I Used to Be Funny

While Vince, portrayed by Ed Skrein, once reveled in the spotlight with his band Stereo Dreams alongside Austin (Eoin Macken), two decades later, he finds himself struggling as an unemployed musician. Determined to reignite his passion for music, Vince begins busking on the streets but faces constant rejection when seeking gigs at local bars. Despite his attempts to showcase his new compositions to music shops, he receives no positive feedback. In stark contrast, Austin has skyrocketed to fame, preparing to release his final album and embark on a farewell tour.

During one of Vince’s outdoor performances, he crosses paths with Stevie (Leo Long), a young drummer who joins in on the fun. Their shared enthusiasm for music quickly blossoms into a friendship, and together they dream of forming a band. Meanwhile, Vince is infatuated with Mel (Racheal Ofori), a bartender at a local pub known as Peckham’s Finest. Despite Mel’s encouragement, Vince faces rejection from the pub’s owner, Dave (Joplin Sibtain).

Determined to succeed, Vince cleverly uses a viral clip of their busking session to secure a gig at Peckham’s Finest. With the initial reservations of Stevie’s mother, Amber (Eleanor Matsuura), eventually quelled by Stevie’s evident dedication, the two embark on a series of rehearsals. An encounter with Austin at Firestarter studios leads Vince to extend an invitation to his former bandmate for the upcoming gig. Austin’s lukewarm response doesn’t deter Vince, who intriguing names the group “Denham,” which Dave dismissively renames to the “Tin Men”.

As they take the stage, the gig seems promising until Vince pushes the audience’s patience too far. After performing one song too many, the crowd grows hostile, leading to a confrontation with an aggressive fan which results in both Vince and Stevie being banned from the pub. Amber, upset over the incidents, instructs Stevie to steer clear of Vince, leaving him heartbroken. Alone at home, Vince reflects on painful memories, particularly the loss of his younger brother during the pinnacle of his career.

In the midst of this turmoil, Dennis (Neil Stuke), the tour manager, offers Vince ten additional tour dates, urging him not to dwell on the decision too long. This decision weighs heavily on Vince as he contemplates the significance of superficial fame versus his budding relationship with Stevie. Simultaneously, Stevie makes a bold move, expressing his desire to pursue music education while clandestinely seeking gigs for their band. When Stevie successfully gets a performance lined up, he calls Vince to join him. Vince’s dedication grows further as he engages with Stevie’s autism support group, where his mentoring skills catch the attention of the group leader, opening up a new job opportunity.

In a twist of fate, Vince receives a call that many dream of – an invitation from Austin to be the opening act on his farewell tour. However, this golden opportunity would exclude Stevie, forcing Vince to confront his priorities again. Recalling the painful moment from his past when he chose fame over family, Vince initially seems to repeat the cycle as Amber advises him to step back from Stevie’s life. She acknowledges that Vince had unlocked a part of Stevie that nobody else had.

This crucial meeting prompts Vince to reassess his life goals. As he stands in the recording studio, a pivotal moment unfolds when he is informed that his music is being tailored for commercial success. He is pressed for a decision under duress, echoing the sentiments that had haunted him for years. In a moment of clarity, Vince realizes that the fame he was so desperately chasing no longer fulfills him.

Instead, he opts to forge a new path, embracing his renewed bond with Stevie as a brother figure. The film culminates in a heartwarming finale where Vince organizes a concert for Stevie’s birthday, solidifying their resilient friendship and showcasing the growth they have both experienced together.

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 08:34