Masterful artist The Weeknd releases "Hurry Up Tomorrow." However, history demonstrates that not all musical ventures into cinema yield harmonious results, as exemplified by Dylan, Zappa, and Prince.
Weeknd's silver screen journey takes center stage this weekend with "Hurry Up Tomorrow," a movie companion to his latest album of the same name. The Canadian artist, born Abel Tesfaye, is not only a producer and co-writer but also the star of this project.
Tesfaye has previously flirted with the world of acting, co-creating and starring in the HBO series "The Idol" in 2023. Although the series was slammed by critics and lasted only one season, it didn't dissuade Tesfaye from pursuing his screen ambitions. Critically acclaimed director Trey Edward Shults lends his talent to "Hurry Up Tomorrow."
Similar to Tesfaye, numerous music legends have ventured into the film industry, producing somequestionable and marvelous one-offs, along with a few boundary-pushing moments of artistic transcendence.
One of the more peculiar instances involved Anthony Newley and his 1969 film "Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?" The movie, which can be found in obscure internet corners, tells an autobiographical tale of music biz debauchery and corruption, reminiscent of Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz," albeit falling woefully short in comparison.
Newley, who played the Artful Dodger in David Lean's 1948 "Oliver Twist," is memorably romantic with several unclad ingenues, including Connie Kreski as Mercy, while his then-wife, Joan Collins (known for her role on "Dynasty"), plays his spouse under the character name Polyester Poontang. It is worth noting that Collins divorced Newley in 1971.
Other music superstars have attempted the silver screen as well. Notable examples include the Beatles with their film debut "A Hard Day's Night" and the more self-consciously "wacky" "Help!," as well as the Monkees with their peculiar film "Head." These movies showcase a blend of music and bizarre narratives that reflect the artists' creative freedom.
For instance, Prince used the success of "Purple Rain," his 1984 star vehicle, to secure funding for more unusual projects. He even wrote, directed, and starred in "Under the Cherry Moon," directing his own concert film, "Sign o' the Times," and penning, directing, and starring in "Graffiti Bridge," an ostensible sequel to "Purple Rain."
Barbra Streisand also delved into the world of filmmaking, producing, co-writing, and directing the musical adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer's "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy." Despite industry skepticism, the film was successful and remains an acknowledged classic today.
Fast forward to today, The Weeknd takes on the role of an insomniac trying to stay afloat amidst the chaos of fame in "Hurry Up Tomorrow." Luckily, his redemption manifests itself in the form of Jenna Ortega. So, let's welcome Wednesday, aka the Weeknd.
- The Weeknd's latest project, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," finds him delving deeper into the world of movies-and-tv, following his stint in the HBO series "The Idol" in 2023.
- Trey Edward Shults, a critically acclaimed director, lends his talent to this production, adding to the anticipation surrounding the movie.
- In the realm of music legends exploring the film industry, Anthony Newley's 1969 film, "Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?", stands out as an autobiographical tale of music biz debauchery and corruption, much like Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz."
- Other notable instances include the Beatles with their film debut "A Hard Day's Night" and the Monkees with their peculiar film "Head," both showcasing a unique blend of music and bizarre narratives.
