SPINNING GOLD: A Heartfelt And Powerful Biopic

Every song tells a story, whether it be about love, loss, or simply finding joy in the rhythm and the message. But what many of us rarely learn is the history and experiences behind so many of the tunes that became the soundtrack to our lives. Director and writer Timothy Scott Bogart‘s latest biopic Spinning Gold is a love letter to not only an era in music but to the co-founder of Casablanca Records Neil Bogart, a prolific producer, and more interestingly, Timothy’s father.

Neil Bogart, a jack of all trades, having been a musician, singer, and even soft-core adult film actor, brought his love for music to the world through a variety of acts including the big stage presence of KISS, the sultry voice of Donna Summer, the smoothness of The Isley Brothers, and the out of this galaxy imagination of George Clinton and The Parliament Funkadelic. But the road to success was often wrought with the perils of the music industry, namely drugs, ego, and controversy.

Here’s The Story. Or Is it?

The film stars Jeremy Jordan, an actor and singer, who much like Bogart, embodies the charm and talent of the man he portrays on screen. Jordan‘s performance is infectious in execution. With a friendly sneer coupled with slick dialogue, Bogart is loveable even when at his lowest. Now one might feel quick to point out a nepotistic shine given the creator’s relation to the subject. Though as likable as Neil Bogart is illustrated, the story pulls no punches when it comes to who the man was.

The film starts with an energetic Bogart talking to the camera with a playfully braggadocious demeanor, speaking as though the audience might not completely believe what they are about to hear. Not that Neil would ever waiver from convincing us it’s all true, or not true. And it is that kind of salesmanship that exemplifies the character while in turn getting you on his side.

The story of Casablanca Records begins in the 70s. Disco was making a big swing in the industry, while acts like KISS were riding the wave of Rock which was still going strong. One of the more stand-out scenes is the world’s introduction to KISS early on in the film, which marks an early failure for Bogart, sinking the label millions into debt. This is a running theme throughout, watching a literal ticker pop up on the screen adding up the financial strain our hero accrues jumping from one risky venture to the next. Stressful as it is comedic, the pitfalls never seem to outwardly affect Bogart, even when those around him are dubious of his methods.

We are also let in on Neil’s youth. Jason Issacs plays Neil’s father Al Bogatz, a compulsive gambling addict who, through a series of failures at the track, gives Neil a reason to not follow in his footsteps. Instead, the boy becomes an entrepreneur, starting a laundry service in his basement and out earning his father. But even with his newfound success, gambling was in Neil’s blood, only his game of choice was the music industry.

It’s All About The Music

The musical performances in the film are stellar, and they should be. In an interesting turn, rather than casting actors who look like their subjects, they cast singers who can crush the songs. Jason Derulo as Ronald Isley was intense both in acting choice and vocal ability. Tayla Parx brought a sincere vulnerability to her role as Donna Summer, shedding her God-fearing, single mother persona to become the enchanting sensual icon she is remembered for. Not to be outdone is Grammy winner Ledisi playing Gladys Knight to a tee. Wiz Kalifa as George Clinton, inspired. Casey Likes (Gene Simmons), Alex Gaskarth (Peter Criss), and Sam Nelson Harris (Paul Stanley) round out the cast of musical titans.

Some of the more engaging moments come with Bogart playing alongside his stable of acts. His ear for music and ability as a performer is explored in great detail throughout. If you’re not grinning ear to ear when Neil and Gladys figure out Midnight Train To Georgia, well, there’s nothing I can do for you. To be honest, if ever there were a film-to-Broadway adaptation worth exploring, Spinning Gold would be a Tony winner for sure.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

The dark times of Neil Bogart’s legacy are not shied away from given the high praise bestowed upon him. Between drugs, booze, and philandering, the screenplay does well to juxtapose the perils of success. Playing loving wife and mother Beth is Michelle Monaghan who brings a certain levity to the film. Often left by the wayside when Neil is out and about making deals across the country, Beth represents the supportive partner willing to pander to her husband’s weaknesses while questioning why.

Meanwhile, Lyndsy Fonseca plays Joyce Biawitz, an agent who begins working alongside Bogart, eventually having a long-running affair with him. The way their relationship is staged leaves the audience with a crisis of conscience. For as deplorable as the act of stepping out on a significant other is, the film shows genuine affection between Neil and Joyce that feels as passionate as it does painful.

Rounding out the cast is a bevy of character actors who, for most of the film, are under Neil’s spell, going along with whatever scheme pops into his head. Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts), Peyton List (CW’s The Flash), Jay Pharoah, Chris Redd (both SNL alums), Michael Ian Black (Wet, Hot, American Summer), and The Sopranos Vincent Pastore all bring their A-game to the ensemble. For the most part, everyone in the film is memorable, fleshed out, and fun, adding a powerful watchability to the narrative.

With an estimated 27 million dollar budget, the look of the film is impressive in its costuming, sets, and feel of the time. If I had one complaint, it is a somewhat minor one. There are a few moments where crowd shots take on a very CGI look, pulling the viewer out of it for a moment. One shot, in particular, was a scene where Neil and his father have a heart-to-heart outside of a horse track that distracted me to no end. But hey, nothing’s perfect.

Give It A Spin

When the credits rolled, there was a true feeling of joy and love for the film’s subject, warts and all. Everyone involved displays an appreciation to be on the screen telling this wacky, poignant, and compelling story. And that final musical beat brings it all to a toe-tapping climax which will have you building a new playlist on the way out of the theater.

There is so much to love here. Jeremy Jordan brings an exuberance to the role of Neil Bogart that is planetary in its attraction, imbuing the film and co-stars to follow suit. Spinning Gold is a total recommendation.

Spinning Gold will have a limited released on March 31, 2023!