Best Music Docs/Bio Pics/Docudramas/Mockumentaries Ever
Disclaimer: My musical taste runs the gamut so be forewarned. On any given day my Ipod mixes run from Rolling Stones to Death in June, Carter Family to the Swans, Captain Beefheart to Stone Roses - I think you get my drift. So this list is diverse to say the least. Most are obscure, some are classics - but all are amazing... Sidenote: I had to put these in order by release date or I would end up repeating a bunch.
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- DirectorBob RafelsonStarsPeter TorkDavy JonesMicky DolenzThe Monkees frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing surreal humor and anti-establishment social commentary.Undeniably one of the worst movies ever - BUT still, its a must see IMO
- DirectorSidney J. FurieStarsDiana RossBilly Dee WilliamsRichard PryorThe story of the troubled life and career of the legendary Jazz singer, Billie Holiday.Billie Holiday... This movie always makes me emotional.
- DirectorD.A. PennebakerStarsDavid BowieMick RonsonTrevor BolderThe July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. A great medley of 'Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud'/'All The Young Dudes'/'Oh! You Pretty Things', a Lou Reed cover, and a Rolling Stones cover are but some of the highlights.
- DirectorHal AshbyStarsDavid CarradineRonny CoxMelinda DillonThe early life of Woody Guthrie as a vagabond folk singer.Super 1970's style docudrama about Woody Guthrie.
- DirectorMark RydellStarsBette MidlerAlan BatesFrederic ForrestThe tragic life of a self-destructive female rock star who struggles to deal with the constant pressures of her career and the demands of her ruthless business manager.Loosely based on Janis Joplin. A timeless classic.
- DirectorAllan ArkushJoe DanteStarsP.J. SolesVincent Van PattenClint HowardRamones fanatic and delinquent Riff Randell battles it out with the strict new principal of Vince Lombardi High School, Miss Togar, with help from the Ramones.The Ramones. Riff Randall. Need I say more?
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsJohn BelushiDan AykroydCab CallowayJake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsSissy SpacekTommy Lee JonesLevon HelmThe fictionalized life of singer Loretta Lynn, a girl who rose from humble beginnings to become a country music star in the 1960s/70s.Excellent biopic on Loretta Lynn, prob my fave biopic of all time.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsEugene TatuAlice Bag BandBlack FlagA look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.The first of 3 - its the O.G. SoCal Punk doc.
- DirectorKarel ReiszStarsJessica LangeEd HarrisAnn WedgeworthThe story of Patsy Cline, the velvet-voiced country music singer who died in a tragic plane crash at the height of her fame.Excellent biopic on the great Patsy Cline, I would say right up there with Coal Miner's Daughter for sure.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsRob ReinerMichael McKeanChristopher GuestSpinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.
- DirectorJohn TaylorStarsTy TaylorLaura BranscumSteve WedanA young man's parents and pastor force him to go without rock music for two weeks, and as a result he discovers how rock music is a tool of Satan to control people.An amazing Christian propaganda film focusing on the evils of really bad cock rock. Apparently rocking out leads to all things bad including suicide, drug use, and terrible fashion choices. Awesome religious scare film.
- DirectorJohn HeynJeff KrulikStarsJohn Cloud Jr.Judas PriestA look at the wild scene outside a Judas Priest concert.Metalheads talking about metal. In a parking lot waiting for the metal to begin. This short is very metal...
- DirectorW.T. MorganStarsJohn DoeExene CervenkaBilly ZoomThis film is a documentary about the personalities in, and the music of, the early 1980's Los Angeles punk band X. There are studio and live performances by the band and interviews with band members; all nicely interspersed with footage of area DJs, record stores, old TV shows and commercials.Prob. my fave doc re the Punk scene circa 1980's.
- DirectorLuis ValdezStarsLou Diamond PhillipsEsai MoralesRosanna DeSotoBiographical story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.Don't judge me man, you know you dig this one too...
