relationship has some rocky moments on the high seas.
When Dormandy and Twatt finally pass a piece of legislation that will put an end to the station, the group, unwilling to give up their mission, raise the anchor and ride the waves – making them a difficult target to track down. Will the gang be able to live as outlaws and run the station from the high seas, or will things come crashing down?
Pirate Radio utilizes its secluded locale to great effect – allowing for its charismatic actors, who play god-like mavericks (idealized and idolized by their many listeners), to shine. Witty dialogue, humourous spats, on-board game playing, the mystery that Carl’s father could be on the boat, and blaring rock `n roll come together to create the perfect blend of misfit mayhem. To counter this counter-culture, you have the epitome of regimental government structure in the ultra-conservative, unmalleable character portrayed by Branagh. At one point, Quentin utters the phrase “governments loathe people being free” – it is a perfect slogan for our quasi-villain, as he truly depicts the antithesis of ‘live and let live’ freedom.
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not highlight the eclectic soundtrack. To name but a few, you will hear the song styles of The Kinks, The Hollies, Lulu, Donovan, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, The Box Tops, Otis Redding, The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and so many more. It was a wonderful era for music and it is perfectly captured in this varied soundtrack that runs throughout the picture.
Pirate Radio is a fun little film. Though there are a few flaws in the movie, they do not take away from the raucous comedy, brilliant acting portrayals or the extensive sixties soundtrack. The film has a certain swagger (as does the always engaging Nighy), making it an easily watchable flick. So, bring out your inner flower child and rock the boat, rock the boat baby by watching this epic depiction of counter-culture at its best – you’ll be sure to enjoy it all day and all of the night!