The Apple (1980)

Usually I like to approach my films to current events, time of year or what's currently playing at your local cineplex. Given that this is a flashy 80s musical extravaganza with a board to the head message, it dawned on me that there are somethings that are just fitting for any moment in life. And so, I sat down with The Apple.

For those of you who haven't seen it, I give you a taste...

I think we can all agree that 1994 was a grim year for music. This movie was a warning and we all ignored it. This is how Ace of Base happens.

Should you need a quick recap of the plot, here it is, courtesy of Wikipedia.....

Alphie (George Gilmour) and Bibi (Catherine Mary Stewart), two youths from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in Canada, travel to America to take part in the 1994 Worldvision Song Festival. Despite being the most talented performers, they are beaten by BIM (Boogalow International Music) and its leader, Mr. Boogalow (Vladek Sheybal), who use underhanded tactics to secure a victory. The duo are approached by Mr. Boogalow to sign to his music label, but soon discover the darker side of the music industry. Bibi is caught up in the wild lifestyle BIM offers, while Alphie risks his life to free her from the company's evil clutches. He eventually convinces her to run away with him and the pair live as hippies for a year (and produce a child) before being tracked down by Mr. Boogalow who insists Bibi owes him ten million dollars. However, the two are saved by the Rapture, and all good souls are taken away by Mr. Topps (aka God).

Yes, you read the last part of that correctly. Having gotten down by the music business, the Rapture comes and everything is right with the world.

Frankly, there is not one thing wrong with this film. There, I said it and I'd say it again.

 Don't let this movie fool you. It may tell you that these two fresh faced young'ens are from Canada and that they're visiting New York, but there's nothing but interior shots of Germany. The film takes your imagination and takes liberties. But you will thank it for it later.

Nope, not Germany. America. When in doubt, tell yourself, its America.

I don't know much about the music industry. I've read the memoirs, seen the interviews and listened to crappy albums made by artists who were just trying to fill out the last of their record contracts (I'm not going to name names, I'll just say that one example rhymed with R.E.M.)

Here's what I do know, and its mostly thanks to this movie. Your magical folk music may stir up the masses, but if you let a record company dress you in red leather, theres just no boundaries of where you'll go.

Meet your new boss, kids. He's going to tell you when your single isn't "radio friendly".

Not gonna lie...their "corporate disco" is actually better than their folky entry into the world.

Plus, I really want her silver jumpsuit.

Which looks even better on a man. People in the fashion industry are failing by not convincing the Middle America man of today that this is a acceptable and practical look for the man on the go.

I'm going to intersect here, that this movie had an amazing musical number which involved Old Testament theology and a catchy dance tune that commanded the cast members to dance. No film has dared to attempt this and none will ever reach the heights that this did.

She's taking a bite of an apple, folks. I dare you to find a better way of teaching the origins to sin to a congregation.

 

So how far does this symbolism take us?

The head of the label...could it be...SATAN?

Well played, movie. Well played.

Frankly, I think this movie is a little confused on the message. Yes, Satan is bad. And the general train of logic would dictate that if he gives a thumbs up to something, its a red flag that you should stay away from it. However, the music is catchy, there's glitter everywhere, the choreography is just a treat for all the senses - and then the movie makes you feel bad for wanting to do a DIY musical extravaganza in your apartment.

Also a musical orgy happened. It was incredibly catchy.

"If you really wanted a path of righteousness, you'd come organize a folk fest in the park with me."

"Disco's not gonna last forever! Satan is lying to you and doesn't want you to know about Coldplay!"

Remember back in 1994 where you couldn't hang out in a park without a record label paid security guard busting your chops? 

God, as usual, saves the day, which means you are free to hold Coachella at your local neighborhood park.

And in case you doubted me....

The Rapture does happen and takes the shape of a Buick Skylark. The music is actually pretty good although you can't really dance to it. Well, you can, just save your disco moves for another party.

So, The Apple. I learned that people just really want folk music. Or did I miss something?