Ray Burdis has defended his To Be Someone film from the criticism it received from The Who after being widely labelled as a ‘sequel’ to Quadrophenia – a label he claims is not justified.
“I totally agree that Quadrophenia is a classic, iconic film that should never be revisited,” the director has told NME. “If The Who management had actually read the script of To Be Someone, they would have realised it is not an attempt at a Quadrophenia sequel but a stand-alone film based on modern day Mod culture. It’s a feel good, fun, fashion and music extravaganza.”
“I have never stated that it was a sequel, and if people draw that conclusion from the cast, what can I do?”
Cast members from the fondly remembered 1979 film, which was inspired by The Who’s 1973 rock opera and sixth studio album, are reported to have signed up to this new project.
In a statement released earlier this month on behalf of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and original producer Bill Curbishley, it was dismissed as a ‘blatant attempt to cash in on the original film’s enduring popularity’ and a ‘karaoke’ sequel.