The Wake

When it comes to film, women in rock and roll just can’t seem to catch a break. More often than not, females in rock movies are shoved aside into the roles of doting girlfriends or groupies (Almost Famous and That Thing You Do). The notion of an all-girl band being film material doesn’t seem too radical, yet it’s only been successfully carried out in a few ‘80s teen flicks banished to late night play on cable TV, such as the well done but rarely seen Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains.

But in the just released on DVD Prey for Rock and Roll, Gina Gershon’s Jacki is no teen, instead is just days away from her 40th birthday. As the front woman for the all-girl group the Dandy Clams, Jacki is the stereotypical bad girl, covered from head to toe in tattoos, eyeliner and leather. With her birthday just around the corner, Jacki has to acknowledge a promise she made to herself that she would quit rock and roll by the age of 40 if she hadn’t made it big yet. And the band certainly isn’t anywhere near the big time, barely making $13 a night.

Career confusion isn’t Jacki’s only problem; she can’t seem to pull herself away from her music long enough to pay enough attention to the woman in her bed. Only a visit from her drummer’s virginal ex-con brother has Jacki believing in the possibility of a meaningful relationship.

As if Jacki’s age, financial and sexual woes weren’t battle enough for her, drama seems to be around every corner. Her guitarist and drummer are locked in a lesbian love affair, while her bassist (the Sopranos’ Drea de Matteo) is a trust fund baby spending daddy’s money on her pricey drug habit. Jacki comes from a home ridden with child abuse, a past she must relive as the women in the band deal with sexual assault. After making it through yet another drama, the band always meets at their practice space to play music reflecting the situation.

Gershon spent plenty of time bragging before the film’s release that she actually sings in the movie. Unfortunately, Gershon’s guttural shouts are nothing to be proud of and at best could be compared to Courtney Love. Gershon, however, has the moves and look down pat, and can swagger and pout enough to make you almost forget her painful voice — almost.

Despite all the on again off again melodrama, there’s a core to the film that remains true. Perhaps this is due to the film being written by Cheri Lovedog, a musician who based the film around her life and, like Jacki, never could catch a break with her music. Lovedog wound up writing the script after a psychic told her to try combining her music with writing.

While the film’s drama may rival that seen on the WB, the band’s endless energy combined with likable characters make the film enticing. Gershon, who herself is in her 40s, uses her role to cut away at the ageism in Hollywood, proving that there can still be worthwhile roles for women past 30. And how can you say no to a film that proves you can still rock with the best of them at 40?