Quadrophenia is a quintessentially British and based on a rock opera of the same name and was produced by the band themselves. It centres on obsessed Mod Jimmy as he tries to navigate drugs, girls and his social life. There at the infamous Brighton Riots, Jimmy’s life takes a turn for the worse when he is arrested for taking part and his whole life begins to fall apart. When he realises that not everything is as great as he first thought, Jimmy takes a (stolen) scooter to Beachy Head and contemplates everything.
Riding on the impressive talents of Phil Daniels, this moment of the film is instantly powerful. Teamed up alongside some brilliant Who music, Jimmy’s battle with his conscious and finding out that the culture he relied on so much comes to ahead and he has to choose between life and death. The problems Jimmy faces are natural and real; there comes a time where you must separate yourself from the culture you lead be it Mod, rockers and goths. Jimmy’s problems transcends the Mod culture, he clearly struggles with mental illness and suicidal tendency and he has latched on to an ideal to feel stable and at home. It is all set to a mixture of Who songs such as “I’ve Had Enough”
The best part of this moment is just a snippet but its by far the greats Who song of all time (you can challenge me on that.) “Love Reign O’er Me” comes in just as Jimmy faces the choppy waters below. A song that so brilliantly encapsulates Jimmy’s struggles. After all, he just wants to be accepted and find a home. As the classic tune seeps into the atmosphere, Jimmy screams “me,” repeatedly, letting us know that he is ready to face life for himself and grow with his new circumstances. It is utterly powerful.