That's the Way of the World (1975)

Film Introduction
"That's the Way of the World" is a 1975 movie directed by Sig Shore and starring Harvey Keitel. The narrative is based around the intricacies and difficulties of the music industry.

Plot
The story revolves around Harvey Keitel's character, Coleman Buckmaster, a record manufacturer, and the problems he experiences in the music business. Buckmaster is a gifted and creative manufacturer who is drawn to music that resonates with him and captures the soul. Nevertheless, his idealistic dispositions meet resistance in the type of corporate bureaucracy and business impulses. Buckmaster is tasked with providing a hit record for a brand-new band, The Group, handled by the record business he works for - a band he believes does not have any genuine skill or enthusiasm for music.

As Buckmaster navigates through the intricacies of the music market, he satisfies Velour, an emotional singer with tremendous talent, played by Earth, Wind & Fire's lead singer, Maurice White. Buckmaster is undoubtedly brought in to Velour's musical abilities, which straight contrast with the manufactured music of The Group.

Conflict
The main dispute lies in the divergence in between Buckmaster's devotion to real talent and the commercial objectives of the record label. Buckmaster needs to continuously negotiate the spiraling needs from the label, preserving his peace of mind while handling the interests of several parties involved.

In spite of his attempts to combat against these industrial impulses and promote Velour, Buckmaster deals with the enormous power of the record company that is prepared to do whatever it requires to be successful, including resorting to bribing radio stations to play The Group's music, leaving no space for authentic skill like Velour. Buckmaster is torn in between his role and the genuine music that Velour represents.

Resolution
The film unwinds as Buckmaster faces his situation, contacts Velour, and discusses their shared disappointment about the lack of soul and creativity in mainstream music. Buckmaster ultimately leads Velour to his first step toward stardom.

Conclusion
While "That's the Way of the World" checks out the darker side of the music industry, it also brings out the enthusiasm and intensity of music. Through Buckmaster, the film exposes the battle between commerce and imagination, with the producer in the middle, battling in between his creative instincts and commercial responsibilities.

Keitel's outstanding efficiency as a torn producer and the music driven storyline entertains, while Earth, Wind & Fire's soundtrack supplies an emotional background including more depth to the film's narrative. Despite being rather overshadowed by the success of its Grammy award-winning soundtrack, "That's the Way of the World" remains a powerful review of the music industry that resonates even today, over 40 years after its release.

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