The Wall

By Fern Ritchie

With the passing of Alan Parker late last month, now is the time to reflect on arguably the most creative album of all time and its accompanying film which he directed. Pink Floyds, The Wall.

The Wall was released as an album in 1979 and the film followed in 1982. Both the album and the screenplay for the film were written by Roger Waters, Pink Floyd bassist, with the story based around his life and that of ex Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett. It follows the life of Pink; a troubled rock star who copes with his struggles by isolating himself from everyone by creating a “wall” around himself. Pinks life is told well through the music itself, a story of a boy growing up and dealing with the loss of his father in a post-war Britain which then leads to his struggles in school, heard in “Another Brick In The Wall, Pt 2” to his mental health issues later in life in “Comfortably Numb” as he finds it difficult to work in an industry that just wants to keep exploiting him with very little regard for his wellbeing.

The film however shows it through sinister animations of sadistic teachers and skeleton soldiers along with Bob Geldof’s portrayal of a lonely, isolated individual who needs serious help.

Waters ability to seamlessly craft the story within the listeners mind through the music is impressive enough but the creation of a film that compliments is incredible. What sets The Wall apart from other films made using existing music is that the film was written into the music, no extra sound or dialogue was added, which is an impressive feat. Waters always planned for there to be an accompanying film along with the albums but it was originally to consist of live performances and from Pink Floyds album tour along with some animation and live scenes though that idea was later scrapped due to numerous issues and complications.

The films often disturbing animation and grotesque live scenes that work their way through the album from start to finish serve to embellish the story, gruesome depiction of war, mental illness, self-mutilation and fascist hatred were in no doubt designed to shock audiences and leave them with much to think about.

The film was never meant to have a happy ending.