I Used to Be Famous

I Used to Be Famous is a British comedy-drama film released in 2022 that gracefully weaves a story of music, friendship, and redemption. Directed by Eddie Sternberg, the movie stars Ed Skrein, Eleanor Matsuura, and introduces talented newcomer Leo Long.

The film centers around Vince (played by Ed Skrein), a former boy band star whose glory days in the limelight have long since faded into the past. Once a part of a wildly popular band, Vince now grapples with the harsh realities of a music career that has flatlined, leaving him yearning for a comeback, but stuck in the purgatory of wistful remembrance and what-could-have-beens.

Vince's life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Stevie (portrayed by Leo Long), a young, gifted drummer with autism. Stevie’s remarkable talent for rhythm and genuine passion for music reignites Vince's own love for his craft. Their chance meeting unfolds into a unique and heartwarming friendship cemented by their shared love for beats and melodies.

Living in a small town, Vince and Stevie start to jam informally, developing a surprising and infectious synergy. Through Stevie's innocence and Vince’s experience, they begin to attract local attention. Their connection transcends the mere musical bond; it represents the meeting of two disparate worlds, brought together by the universal language of music.

As Vince becomes both mentor and mentee in this new relationship, he starts to rediscover his sense of purpose and identity. Affected deeply by his friendship with Stevie, Vince is forced to confront his own shortcomings and the reasons behind his fall from stardom. He begins to see his dreams and aspirations through a fresh, less self-centered lens.

Eleanor Matsuura plays Amber, Stevie's dedicated and protective mother, who is initially skeptical of Vince's presence in her son's life. Her character adds a layer of depth to the story, introducing themes of trust, parenthood, and the challenges of raising a child with special needs. As Amber observes the positive influence Vince has on Stevie, her reservations begin to shift, and her character arc adds a rich contour to the narrative.

The film thoughtfully portrays Stevie’s autism with sensitivity and without resorting to stereotypes. This depiction not only provides an inspirational element to the story but also jettisons the oft-told tale of pity or tragedy commonly linked with disability in cinema, instead celebrating the joy and talent that Stevie brings into the world.

Director Eddie Sternberg adeptly captures the gritty texture of a music scene that is far removed from its polished, stadium-filling counterparts. The cinematography and the sound design work in concert to give the viewers an immersive experience. We get to feel the music as much as hear it, honing in on the acoustic strums, percussive beats, and the ambient hustle and bustle that surrounds the impromptu performances.

The narrative of I Used to Be Famous does not shy away from addressing the capricious nature of fame and the dark side of the music industry. The screenplay delves into themes of ego, exploitation, and the concept of second chances, not only in career but also in personal growth and relationships.

The chemistry between Skrein and Long is palpable, and their performances anchor the film with authentic and touching interactions. Skrein's portrayal of Vince is nuanced as he oscillates between moments of despair and sparks of tenacious hope. Long, in his debut performance, brings a fresh and honest charm to the character of Stevie, encapsulating both his challenges and triumphs without resorting to cliché.

I Used to Be Famous is more than a tale of an unlikely duo; it's a testament to the healing and transformational power of music. The movie serves as a reminder that sometimes the most profound friendships form in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and these bonds can propel us forward in ways we never anticipated. It's a story that insists on the possibility of second chances and the beauty of unexpected camaraderie that can change our lives in profound ways.

Overall, I Used to Be Famous is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever had a dream deferred or encountered a pivotal friendship that has shaped the course of their life. It is a heartwarming reminder of the serendipities that can bloom out of life's most challenging moments, and the enduring hope that can arise when one dares to listen to the beat of their own drum.