The Blues Brothers, 1980.

The Blues Brothers (1980) is a musical comedy film that became a cult classic and solidified John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s legacy as a comedic duo. Directed by John Landis, The Blues Brothers was based on a musical sketch that originated on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where Belushi and Aykroyd performed as Jake and Elwood Blues—two brothers with a passion for blues music. The film is known for its energetic performances, a star-studded cast of musicians, and over-the-top car chases. Here’s a deeper dive into The Blues Brothers:

1. Plot Summary:

The film follows Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), two brothers who are on a “mission from God” to save the orphanage where they were raised. After Jake is released from prison, the brothers learn that the orphanage owes $5,000 in property taxes. To raise the money, they decide to reunite their old blues band and put on a concert. Along the way, they run into numerous obstacles, including police chases, angry ex-band members, a vengeful ex-girlfriend (played by Carrie Fisher), and encounters with neo-Nazis. The film culminates in an epic musical performance and one of the most famous car chase scenes in film history.

2. John Belushi as Jake Blues:

John Belushi plays the character of Jake Blues, a charismatic and rebellious figure who leads the charge to save the orphanage. His performance is both funny and heartfelt, capturing the carefree spirit of the character while also showcasing his deep love for blues music. Belushi’s portrayal of Jake Blues became iconic for its mix of humor, physical comedy, and genuine musical talent.

Sunglasses and Fedora: Jake’s signature look—dark sunglasses and a black fedora—became a defining part of the character and is still associated with Belushi’s legacy today.
Musical Performance: Although Belushi was more known for his comedy, he took his role as a musician seriously. His performance in The Blues Brothers showed off his vocal talent and his love for the blues genre, which came through in his energetic stage presence.

3. Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues:

Dan Aykroyd plays Elwood Blues, Jake’s quiet and deadpan brother. While Jake is the more extroverted and reckless of the two, Elwood provides a calm balance. Aykroyd’s performance is marked by his understated humor and smooth harmonica playing. Elwood’s character, like Jake, is deeply rooted in blues culture, and his loyalty to his brother and their “mission from God” drives the plot forward.

4. Music and Performances:

One of the defining features of The Blues Brothers is its focus on music, specifically blues, soul, and R&B. The film features performances from legendary musicians, including:

Aretha Franklin as Mrs. Murphy, who sings “Think.”
James Brown as Reverend Cleophus James, performing “The Old Landmark” during a gospel church scene.
Ray Charles as the owner of a music shop, who performs “Shake a Tail Feather.”
John Lee Hooker performing “Boom Boom” on the street.
Cab Calloway as Curtis, their mentor, performing “Minnie the Moocher.”
These musical sequences were not just entertaining but also celebrated the rich tradition of American blues and soul music. The film introduced a new generation to these classic artists and helped revitalize interest in the genre.

5. The Blues Brothers Band:

The Blues Brothers are backed by an all-star band featuring some of the best session musicians in the industry:

Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn from Booker T. & the M.G.’s on guitar and bass.
Paul Shaffer (famous as David Letterman’s musical director) was originally slated to be in the film but was replaced due to contractual issues.
Matt “Guitar” Murphy as the lead guitarist.
Lou Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, and Alan Rubin as the horn section.
These musicians were not just actors but also performed live, adding authenticity to the musical performances.

6. Car Chases and Destruction:

The Blues Brothers is famous for its elaborate car chase sequences. The film holds the record for the most cars destroyed in a movie at the time—103 vehicles were wrecked in high-speed chases through the streets of Chicago. The chase scenes are over-the-top and exaggerated but perfectly in line with the film’s comedic tone. The combination of slapstick humor, music, and massive destruction made these scenes iconic in action-comedy films.

7. Cultural Impact:

Popularizing Blues Music: One of the biggest legacies of The Blues Brothers was how it introduced blues music to a wider audience. Belushi and Aykroyd’s love for the genre came through in every performance, and the film brought renewed attention to blues and soul legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles.
Toga and Fedora Style: The signature look of Jake and Elwood—black suits, fedoras, and sunglasses—became iconic. The Blues Brothers’ style has been referenced in various forms of pop culture, from TV shows to Halloween costumes, for decades.
“We’re on a mission from God”: This quote became one of the most famous lines from the film and has been frequently referenced in comedy and pop culture.
Cameo Appearances: The film is filled with cameo appearances from notable actors and musicians, adding to its charm and appeal.
8. Box Office and Critical Reception:
Despite production challenges and a ballooning budget (due to Belushi’s struggles with substance abuse and the elaborate action sequences), The Blues Brothers was a commercial success, grossing over $115 million worldwide. While some critics at the time were divided, many praised the film’s high-energy performances and musical tributes. Over time, it became a beloved cult classic and is considered one of the greatest music comedies ever made.

9. Legacy and Sequel:

The Blues Brothers inspired a sequel, Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), which saw Dan Aykroyd reprise his role as Elwood Blues. However, the sequel was not as well received as the original, largely because John Belushi had passed away in 1982, and the chemistry between Belushi and Aykroyd was irreplaceable.
The original film also led to live performances by The Blues Brothers Band, with Aykroyd and various musicians from the film continuing to perform live shows long after the movie’s release.
10. John Belushi’s Iconic Role:

For John Belushi, The Blues Brothers was one of his most defining roles. His physical comedy, charisma, and musical talent were on full display, and it remains one of his most celebrated performances. The role of Jake Blues encapsulated everything Belushi excelled at—improvised comedy, music, and larger-than-life antics.
In conclusion, The Blues Brothers is more than just a comedy film—it’s a celebration of American blues, soul, and rhythm-and-blues music, featuring unforgettable performances from John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Its influence continues to resonate in both music and film, and it remains a staple of 1980s pop culture