With the recent 40th anniversary of the death of Elvis, here is a look at those music stars who made a transition to film. Some were more successful than others. Some made a fleeting crossover and some are best forgotten as far as their film careers went…
In terms of the King, Elvis has an undoubtedly huge legacy as far as music goes. His influence as far as attitude, showmanship and indeed the music itself is still being felt. He was in that bracket of the most influential musical acts of his era alongside the Beatles. However his impact on film was also important. He showed that a cultural phenomenon could operate over two platforms.
Beginning in 1956 with Love Me Tender, Elvis would go onto make over 30 films until 1969. A few more iconic than others of course, such as Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas and some more interesting attempts to branch out more seriously with something like the somewhat misfiring Western, Charro. Indeed his last film, Change of Habit in retrospect pushed boundaries and has been re-appraised over the years. Generally at the time the King’s films were mauled by critics, although the box office was strong.
Over the years there have been many stars who also made that transition. Britain’s answer to Elvis in the late 50’s was Cliff Richard. He would also find success in both fields in the early 60’s with films like The Young Ones and Summer Holiday. Very much following the formula Elvis started, which eased that duality. Musicals.
The following decade saw Mick Jagger step into the cinematic arena. In 1970 he had two films. One was Ned Kelly. Derided by critics, it saw Jagger playing the titular, real life Australian outlaw. It was in the other film that his cinematic legacy will be best remembered, in Nicholas Roeg’s Performance. It’s a divisive film but interesting to say the least (which Roeg’s films are always at a minimum). He’d make several more films but nothing greatly memorable. Nor will he be remembered as much of an actor.
David Bowie would be pretty successful as far as cult appeal goes. Box Office success would largely elude him (aside from more recent appearances in films like The Prestige) however his cinematic CV leaves behind some massive cult favourites (in very different ways). Nicholas Roeg would again turn to a popular music icon to headline a film, with The Man Who Fell To Earth. A film you will either love or hate, it’s an arthouse science fiction film that opens up questions on human nature from the outsiders view (some ground that would also be covered recently with Jonathan Glazer’s Under The Skin). The Hunger was a visually resplendent and artistically leaning Vampire film that again gave Bowie an interesting role to play. The film remains popular among filmaphiles. Bowies most popular role probably remains as the Goblin King in Labyrinth. A childhood favourite for many an 80’s kid, that has continued to gather new fans for its gleefully Pythonesque humour, wonderful design and immersive (entirely constructed practically) world. Not to mention the soundtrack, written by Bowie.
You could also look at Sting, who to a lesser extent than Bowie also made a fairly successful transition. His big film had huge cult appeal, even if the film itself remains as divisive as a sci-fi epic could possibly be. David Lynch’s Dune. He may have had a supporting part, but it remains memorable. He also appeared in cult favourite, Quadrophenia. Another 80’s pop icon would not only make the transition to film but he took creative control on that transition. From King of Rock and Roll, to King of Pop…Michael Jackson. Whilst his films were short, a deep appreciation of cult cinema was certainly evident in the extended videos for Thriller and Bad, helmed by John Landis and Martin Scorsese respectively. The Bad short film also featured a young Wesley Snipes. Jackson also did Moonwalker (often a childhood favourite among a certain generation of the video era) and Captain Eo.
It wasn’t just Jackson who took the step into film with a firm grip on the reigns and direction. The other superstar of the 80’s, Prince would do the same. Purple Rain, the film which accompanied his best selling Album was massively popular. A success at the box office, and largely acclaimed (even if Prince was somewhat savaged for his acting ability) 1984 marked a hell of a year for the Purple one. His musical output would always be marked against Purple Rain the album henceforth, and indeed his two further stabs at film were marked (unfavourably) against the film version. Prince would also step behind the camera to direct Under The Cherry Moon and Graffiti Bridge.
It wasn’t just the men making the transition. The biggest female star in pop, Madonna also made a transition to film. Initially to great success. Desperately Seeking Susan was popular and Madge was marked as a sassy and energetic (if raw) screen presence. She’d get by in supporting roles with films like Dick Tracy and A League of Their Own, but it was the decision to step into the realm of erotic thriller (given mainstream popularity thanks to Basic Instinct) with the likes of Dangerous Game and Body of Evidence. Both eviscerated by critics. Though her most iconic film, Evita, would still follow (to largely critical praise), her career as she approached her 40’s petered out with her scattered performances subjected to scorn, and indeed her transition to directing was a bumpy road (to put it mildly).
In more recent times we’ve seen a few more big music acts make the transition. From degrees of success with Justin Timberlake, Eminem and Lenny Kravitz (largely as a supporting artist in his case) to abject failures like Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and 50 Cent. However to take it back a little for a second there was one artist who made the transition and showed some potential before his life was prematurely ended. Whilst his music remains considered masterful (with room to become even more so) his films were a mixed bag, but his natural ability and charisma were evident. The seeds of potential to become an excellent actor were being sewn. That was Tupac Shakur. He did five features as a leading man, including Above The Rim, Gridlock’d and Gang Related, as well as Poetic Justice (which also featured Janet Jackson opposite).
It seems that huge success as a musician comes with the need to branch out or a part of the ego requiring another creative expression to put out to the worshippers. Be it Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, or whoever, everyone seems to want to make that step once they’ve achieved the gold records. The output will undoubtedly continue to be a mixed bag, but occasionally the natural ability as a performer lends itself well to acting. Performing in music videos certainly provide a grounding and preparation for that leap.
Who are your favourite musicians turned movie stars? Or indeed, the worst? Let us know in the comments below.
Tom Jolliffe
Originally published August 19, 2017. Updated April 17, 2018.
