When You're Strange (2009)
86 min -
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A look at the late '60s and early '70s rock band The Doors, including rare exclusive footage. Director:Tom DiCilloWriter:Tom DiCillo |
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1 nomination
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Top Billed Cast
Cast
| Credited cast: | |||
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Johnny Depp | ... |
Narrator
(voice)
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John Densmore | ... |
Himself
(archive footage)
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Robby Krieger | ... |
Himself
(archive footage)
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Ray Manzarek | ... |
Himself
(archive footage)
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Jim Morrison | ... |
Himself
(archive footage)
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Jim Ladd | ... |
Himself
(voice)
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Storyline
A chronological look at The Doors, focusing on lead singer, Jim Morrison (1943-1971), from the formation of the band in 1965, it's first gigs, and first album, to Morrison's death, after years of alcohol and drug use. Along the journey, we see archival footage of rehearsals, performances, and private moments including a Miami concert resulting in Morrison's arrest and trial for indecency. His love of the spotlight, his desire to be a poet, and his alcohol-fueled mood swings lead to a back and forth between public and private desires, successes, and failures. The band's music plays throughout. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Plot Summary | Add Synopsis | Keywords (Spoiler Alert!) »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for some sexual content including references, nudity, drug material and language. See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
9 April 2010 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
The Doors - When You're Strange See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$66,833 (USA) (11 April 2010) (8 Screens)Gross:
$238,632 (USA) (13 June 2010)Company Credits
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Having been a fan for over 20 years, I'm fairly jaded when it comes to bios on the Doors. The new footage and DiCillo's narrative structure offer a truly fresh look at the subject matter, since it's the first time I've really felt I've had an insider's view on the band. Morrison is treated like a real human being, stripped of all the legend and bombast. Instead of the pretentious rock star, you get to see Jim the person evolving over time, with all the joy and suffering that he experienced. There's a shot of him exiting the courtroom in Miami with a look of vulnerability that I found shocking, as it's at odds with image of the cool, cocky singer. The history of the band is subtly told though a wash of images and sparse narration which touch all the milestones without feeling like another retread. It definitely deserves another viewing, consider me a confirmed buyer of the DVD.