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsForest WhitakerDiane VenoraMichael ZelnikerThe troubled life and career of jazz musician Charlie "Bird" Parker.Charlie "Bird" Parker biopic.
- DirectorJim McBrideStarsDennis QuaidWinona RyderJohn DoeThe life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.Another oldie but for sure a goodie!
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsGG AllinMerle AllinBrian Unk HunterDocumentary about notorious punk rock performer GG Allin.Humn... Well, I'm not sayin' this is good or bad, just that it should be watched by music doc freaks like myself.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsMerrill GruverMichael EdwardsMelissa BrownKaren Carpenter's battle with anorexia nervosa and the cultural influence of the Carpenters in the 70s.Best music movie acted out by barbie dolls ever.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsJoe PerrySteven TylerGene SimmonsDocumentary showcase, what life was like for the music artists living during the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in the mid and late 1980s.The 2nd of 3 - this one is a major trainwreck covering the LA/Hollywood Glam scene.
- DirectorBrian GibsonStarsAngela BassettLaurence FishburneRaéVen KellyThe story of singer Tina Turner's rise to stardom and how she gained the courage to break free from her abusive husband, Ike Turner.
- DirectorGregory NavaStarsHalle BerryVivica A. FoxLela RochonThree women each claim to be the widow of 1950s doo-wop singer Frankie Lymon, claiming legal rights to his estate.This one is dated but I don't care. Great feel good take on a tragic story. Sometimes we need those uptakes, right?
- DirectorRob CohenStarsRay LiottaJoe MantegnaDon CheadleThe public and private lives of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.The coolest of the cool...
- DirectorNick BroomfieldStarsCourtney LoveNick BroomfieldKurt CobainA documentary on the life of Kurt Cobain and his relationship with Courtney Love.While I may get banished for stating I am not a big Nirvana fan, hopefully the fact I like this movie a lot will somewhat redeem me.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsFleaKeith MorrisEyeballThe Decline of Western Civilization III is a 1998 documentary film that follows the gutter punk lifestyle of homeless teenagers.The 3rd and last of the series. I never hear much about this one but its my fave of them all.
- DirectorWim WendersStarsCompay SegundoIbrahim FerrerRubén GonzálezAging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians' careers.Beautiful movie!
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsEwan McGregorJonathan Rhys MeyersChristian BaleIn 1984, British journalist Arthur Stuart investigates the career of 1970s glam superstar Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced in his early years by hard-living and rebellious American singer Curt Wild.A hybrid glam-o-rama music fest. If Bowie and David Johansen made a baby, said lovechild would be this movie.
- DirectorDavid Burton MorrisStarsEve GordonRodney ScottKathy WagnerThe behind the scenes story of "The Partridge Family" TV show, told from the point of view of young Danny Bonaduce. Problems include Danny's jealous father, David Cassidy's overnight fame, and even conflicts with the Brady Bunch!Yay for cheese! A so bad its good TV docudrama.
- DirectorNeill FearnleyStarsGeorge StanchevL.B. FisherJeff GeddisThe story of the Pre-Fab Four and their fight to be taken seriously as musicians.Not as good (or bad) as the PF, but still...
- DirectorJim McBrideStarsW. Earl BrownDedee PfeifferZachary Throne"Meat Loaf" Aday is an overgrown Texas youngster, the son of a gentle woman dying of cancer and an alcoholic, abusive father. Tormented by his father and schoolmates over his size, he strikes out on his own after his mother's death, in an impossible task to prove himself to the world and to himself. A chance audition for a musical leads him to join forces with composer Jim Steinman, and together the two make music history with the operatic rock album "Bat Out of Hell." But the demons that drive Meat Loaf aren't assuaged by success, and eventually he must come to terms with them.I have a major soft soft for these trainwreck renditions.
