Hair Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A farm boy goes to New York, joins a commune, takes acid, then his friend dies in Vietnam because they mixed up haircuts.

🍿 Hair: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Claude’s Arrival in New York

Claude Bukowski, a naive young man from Oklahoma, arrives in New York City en route to his army induction. He encounters a group of free-spirited hippies led by Berger, who introduce him to a world of peace, love, and anti-war sentiment. Claude is immediately drawn to their lifestyle and begins to question his predetermined path.

Falling for Sheila and Embracing the Hippie Lifestyle

Claude also meets Sheila, a wealthy debutante who is intrigued by the hippies’ rebellious nature. As Claude spends more time with Berger and the group, he falls in love with Sheila and further embraces the counter-culture movement. He experiences new perspectives on race, class, and the Vietnam War, all of which challenge his traditional values.

The Draft and Conflicting Ideologies

Despite his growing affection for the hippie lifestyle, Claude is still bound by his duty to report for military service. This creates a conflict within him, as he grapples with his personal beliefs and his societal obligations. The hippies attempt to help Claude avoid the draft, leading to a series of misadventures and highlighting the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Claude (John Savage): A naive young man from Oklahoma drafted into the army, who experiences a culture clash with the free-spirited hippies of New York.
• Berger (Treat Williams): The charismatic leader of the hippie tribe who embraces Claude and embodies the anti-war sentiment of the era.
• Sheila (Beverly D’Angelo): A wealthy and rebellious debutante who is drawn to the hippie lifestyle and becomes involved with Claude.
• Jeannie (Annie Golden): A pregnant member of the hippie tribe, symbolizing the free-spirited and unconventional nature of the group.
• Hud (Dorsey Wright): A member of the hippie tribe who grapples with issues of race and responsibility.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Berger: “I’m a middle-class, educated, intellectual, turned revolutionary!” – Berger proclaims this as he disrupts Sheila’s formal dinner party, highlighting his rebellious nature and rejection of societal norms.
• Hippie Protester: “The draft is white people sending black people to make war on the yellow people to defend the land they stole from the red people!” – This quote encapsulates the anti-war sentiment and critiques the social injustices of the time.
• Berger: “They call it a war, oh, what for? It’s madness, man! It’s a drag!” – Berger expresses his frustration and bewilderment at the Vietnam War during their efforts to keep Claude from going to war.
• Jeannie: “It’s so easy to be hard. Easy to be hard. Show a little bit of your soul.” – This line, part of the song ‘Easy to Be Hard’, reflects on the emotional distance people maintain, particularly towards those in need.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,284,643
• Worldwide Gross: $15,314,211

💥 Hair Reviews

Personal Review

I saw ‘Hair’ for the first time in college, and it completely blew me away. The music is incredible, the dancing is electric, and the story, even with its tragic ending, is ultimately hopeful. It made me want to run away to New York and join a commune (I didn’t, but the feeling was there!). ‘Let the Sunshine In’ still gives me chills. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the ’60s or just a good musical.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals”
  • “Those interested in the Vietnam War era and counter-culture movement”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films with strong messages about peace and love”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Nudity”
  • “War violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Forman’s ‘Hair’ bursts with energy but loses its way in translation from stage to screen. The music and dancing are vibrant, but the narrative feels disjointed and the ending, while powerful, is emotionally manipulative. An uneven but ultimately engaging experience.
• Roger Ebert: “‘Hair’ is a celebration of the counterculture, even if it simplifies the era’s complexities. The film shines brightest during its musical numbers, showcasing Tharp’s choreography and the cast’s infectious enthusiasm. The anti-war message resonates, but the narrative sometimes struggles to connect on a deeper emotional level.

Audience Reactions

The musical numbers were fantastic!: Most viewers loved the high-energy musical sequences and the choreography.

The ending was heartbreaking.: Many viewers were deeply moved by the film’s tragic ending and its anti-war message.

Overall Consensus: ‘Hair’ is a visually stunning and musically vibrant adaptation of the Broadway musical, though some find the narrative disjointed and the ending emotionally manipulative. The performances are energetic, and the film remains a powerful statement on the counterculture and the Vietnam War.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Milos Forman’s only casting regret was Nicholas Ray as The General because Ray had to endure heavy smoke for his scene and Forman later learned he was dying of lung cancer.”
• “Twyla Tharp’s choreography was a major element, bringing a contemporary dance sensibility to the musical numbers.”
• “Much of the film was shot on location in New York City, utilizing Central Park and other iconic landmarks to enhance the story’s setting and mood.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hair?

Currently, ‘Hair’ (1979) is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming sites for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. You can also search Amazon for purchase options on DVD or Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hair, you might like these similar films:

• Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): Another rock opera adapted to film that tackles counter-culture themes and challenges societal norms.
• Across the Universe (2007): A jukebox musical set in the 1960s with a focus on the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement, using Beatles songs.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): A cult classic musical which, like ‘Hair,’ celebrates freedom of expression and challenges conventional values.
• Woodstock (1970): A documentary film capturing the iconic 1969 music festival, offering a real-life glimpse into the hippie culture and anti-war sentiment of the era.

🛒 Hair Related Products

• Hair [Blu-ray]: Experience the vibrant counterculture of the 1960s in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition brings the music and dancing to life with enhanced visual and audio quality, making it a must-have for fans.
• HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Relive the original Broadway experience with this iconic soundtrack, featuring the original cast that defined a generation.
• HAIR: Let the Sunshine In (2009 Revival Cast Recording): Relive the 2009 Revival experience with this updated iconic soundtrack.
• Hippie Costume Set: Bring the spirit of ‘Hair’ to life with this complete Hippie Costume Set, featuring iconic 1960s apparel to look just like the people in the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hair features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Aquarius” – performed by The Cast of Hair
• “Good Morning Starshine” – performed by The Cast of Hair
• “Hair” – performed by The Cast of Hair
• “Easy to be Hard” – performed by Cheryl Barnes
• “Let the Sunshine In” – performed by The Cast of Hair

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Too Many Cooks vs. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared: Decoding the Disturbing – Wisecrack Edition

Ever wonder what makes some things so disturbing? Wisecrack breaks it down, and honestly, it’s kind of mind-blowing how they connect it all. Definitely worth a watch if you like deep dives!

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