Music videos were in full swing in the 80's & Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band performing 'American Storm' could have rightfully been viewed as the latest song to plug an upcoming movie tie-in. I know for many many years pre-internet it drove me crazy trying to figure out where the footage was coming from. None of the movie guides or sources I had on hand could tell me a title of a film starring James Woods, Scott Glenn and Randy Quaid among others.
As I would later find out - there was no movie - nope all the Hollywood grade scenes of the war on drugs (cocaine specifically) featuring actors, bits of drama and light action directed by Brian De Palma were created solely for this video. Some have suggested that it was intended to be a tongue-in-cheek approach, but I haven't found any evidence to support that. I did read a short blurb that suggested Seger wasn't a fan of the concept, but that's it. In any case I think the video does a nice job visualizing what Seger was aiming for with his lyrics. Drugs washing over the industry, the country and it wasn't going away.
The bad news is it's really hard to lock your eyes on this music video detailing the legal, moral struggle to contain the white powder that was at high tide in the 80's. I'm glad I was finally able to put this mystery to rest, but also a little saddened that I'll never get to see a movie that ultimately doesn't exist.
As I would later find out - there was no movie - nope all the Hollywood grade scenes of the war on drugs (cocaine specifically) featuring actors, bits of drama and light action directed by Brian De Palma were created solely for this video. Some have suggested that it was intended to be a tongue-in-cheek approach, but I haven't found any evidence to support that. I did read a short blurb that suggested Seger wasn't a fan of the concept, but that's it. In any case I think the video does a nice job visualizing what Seger was aiming for with his lyrics. Drugs washing over the industry, the country and it wasn't going away.
The bad news is it's really hard to lock your eyes on this music video detailing the legal, moral struggle to contain the white powder that was at high tide in the 80's. I'm glad I was finally able to put this mystery to rest, but also a little saddened that I'll never get to see a movie that ultimately doesn't exist.