The Rose

Released: 1979
Drama
Director: Mark Rydell
Starring: Bette Midler, Alan Bates
Running Time: 125 minutes
Rated: R

The breakdown:  A tired rock star is denied an overdue vacation from her demanding manager.
She copes with drugs, alcohol, and other self destructive means, which have a very negative outcome.


I remember watching Country Strong awhile ago and thinking of how terrible it was.  I realize now that that movie was trying to copy this one, but this movie was very good.

Midler plays "The Rose", a rock and roll singer named Rose that is modelled after Janis Joplin.
She's successful, but lonely and tired, she wants a break.  Unfortunately, she signed a contract that keeps her touring for another year, but she wants to break it and go on vacation.  Her manager continues to remind her of her obligations, but she is fighting him every step of the way.
She drinks way too much, picks up a boyfriend by chance, and has been clean from doing heroine for awhile now.  She desperate for approval and recognition from her hometown in Florida and is looking forward to performing a concert there. 
While her manager may be demanding, he's also forced to babysit Rose as her behavior is way out of control and she is sometimes helpless without him.
Even though this film was released in the late 1970's it still stands true for the lifestyle of a music performer and the hectic life they live for their passion.
The music is true to the time period, full of life and energy, and even though I personally, don't care for it, was done very well.  The song at the end of the film, "The Rose" is a touching and heart wrenching soft song that has been one of my very favorite's for a very long time.  If you've never heard it, you simply must, because it is so beautiful.

It's a solid film and won Bette Midler an Oscar nomination for her portrayal even though this was only her first film.  It's an excellent performance of a person who is stretched too thin and is very close to a complete breakdown.  I thought it was a very well done project and worth seeing if you're in the mood for heavy drama.

4 out of 5 for an excellent plot and overall good movie.  See it.