- DirectorAndy NehlStarsKev CarmodyAuriel AndrewRoger KnoxBuried Country is a documentary about the unique cultural phenomenon of Australian Aboriginal country music. Based on the book by Clinton Walker - who co-wrote the film with director Andy Nehl, conducted its interviews and produced its soundtrack album - narrated by singer/songwriter Kev Carmody and shot by Warwick Thornton, it told the story of the genre through the eyes and voices of a dozen of its artists, replete with rare archive footage and contemporary performances. Hailed all round the world, it grew in 2016 into a touring live stageshow.If you, much like me, have ever wondered how exactly country music raised awareness of the acute mistreatment of the Aboriginal race and helped to spark the civil rights movement in Australia than this film is for you. And yes, it really is meant to be a serious documentary
- DirectorTodd StephensStarsSara RueBirkett TurtonKaren BlackTwo young misfits head for New York City to celebrate their idol and muse, Stevie Nicks, at The Night of 1,000 Stevies. Along the road, in order for them to escape their painful pasts, they must discover their strengths and learn self-acceptance.Even though this one has some elements that remind me of my Goth youth in the early 1980's, I wouldn't label it as such - I mean, no 80's goth would ever admit to being into Stevie Nicks... Anyhow... This is a feel good cute little flick.
- DirectorJohn EdgintonStarsKirsty WarkSyd BarrettJoe Boyd"The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story" (video release title) tells the full bizarre, tragic, but also celebratory story of Syd Barrett, the co-founder of Pink Floyd. With contributions from friends, managers, lovers and of course the members of Pink Floyd themselves. The film includes rare early television appearances of Pink Floyd and home movies too.I love all in which is Syd Barrett and its a shame more homage hasn't been paid to him via celluloid. Luckily this one does him justice.
- DirectorSerena CrossStarsSteve BerkowitzBrad PittJimmy PageRetrospective look at the life and music of Jeff Buckley through the eyes of family, friends, and fans.Best doc on Jeff Buckley out of all of em IMO. Includes some great archival footage and stories from those who knew him best (Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins, etc). Sad but does justice.
- DirectorMichael WinterbottomStarsSteve CooganLennie JamesJohn ThomsonIn 1976, Tony Wilson sets up Factory Records and brings Manchester's music to the world.Rise and fall of factory records, but more importantly focuses on the Manchester scene circa late 70's-mid 80s. Another must see gem.
- DirectorTina FlintoffRicky KeleharStarsMorrisseyChristopher EcclestonJ.K. RowlingFeaturing interviews by famous fans and followers, this rare documentary encapsulates the essence of the controversial, enigmatic, and deliciously melancholic bard. This is Morrissey, the charming man with the thorn in his side.Well you know, he's Morrissey and he's important... Not the best but worth a watch.
- DirectorDaniel BittonStarsWesley WillisVaginal CroutonsThe Causey WayDocumentary about the late Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. Filmmaker Daniel Bitton follows Willis throughout the Chicago area, riding the bus, talking to friends and strangers alike, selling his CDs to record shops and going about his day. Willis was memorable to many for being schizophrenic as well as 6'6" and over 300 pounds, but was loved by his fans and friends for his quirky, oddball music, artistic talent and for being a real gentle giant. He was a testament to the human drive to survive and create, as he himself was a survivor of extreme poverty, mental illness, child abuse, racism, and obesity. The fact that he lived to see 40 was incredible, but his having a successful music career and being able to function was even more so. Also included on the DVD is a complete Los Angeles concert with Willis' punk band "Wesley Willis Fiasco".
- DirectorGeorge HickenlooperStarsRodney BingenheimerDavid BowieJoey RamoneA look at the history of fame in the world through the eyes of pop star impresario, Rodney Bingenheimer.This doc on L.A. DJ Rodney Bingenheimer hella took me to creepy town, even though I am not fully sure why.
- DirectorChad FreidrichsStarsByron ColeyCalvin JohnsonBarry Hansen"The longest-running, weirdest, loneliest enigma in popular music is a guy from Texas who calls himself Jandek." Jandek on Corwood is the 89-minute documentary that explores this man, his world and his music.If you are a fan of obscure underground music and haven't heard of Jandek, I suggest watching this immediately.
