Drumline: Beats on screen

Drummers have been the subject of many jokes, but it is a skill and here is a movie that celebrates it. Okay, so it is from 21 years ago, but I only just saw it. It is currently on Disney+ in the UK at least.

As is common the trailer contains potential spoilers.

Drumline is about a talented young drummer (Nick Cannon) who is recruited by a college to boost their marching band. Of course he is arrogant and rubs various people the wrong way. His college needs to win a big competition against their rivals or the band may lose funding.

The college culture in the US seems quite different to that in the UK. We do not generally have such bands, but then our collegiate sports scene is not such a big thing and that is where they perform. I know there is big money involved in college sports in the US and I assume some of that filters through to the bands. The nearest equivalent we may have are military bands, but they are not as showy.

It is also notable that the movie takes place in Georgia and has a largely Black cast that must reflect the population there. I know some colleges are majority Black for historical reasons, but the main one in the movie is fictional.

There is also the fraternity and sorority culture that does not exist in some other countries. That features here too.

I did not recognise too many of the cast. Zoe Saldana plays the love interest in an early role. She comes across as a strong character. I thought the acting was generally good. The plot is a little predictable though. You know it has to end in the big competition and that there will be obstacles along the way.

The musical performances are impressive and they obviously used some top bands for these. The actors has to pick up some of the skills to fit in. Part of the theme is about traditional versus modern music styles and there is nice mix of music, some of it original.

I have no idea how realistic the portrayal of band life is, but I expect the training is fairly tough. Another prominent drumming movie is Whiplash that is set in a jazz school and I have heard people say that the cruelty shown there would not be tolerated. If you are more into rock then Metal Lords is set in a high school and features lots of drum action.

I do like movies that portray music in realistic ways. Do you have any favourites? Will anyone mention This is Spinal Tap? It seems a sequel to that is coming.

Rock on!