Documenting the Runaways' myth: First trailer for Kristen Stewart film released (Updated)
The trailer for the anticipated rock 'n' roll film based on late '70s teenage rockers the Runaways has been released online, and if one can unfairly draw conclusions from a 50-second, fast-cut teaser, it's giving punk rock a nostalgic makeover. "The Runaways have the most chance of any group I've seen to tear this world apart," is the voice-over heard in the clip's final moments, setting up, no doubt, a crash-and-burn rock 'n' roll tale.
But rock 'n' roll, after all, is about nothing if not myth-making, and the real fan appeal of the teaser is getting a glimpse of "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Runaways vocalist Cherie Currie. The clip is fast, and full of fury, with shots of Stewart breaking glass and throwing chairs, and snippets of the newly recorded film version of the Runaways' first single, "Cherry Bomb."
There's no real glimpse (Edit: There is a very brief glimpse) of record industry puppet-master Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), or any indication as of yet whether the film will touch on deeper issues of rock 'n' roll exploitation that the Runaways story presents (Runaways albums came complete with the group members' ages in the credits). But it succeeds in setting up anticipation for a film that documents the fast rise and quick fall of one of the nation's more influential all-girl groups -- and one that will hopefully inspire a few kids to pick up the guitar.
"The Runways," the feature film debut from director Floria Sigismondi, will premiere at Sundance, and open in March. Watch the teaser below.
--Todd Martens
Screen shot from "The Runaways" (Riverroad)
Updated to recognize the proper screen time given to Michael Shannon, described "as a cross between 'Citizen Kane' & a 'Vampire From Outer Space'" from one "Kim Fowley" in our comments section.
The girl from Twilight is very different what an amazing transformation, this is a must see for me.
Posted by: Hullie | December 17, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Actually, there was a nanosecond long shot of a long-haired guy with a star painted over one eye.
I vaguely remember a photo of Kim Fowley with that star, so that might just be him in that shot...
Fanning looks more like Cherie Currie than currie did. Very impressive...
Posted by: Sheldon | December 17, 2009 at 06:58 PM
OMG I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ELANOR | December 18, 2009 at 10:15 AM
The fact that it has Kristen Stewart is enough reason not to see this movie.
Posted by: Randy | December 18, 2009 at 01:35 PM
i can't wait to see if she does any better in this than twilight, i hope so, it looks great. i will def. be in line to see this.
Posted by: tina | December 18, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Michael Shannon does a great job playing me in The Runaways Movie... He portrays me as a cross between "Citizen Kane" & a "Vampire From Outer Space". It's as good a performance as Jack Palance did in "Shane"/The Lee J. Cobb role in "On The Waterfront".
Thank You Mike/You do me proud!
Happy Holidaze!
Posted by: Kim Fowley | December 19, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Dude the way she looks in this movie is way better than Twilight....But dont get me wrong Twilight was the best movie ever made along with New Moon.Plus I think she looks hott...lol...
Posted by: Jessica.Q. | December 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
I really don't know if I want to see this movie. I'm not a fan of K. Stew. I feel like she's going to start getting sad, angry roles for most of her career.
Posted by: Levinson Axelrod | December 22, 2009 at 08:19 AM
wow wow wow. she is so awsom.she looks gr8 in this film. i am ppl will go carzy on this one. she is playing a totally dffarent role so i am so excited. cant wait to seee it.
Posted by: shazlyn | December 27, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Man.. I am so looking forward to this film...I was a fan back in '77 of The Runaways. Cherry Bomb was a great song. I have a good feeling about this film and I think Kristen and Dakota are indeed the right picks for the parts. This story is going to hit home with young and not so young group. Can't wait!! JJ
Posted by: JJ | January 01, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Two things determine whether the public we see a film in movie theatres--the trailer and prior knowledge. This trailer is uninspiring, uninteresting, and seemingly pretentious (the trailer, not the movie!). But prior knowledge, or prior interest, in Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart, Joan Jett, the real Runaways, will inspire someone to see the film. My friend's prior knowledge and opinion of the film will inspire me to see it if s/he likes it, because I will not spend $10.50 in the theatres to see this movie based on THAT trailer.
Posted by: ChocolateBar | January 03, 2010 at 07:27 AM
chocolatebar: yawn. pull your head out of your ass. this movie is going to rock your mother.
Posted by: what | January 09, 2010 at 09:02 PM
The Director has never directed before......NO THANKS!! I TOLD HER I WAS THERE AND WAS FRIENDS WITH KIM FOWLEY.....She didn`t want to here it. Didn`t even know where Ben Franklins was on Hollywood Bl.....or even care. This is Pure Fiction.!!
Posted by: Heywood Jablome | January 11, 2010 at 06:09 AM
I was at the very first Runaways gig at a party in Torrance. I was 15 sitting on the floor 3 feet from Joan Jett and I was in love. A few weeks later Lita Ford joined the band and they sounded like Zeppelin. When Cherie finished the line up they had the look, the songwriting and the talent. It was only up hill from there. Too bad egos and drugs got in their way, they should have been much bigger. I'm really glad the movie is going to open on my 50th birthday.
Posted by: ergoguy | January 15, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Youtube is beginning to equal "gone-tube"
every other YT link is removed anymore
Posted by: jojo | January 15, 2010 at 10:33 AM