- DirectorOndi TimonerStarsAnton NewcombeCourtney Taylor-TaylorJoel GionA documentary on the once-promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, and the friendship/rivalry between their respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor.Admittedly, I have a soft spot for this one as I never missed a party where the BJM was playing as a loyal supporter and huge fan and remember all the filming way back when. The flick has its flaws for sure but regardless, do yourself a solid and check out this doc bc you will not be able to deny the brilliance behind the BJM.
- DirectorMargaret BrownStarsJoe ElyGuy ClarkWillie NelsonBe Here to Love Me - Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of musician Townes van Zandt.This one is so good it hurts.
- DirectorTaylor HackfordStarsJamie FoxxRegina KingKerry WashingtonThe story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.
- DirectorCraig BrewerStarsTerrence HowardLudacrisAnthony AndersonWith help from his friends, a Memphis pimp in a mid-life crisis attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.Another so bad its good one right here - however, this made it onto the big screen... Pimp turned rapper.
- DirectorStephen WoolleyStarsLeo GregoryPaddy ConsidineDavid MorrisseyA chronicle of the sordid life and suspicious death of Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones, who was found in the bottom of his swimming pool weeks after being let go from the band.
- DirectorKeith FultonLouis PepeStarsLuke TreadawayHarry TreadawayJonathan PryceIn the 1970s a music promoter plucks Siamese twins from obscurity and grooms them into a freakish rock'n'roll act. A dark tale of sex, strangeness and rock music.This is absolutely one of my faves! The story of conjoined twins who form a band - and the band kicks @ss and sounds a lot like joy Division.
- DirectorGreg WhiteleyStarsArthur KaneDavid JohansenSylvain SylvainA recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.
- DirectorTim IrwinStarsMilo AukermanJoe BaizaKevin BarrettA feature-length documentary chronicling early 80's punk rock band the Minutemen, from their beginnings in San Pedro, California, to their demise after the death of singer D. Boon in 1985.
- DirectorKeven McAlesterStarsByron ColeyPaul Drummond13th Floor ElevatorsDocumentary about rock pioneer Roky Erickson, detailing his rise as a psychedelic hero, his lengthy institutionalization, his descent into poverty and filth, and his brother's struggle with their religious mother to improve Roky's care.The Rocky Erickson story. Touching depiction on the father of Psychedelia's rise to fame via 13 Floor Elevators, fall from grace do to drugs and mental health issues, and his under the radar continuance as a brilliant solo artist.
- DirectorJeff FeuerzeigStarsDaniel JohnstonMabel JohnstonBill JohnstonDaniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.A terrific doc on Daniel Johnston which captures the man behind the music, his rise within the underground music scene, and the impact he had over other musicians (such as Kurt Cobain).
- DirectorDavid LeafStarsDavid AnderleHal BlaineJeff BridgesInterviews with Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his contemporaries outline the history of Wilson's album "Smile," a project some 37 years in the making.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsJoaquin PhoenixReese WitherspoonGinnifer GoodwinA chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.I dug this, not many do.
- DirectorSam DunnScot McFadyenJessica Joy WiseStarsTom ArayaGavin BaddeleyBlasphemerAn examination of the heavy metal music subculture that tries to explain why, despite the longevity and popularity of the genre, fans are marginalized and ridiculed for their passion.
- DirectorAlexander OeyStarsSteve IgnorantEve LibertinePenny RimbaudDocumentary on the history of my fave anarchist punk band Crass.
- StarsSyd BarrettMalcolm DomeHugh HopperSyd Barrett - Under Review features rare live and studio performances from this hugely influential and legendary musician, interspersed with the independent review and criticism from a panel of esteemed experts.
- DirectorStephen KijakStarsSara KestelmanArnie PottsJarvis CockerA documentary on the influential musician Scott Walker.It pains me to admit it took me longer than it should have to discover Scott Walker and his Bro's, especially considering he is one of the most obvious influences behind my faves such as Nick Cave, Bowie, Radiohead and a plethora of others. This is an excellent look at the man and his music.
