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Don Letts – Influences Film Series

 
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The punk agitator, dub DJ and film director Don Letts has shared ten films that have helped shape the man he is today. Letts fascination with punk in the 70s led to the creation of one of his most famous films, The Punk Rock Movie, featuring The Sex Pistols, The Clash and many more. It was the first documentary focusing on the UK punk scene recorded from within, and it's success led Letts to direct over 300 music videos for artists such as Bob Marley, Elvis Costello and Beenie Man, as well as the classic bashment based feature film Dancehall Queen. 

 Into the 90s and 00s, Letts has performed DJ sets as 'Dub Cartel Sound System', released several compilation albums, directed a number of notable documentaries and put an autobiography out in 2007. He's a busy man.

You can hear Don weekly on BBC 6 Sunday nights and should you fancy buying him a pint, he'll be making an appearance this weekend:

Down in Ramsgate at the Reality Party's VOTE three day music event on Saturday 2nd May

And at Land Of Kings Festival, Dalston on Sunday, May 3rd.

LISTEN
The Harder They Come - Promo Trailer

This film along with it’s soundtrack helped break reggae worldwide and was the inspiration for me becoming a film-maker. My 1997 film ‘Dancehall Queen’ was a homage to what is the best Jamaican film ever made.

  • The Harder They Come - Promo Trailer

    This film along with it’s soundtrack helped break reggae worldwide and was the inspiration for me becoming a film-maker. My 1997 film ‘Dancehall Queen’ was a homage to what is the best Jamaican film ever made.

  • El Topo (Official Trailer)- Alejandro Jodorowsky

    This surreal American/Mexican western featured a violent gunfighter dressed in black in a quest for enlightenment. It was essential viewing back in the day when the late night cinema circuit was in full effect. I saw it several times and I’m still not sure what it’s about. It’s not for the faint hearted!

  • Performance (1970) Vintage Trailer (Uncut And Uncensored) Mick Jagger And James Fox

    Essentially a British Rock ‘n’ Roll crime drama, this film starred Mick Jagger in his acting debut, which he pulled it off admirably. Mind you, he was playing a washed-up rock star. It’s one of my all time favourite Rock ‘n’ Roll films. The soundtrack’s a classic too.

  • Mean Streets - Trailer - Hq (1973)

    Starring a very young Robert De Niro, this was the first Scorsese film I ever saw. It made me a fan for life. I actually got to meet him once when he came to London for a private screening of my Punk Rock Movie.

  • The Girl Can't Help It (1956) Trailer

    Made the year I was born this is a classic Rock ‘n’ Roll movie and features performances from the likes of Little Richard, Fats Domino, Eddie Cochran and The Platters in some great musical set pieces.

  • Un Chien Andalou, Luis Bunuel - Clip

    A silent surrealist short film that has no plot or story that uses ‘dream logic’ and some pretty disturbing imagery – essential viewing for all budding film makers.

  • Privilege (1967) Trailer - Out Now On Bfi Dvd

    A British film with a story set in the then near-future of the 1970s. It centres around a disillusioned pop singer (played by Manfred Man’s Paul Jones) who ends up being used by the church and state to further their aims. An old film with very current ideas.

  • The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Official Trailer #1 - Clint Eastwood Movie (1966) Hd

    This epic Italian spaghetti western starred Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. Combined with Leone’s distinctive visual style and Ennio Morricone’s film score it remains a classic to this very day.

  • Stormy Weather 1943

    Featuring some of the top black artists of the time (Cab Calloway/Lena Horne/Fats Waller) this Afro-American musical was a milestone in cinema during an era when black people in lead roles was a very rare thing indeed.

  • Peeping Tom (1960) - Trailer

    This British thriller/horror film is about a serial killer that’s also a film maker, which ruined the career of the films director who was previously known for such classics as The Red Shoes. Both films are essential viewing and made a big impression on yours truly.