Dark Side of the Moon

Authors: Chris
Location: Morristown, NJ

"Dark Side of the Moon "
(The Syd Barrett Story)

Written and Directed by Scott Hicks

Principal Cast:

Johnny Depp as Roger Keith “Syd” Barrett
Jonathan Rhys Meyers as “David Gilmour”
Joseph Fiennes as “Roger Waters”
Glenda Jackson as “Winefred Flack-Barrett” Syds mother
Christian Bale as “Nick Mason” the Drummer of Pink Floyd
James McAvoy as “Richard Wright” the Keyboardist of Pink Floyd
Helen Mirren as “Rosemary” Syds Sister
Daniel Craig as “Bob Klose” founding member of Pink Floyd (Cameo)

Tagline: "So you think you can tell Heaven from Hell?"

November 2007

Synopsis: Scott Hicks the acclaimed writer and director of Shine tells the story of the founding member of the legendary group Pink Floyd, Roger Keith “Syd” Barrett. The film chronicles his battles with drug abuse and mental illness, which ultimately leads to his ousting from the band. He must now watch from the sidelines and see his creation take off without him.

One of the most emotional scenes of the film takes place in 1975 with the band in the recording studio working on the album ‘Wish You Were Here’ and Syd unexpectedly drops in. Having shaved his head and gained weight the band does not recognize him at first, but when they do they have a highly emotional reunion. With Barrett no longer able to contribute musically the band invites him to stay during the sessions, ultimately making this album about him. It is the last time all original members of Pink Floyd will be together.

The Film ends with Syd’s death. Once again the remaining members gather for his funeral. The credits role and the song “Wish You Were Here” plays.

What the press would say:

Riding high on a wave of Oscar buzz, Depp proved himself worthy of all the hype by portraying mentally ill rock legend Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett in a warts-and-all performance that Barret approved shortly before his death in July 2006. Despite a few dramatic embellishments of actual incidents, the film does a remarkable job of summarizing Barret's strengths as a musical innovator who formed one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time and his weaknesses as a philandering LSD addict. Depp seems to be channeling Barret himself, and as he did with the life of Australian piano prodigy David Helfgott, director Scott Hicks (Shine) gets most of the period details absolutely right as he chronicles Barret's rise from "London club circuit" performer in the early '60s to his much-deserved elevation to legendary status as one of the all-time great musicians. Depp expertly lip-syncs to Syd Barrets classic recordings, but you could swear he's the real deal in a film that honors Syd Barret without sanitizing his once-messy life.

This incredible picture should be remembered quite fondly come nomination time. The film should do very well with acting nominations. Gaining almost as much attention as Depp, is Dame Glenda Jackson, a two time Academy Award winning actress who makes her triumphant return to film playing the part of Syds long suffering mother. This is her first performance in over two decades and it is impeccable. Some of the most dramatic scenes involve her trying to nurse her son back to health but ultimately fails. She dies without seeing her son escape his mental prison. Look out for Jonathan Rhys Meyers who will score his first nomination for his accurate portrayal of David Gilmour. Meyers chews up the dialogue in this film, definitely a role he was born to play. His reaction to Barret in the recording studio is what wins Oscars. Very few actors could display the range of emotions that he did in that scene. Other strong performances that have a chance at nominations are Joseph Fiennes as disgruntled rock star Roger Waters, and Helen Mirren, in the short but effective role of Rosemary, Syds sister and last care taker. Her character is quite subtle but manages to leave an impression, proving again what a terrific actress she is. It will be impossible to be overlooked for what Critics are calling the crowning achievement of Scott Hicks career.

Dark Side of the Moon (The Syd Barrett Story) could be nominated in the following categories:

Best Picture
Best Director – Scott Hicks
Best Actor – Johnny Depp
Best Supporting Actor – Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Best Supporting Actor – Joseph Fiennes
Best Supporting Actress – Glenda Jackson
Best Supporting Actress – Helen Mirren
Best Original Screenplay – Scott Hicks
Original Score – Howard Shore