Madness reflects on their enduring journey in film re-release
The iconic British band Madness marks a significant milestone as their autobiographical film Take It Or Leave It is reissued in a newly restored 4K print by the BFI, celebrating the band’s evolution over the past five decades, reports BritPanorama.
Frontman Graham “Suggs” McPherson reminisces about the band’s beginnings, acknowledging that they never anticipated their journey would extend beyond a week, let alone span 50 years. “We were a gang, we were friends, and then we started to realise that we could be a group,” he reflects.
Originally released in 1981, the film captures the early days of Madness as they transitioned from struggling musicians to chart-toppers. By the film’s release, the band had already achieved nine hits, including classics like “One Step Beyond” and “Embarrassment.” Their unique fusion of ska and pop has resonated through generations.
The film, which features a blend of black-and-white and colour footage, aims for a documentary-style portrayal, diverging from the polished pop videos that dominated the era. Suggs explains that the band’s experimentation was also a reaction to the unrealistic depictions of musicianship in films at the time, such as Breaking Glass.
In preparing for the making of Take It or Leave It, director Dave Robinson interviewed each band member, drawing out 30 episodes from their experiences. The band opted for improvisation rather than scripted scenes, allowing their authentic voices to shine through. Bass player Mark “Bedders” Bedford describes the naturalness of this approach: “We didn’t feel like we were acting.”
The film includes pivotal moments, such as Suggs’s initial audition, where he confidently declares, “I can sing twice as well as him.” This confidence would soon be matched by his energetic performances, illustrating the band’s ascent. Suggs acknowledges influences from artists like Ian Dury, which shaped his musical direction.
Despite the film’s gritty portrayal of late 1970s Britain—a backdrop filled with societal challenges—the narrative incorporates a whimsical sense of humour. Bedford highlights the band’s intention to balance realism with comedic elements, contributing to the film’s enduring appeal.
Throughout the film, the group navigated their early struggles, with Suggs recalling the consequences of his dismissal from the band for a football match: “I thought, ‘Oh bollocks! I should be at the front, not down here.’” His return led to a creative revival, with members transitioning from covers to original songwriting.
As the documentary concludes with vibrant live performances, it encapsulates the essence of Madness: a celebration of music that uplifts and unites. “Creating something that people enjoy and makes them feel great,” Bedford asserts, articulating the band’s lasting legacy.
Ultimately, Suggs reflects on their journey: “We all came from such disparate backgrounds… to have come from absolutely nothing to something means you know what nothing is, and you’ll never forget that.”
‘Madness: Take It Or Leave It’ is out on BFI Blu-ray and DVD on Monday.