- DirectorAlexandra LipsitzStarsDan CraneDavid S. JungHadia AckermanThe guitars may be fake, but the talent is real at the U.S. Air Guitar Championships, where performers rock out on invisible guitars in hilarious ways.A look into the phenomenon of the air guitar. I'm not kidding.
- DirectorSteven CantorMatthew GalkinStarsFrank BlackKim DealDavid LoveringloudQUIETloud is the story of this unforseen plot twist. A deeply compelling portrait of four band members and their difficult, tense, and ultimately triumphant return.
- DirectorSimon BoyesAdam MasonStarsNadja BrandEric ColvinAbbey StirlingA terrifying journey into one man's twisted world of torture and cruelty, in which a young woman must fight back against a sadistic, psychopath hell bent on breaking her mind and body.OK so the only actual reason this is on my list is because the entire soundtrack is the BJM. I kid you not. And I only know of this movies existence bc it was on tv late style, I woke bc of the music, went back to sleep, and was awoken abt 5 more times to some of my fave tunes. For that, I have added it.
- DirectorPaul RachmanStarsGreg GinnIan MacKayeJames DrescherThe History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986
- DirectorOlivier DahanStarsMarion CotillardSylvie TestudPascal GreggoryBiopic of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf. Raised by her grandmother in a brothel, she was discovered while singing on a street corner at the age of 19. Despite her success, Piaf's life was filled with tragedy.The story of French singer Edith Piaf.
- DirectorAnton CorbijnStarsSam RileySamantha MortonCraig ParkinsonA profile of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic singer of Joy Division whose personal, professional, and romantic troubles led him to die by suicide at the age of 23.The story of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division, as told through his wife's memories. While admittedly I feel this biopic could have been done a bit better, its sleekness and performance by Sam Riley is undeniable. While I am pretty sure most JD fans have already seen this, I suggest it for music fans across the board.
- DirectorSuroosh AlviEddy MorettiStarsFiras Al-LateefSuroosh AlviMarwan ReyadIn the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, Acrassicauda. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. Their struggle is the untold story of the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of young Iraqis.
- DirectorJulien TempleStarsJoe StrummerSteve JonesMick JonesAs the front man of the Clash from 1977, Joe Strummer changed people's lives forever. Four years after his death, his influence reaches out around the world, more strongly now than ever before.
- DirectorRodger GrossmanStarsShane WestRick GonzalezBijou PhillipsThe true-life story of Darby Crash, who became an L.A. punk icon after getting kicked out of high school and forming The Germs with a collection of friends who have little experience with their instruments or playing music.
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsJohn C. ReillyJenna FischerDavid KrumholtzSinger Dewey Cox overcomes adversity to become a musical legend.As far as mockumentaries go, It really doesn't get much better than this... Dare I say I like this much more than Spinal Tap? Yeah, I actually do.
- DirectorStephen GammondStarsKevin AyersJoe BoydJohn HopkinsThe story of the underground movement during the 60s leading up to its culmination at The 14 Hour Technicolor Dream, a "musical happening" at Alexandra Palace on April 29 1967.
- DirectorSean DonnellyStarsKelly McCormickTiffanyJeff TurnerTwo individuals, Jeff and Kelly, claim to be in love with the 80's pop singer Tiffany.Wew! Good thing I'm not an aging pop star, because I've got enough damned freaks I have to deal with as just a regular type gal who's never sang at the mall...So if you haven't put 2 and 2 together by now, I think Were Alone Now is a documentary about people obsessed with 1980s pop star Tiffany. Oh wait a minute, scratch that: The two people who are still her fans. We have Jeff, a 50-year-old man with Asperger's syndrome, and Kelly, an "intersexual" who claims to have had an inspirational friendship with the singer when they were teens. Other than being major outcasts who lack social skills of any sort, these two bare the lone common bond of pop princess love, which makes them feel safer and much more at ease in the universe. Ok. This *beep* is AMAZING! No, no, not because of the social rejects in which it depicts- hey, its not their fault they have really bad taste in music... Its zingingly amazing because it was made in 2008!!!! Yes, many years after the Tiffany phenomenon went south and under.
