The Blues Brothers (film)

The Blues Brothers (film)
Name	The Blues Brothers
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	John Landis
Producer	Robert K. Weiss
Writer	Dan Aykroyd, John Landis
Starring	John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd
Music	Ira Newborn
Cinematography	Stephen M. Katz
Editing	George Folsey Jr.
Studio	Universal Pictures
Released	1980, 06, 20
Runtime	133 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$27–30 million
Gross	$115.2 million

The Blues Brothers (film). Released in 1980, this American musical action comedy film was directed by John Landis and stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as the titular brothers. The plot follows "Joliet" Jake Blues and his brother Elwood on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised, reassembling their rhythm and blues band to raise money. A landmark film that seamlessly blends chaotic comedy with electrifying musical performances, it features an extraordinary roster of legendary R&B and soul music artists and became famous for its extensive car chases and property destruction.

Plot

After his release from Joliet Correctional Center, Jake Blues reunites with his brother Elwood and visits the Chicago orphanage where they were raised by Catholic nuns, learning it faces foreclosure unless a $5,000 tax bill is paid. In a moment of divine inspiration at the Triple Rock Baptist Church, where they witness a rousing sermon by James Brown, the brothers decide their purpose is a "mission from God" to save the orphanage. To earn the money, they vow to get their old band back together, embarking on a frantic journey across Illinois that involves evading a vengeful Mystery Woman, the Illinois State Police, a country music band called the Good Ol' Boys, and the American Nazi Party. The film culminates in a massive police pursuit through the streets of Chicago and into the Richard J. Daley Center, leading to their arrest but ultimately achieving their goal.

Cast

The film is headlined by John Belushi as Jake Blues and Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues, reprising their characters from the Saturday Night Live sketch. The supporting cast includes Cab Calloway as Curtis, the brothers' mentor, and John Candy as Burton Mercer, a parole officer. The film is particularly notable for its cameos and performances by iconic music figures, including Aretha Franklin as a diner owner, Ray Charles as a music shop owner, and James Brown as the Reverend Cleophus James. Other key roles are filled by Carrie Fisher as the vengeful Mystery Woman, Henry Gibson as the Nazi leader, and musicians like Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn who appear as members of the band.

Production

The project originated from the popular Blues Brothers band sketches on NBC's Saturday Night Live, developed by Aykroyd and Belushi. Director John Landis collaborated with Aykroyd on the screenplay, which was deliberately expanded to feature-length to accommodate numerous musical numbers. Filming took place primarily in Chicago and Los Angeles over a period of several months in 1979, with the production becoming notorious for budget overruns, partly due to Belushi's unpredictable behavior. The elaborate car chases, which destroyed numerous Chicago Police Department vehicles, were choreographed by Hal Needham and required extensive coordination with city officials, including Mayor Jane Byrne.

Music

The film's soundtrack is a celebrated compilation of rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel music performed by the cast and the legendary guest artists. Key musical numbers include Aretha Franklin's powerful performance of "Think," Ray Charles's "Shake a Tail Feather," and Cab Calloway's rendition of "Minnie the Moocher." The Blues Brothers band, featuring members of the group Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the Saturday Night Live Band, performs classics like "Soul Man" and "Gimme Some Lovin'." The music was arranged by Ira Newborn, and the soundtrack album was released on Atlantic Records, achieving multi-platinum status and helping to revive interest in the featured artists' careers.

Release and reception

Upon its premiere on June 20, 1980, the film received mixed reviews from critics; publications like The New York Times criticized its length and indulgent plot, while others praised its energy and musical authenticity. It was a major box office success, grossing over $115 million worldwide against a budget of nearly $30 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film's reception has grown substantially more positive over time, with many critics and audiences reappraising it as a cult classic. Its initial home media releases on VHS and Betamax were highly popular, and it has remained a staple of cable television, particularly on channels like MTV and Comedy Central.

Legacy

The film has exerted a profound and lasting influence on popular culture, cementing the status of The Blues Brothers as an iconic act and inspiring a 1998 sequel, Blues Brothers 2000. Its depiction of Chicago landmarks and its celebration of American roots music introduced these elements to a global audience. The film is frequently cited for its record-breaking number of car wrecks and is considered a landmark in the action comedy genre, influencing later films like various musical comedies. It has been preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," and the characters of Jake and Elwood Blues remain enduring symbols in music and comedy.

Category:1980 films Category:American films Category:Musical comedy films