Cyril Neville Movies
- 2006
Robert Mugge, the music history-centered documentarian who brought the world The Gospel According to Al Green, The Return of Ruben Blades, The Last of the Mississippi Jukes and many (many) others, helms New Orleans Music in Exile - the first nonfiction film to examine the displacement of Cajun, blues, &b, jazz and zydeco music acts following August 2005's Hurricane Katrina. The documentarian intentionally gives short shrift to areas of the catastrophe explored by other films (such as Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke), preferring instead to channel his gaze elsewhere. His focus and emphasis thus lie in three arenas: he traces which acts specifically left the Big Easy and which destinations they chose; how New Orleans compensated for that loss; and who plans to return in the imminent future. Many five-star musicians (intimate with Mugge from prior endeavors) turn up to play electric, mesmerizing numbers and to offer occasional insights into the consequences of Katrina; these include Dr. John (on "Right Place, Wrong Time,"), Papa Grows Funk, Theresa Andersson (who covers a rousing version of "Like a Hurricane,") Irma Thomas, The Iguanas and many others. Mugge also works in interviews with New Orleans club proprietors, music journalists and record label proprietors. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Theresa Andersson, Cyril Neville, (more)
- 2001
A doctor finds herself torn between science and spirituality in this atmospheric drama. Samehe (Amandina Lihamba) is a middle-aged woman who had been admitted to a psychiatric facility for women in East Africa; no one seems to know what's wrong with her, and no one is in a hurry to change that, especially Dr. Moshi (Thecla Mjatta), the self-centered head of the hospital known for his sexually aggressive attitude toward his patients. Second in command Dr. Odhiambo (Waigwa Wachira) is more compassionate, but can only do so much. Dr. Asira (Barbara O) is a doctor who was close friends with Odhiambo when they were both medical students; Asira has signed on as a member of the hospital's volunteer staff, and she develops a keen interest in Samehe's case. Samehe, who has been silent and under sedation since she was admitted, suddenly opens up to Asira, declaring that the new doctor was brought to her by Maangamizi (Mwanajuma Ali Hassan), a shaman and spiritual teacher only Samehe can see or hear. At first, Asira is certain that Samehe is delusional and can be successfully treated through psychotherapy, but in time the doctor wonders if there might be a kernel of truth in Samehe's story -- and if she might be ignoring her own spiritual dilemmas which conflict with the Western medical disciplines she has embraced. Maangamizi: The Ancient One features a score composed and compiled by Cyril Neville of the popular rhythm and blues group the Neville Brothers. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Amandina Lihamba, Barbara O. Jones, (more)
- 1996
Four young artists embark upon a cross-country journey that will culminate with a mural to be painted upon the White House in this highly allegorical drama. The group leader Tudee is a shrewd, but not always honest Chicano. Temperamental, sociopathic ex-con Abel is also Chicano. Kaz is an African American Buddhist vegetarian and Native American Freddy is an alcoholic. Tensions abound amongst the travelers and when they encounter a white supremacist group, they explode. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1987
- R
This uninspiring drama was unfortunately the last feature film directed by Richard Marquard and was released posthumously. Bob Dylan plays the retired and reclusive rock star (there's a stretch) Billy Parker who falls for aspiring rocker Molly McGuire (Fiona) and takes her under his wing on his tour of England to benefit from his experience. When Molly is "discovered" by lecherous music promoter James Colt (Rupert Everett), Billy flies the coop back to his stateside chicken farm while Molly makes music magic. Billy and Molly are eventually reunited when she returns for a triumphant tour of the United States. Songs from Dylan, Neil Young, Shel Silverstein, Andy Goldmark, Tony Swan, Wang Chung, John Dexter, Cyril Neville, John Hiatt, and Steve Jolley help the thin script and uninspired thesping. The film opens up with the 1982 hit Tainted Love from Soft Cell. Musicians Ian Dury and Richie Havens are included in the acting cast. One can only wonder if the feature was just wrapped up too quickly after the untimely death of Marquand from a stroke at age 49 on September 4th, 1987. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Dylan, Rupert Everett, (more)
