Dance Craze

Directed by Joe Massot, Dance Craze is a definitive British music documentary from 1981. A pivotal film in the history of the British Ska revival movement, Dance Craze effectively showcase performances from some of the era's most influential bands, including genre luminaries The Beat, The Bodysnatchers, The Selecter, and (notably) the iconic Madness, and Bad Manners. The film is not just a snapshot of a specific time and place in music history, but it also captures the energy, enthusiasm, and raw spirit of a musical movement in full swing.

"Dance Craze" recreates the feverish atmosphere of a live ska gig, closely following the bands from backstage to the forefront of the tongue-in-cheek Ska movement, the 2-Tone label. The film was an attempt to ride on the crest of a wave that was the Ska movement. This musical subculture was not merely about the music but encompassed fashion, dance, and a lifestyle. The film is called Dance Craze, with good reason. The influential dance style of the movement in question is intertwined with its music, a prominent element that adds another layer to this cinematic exploration.

Music lovers looking for interviews or a lot of backstage footage may be disappointed, though, as Dance Craze is almost exclusively about the performances. It provides a total of 27 live performances from the newly fashionable Ska Revival scene with a few occasional band interviews thrown in. This approach might seem frustratingly narrow, but it effectively captures the raw energy, the pulse-racing rhythms, and infectious enthusiasm of these bands in full flight.

The film kicks off with The Specials' "Nite Klub," a more than fitting opener for what is to follow. It sets the tone for the entire film with its upbeat melody, cheeky lyrics, and infectious rhythm. The live performances are compelling and engaging, portraying a generation’s alienation and disenchantment with their society, showcasing a procession of young, talented bands playing music as if their lives depended on it—they all give their performances everything they've got.

While most music documentaries highlight the behind-the-scenes life of bands, Dance Craze puts the raw performances under spotlight. From The Beat's powerful stage energy to the dynamic presence of The Selecter, and through the playful frivolity of Bad Manners, it's a music tour that takes the audience right to the heart of the scene.

Interestingly, the film’s screening also marked the peak and the beginning of the decline of the 2-Tone movement. However, this film isn’t just a nostalgia trip. Despite it essentially being a concert film, it captures the social context of its time, breathing life into not just the music but the movement behind it.

On the visual front, Dance Craze is very much a product of its time, shot on film, and features the distinctly grainy, inherently atmospheric visual quality associated with many productions from the era. The audio mix is also impressively clear and dynamic, providing a genuine front-row experience to the theatre of 2-Tone flamboyance.

Towards the end of the film, there's a segment where Madness performs "Night Boat to Cairo," one of their quirky hits. The band's raw enthusiasm mixed with a wild crowd is a perfect representation of what the film is all about - having a fantastic time with music that demands you tap your foot and feel the rhythm.

Today, Dance Craze stands as a pillar in music documentary cinema. One that didn't just document the bands and their music but also the phenomenal energy and relatability of a soundtrack that echoed with a generation. It's a time capsule, preserving a glimpse into an extraordinary musical movement while inviting its audiences - of any era - to enjoy some undeniably well-crafted, buoyant music.

In conclusion, Dance Craze isn't just a concert film but a cultural artifact which captures a snapshot of Britain towards the end of 20th century. Its appeal isn't only directed towards ska fans; anyone with a fondness for live music and cultural history will find much to enjoy here. Dance Craze remains an essential viewing for anyone interested in the Ska movement in the UK, as well as those looking to understand the enormous energy that this punk-infused, reggae-inspired, dance-laden genre brought to the public eye.