Most Twilight fans were born way after Joan Jett and Cherie Currie fronted the all-girl punk/pop band The Runaways. But still, seeing Kristen Stewart snapped in candid photos (and at red carpet premieres) with her punky, Jett-black hair has given this indie about the band loads of attention. Plus, there is the curiosity factor of squeaky-clean Dakota Fanning playing the “sex kitten” role of Currie. You know what? After seeing her withering, cold vampire command “Pain…” in New Moon I know she is surprisingly good at evil… so why not as a teenage rock goddess? – Linda
From the press release:
Apparition has acquired all US rights to The Runaways, the music-fueled story of the ground-breaking, all girl, teenage rock band of the 1970s, starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, and will release it on March 19….The Runaways will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Directed by Floria Sigismondi, whose work includes videos for David Bowie, The White Stripes and Christina Aguilera, THE RUNAWAYS also features Oscar nominee Michael Shannon. The film is produced by John Linson, Art Linson and Bill Pohlad. Joan Jett, Kenny Laguna and Brian Young serve as executive producers.
The film follows two friends, Joan Jett (KRISTEN STEWART) and Cherie Currie (DAKOTA FANNING), as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. They fall under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley (MICHAEL SHANNON), who turns the group into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself—and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock’ n’ roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten.
“The Runaways was made with the same independent attitude that defined the group,” says River Road ’s Bill Pohlad. “Kristen and Dakota really became the characters, right down to singing the vocals.”
“The authenticity of the film reflects Joan Jett’s participation in the project,” says producer John Linson. “Her presence on the set was a great influence on the actors.”