- DirectorNick MoranStarsCon O'NeillKevin SpaceyPam FerrisA music-infused drama about Joe Meek, the flamboyantly gay, tone deaf, songwriter-producer behind the '60s hits "Have I the Right," "Just Like Eddie," "Johnny, Remember Me" and "Telstar."
- 20081h 18mUnrated6.6 (502)DirectorBrendan TollerStarsGlenn BrancaPat CarneyNoam ChomskyA documentary feature examining why over 3000 independent record stores have closed across the U.S. in the past decade. Many sources all pose threats on the very well being of our favorite record stores. Will these stores die or will they survive?
- DirectorSteven SebringStarsPatti SmithLenny KayeOliver RayAn intimate portrait of poet, painter, musician and singer Patti Smith that mirrors the essence of the artist herself.
- DirectorSacha GervasiStarsRobb ReinerSteve 'Lips' KudlowTiziana ArrigoniSince 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.I wasn't really as huge of a fan of this as everyone else but its def worth a watch
- DirectorAaron AitesAudrey EwellStarsFenrizVarg VikernesEuronymousInterviews and news footage explore the rise of black metal music in Norway in the 1990s, including artists who were involved in suicide, murder and arson.While I haven't listened to this kinda music since the 4th grade when I used to rock Venom tees and draw pentagrams on my trapper keeper, that didn't stop me from enjoying this informative documentary on Black Metal. A good eye opener into this scene, its fandom, and stereotypes due to a few bad apples. A good watch.
- DirectorDarnell MartinStarsAdrien BrodyJeffrey WrightBeyoncéChronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists.I really, really, REALLY like this movie and was stoked when I came to find it was being made - because Chess Records is undeniably one of the best labels ever to exist. That said, I advise all who haven't seen it for the obvious commercial reasons to ignore any inane hip music cred which is keeping them from viewing and watch it bc it really is great.
- DirectorPerry SantosStarsRick JamesCharlie MurphyTy JamesThe Rick James Story comes to the screen with all same unstoppable energy and outrageous humor that made him famous. It's a non-apologetic celebration of the man and his music. The songs drive the journey, with many never before heard tracks and Rick's hits like "Give It To Me Baby," "Mary Jane." "Party All The Time" and "Superfreak." The documentary is told by the people who knew him, partied with him and slept with him --from club owners in Buffalo to Hollywood's biggest celebrities. But there's a twist. Rick narrates his own life story. From existing on camera footage Rick literally appears in the film, providing his uncensored opinions and commentary. Quotes from magazine and newspaper interviews are his narrative voice. So when Supermodel, Janice Dickinson, claims to be the inspiration for "Superfreak," we'll give you Rick's take on what really happened that night at Studio 54. "Cocaine is a hell of a drug!" This is an autobiographical chronicle from the grave.
- DirectorGreg OlliverWes OrshoskiStarsLemmyPhil CampbellMikkey DeeA documentary on the life and career of revered heavy-metal musician Lemmy Kilmister.Ladies and gentlemen, here is your one way ticket into the life and times of Hawkwind and Motorhead frontman Lemmy...METAL!!!!!!!!!!
- DirectorGeoffray BarbierStarsJoe BonomoPeter BuckSteve Coleman30 years ago a gang of suburban teens stumbled across a bunch of abandoned instruments and formed The FleshtonesExcellent doc on the Fleshtones.
- DirectorSam Taylor-JohnsonStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonKristin Scott ThomasAnne-Marie DuffA chronicle of John Lennon's first years, focused mainly in his adolescence and his relationship with his stern aunt Mimi, who raised him, and his absentee mother Julia, who re-entered his life at a crucial moment in his young life.
- DirectorJoann SfarStarsEric ElmosninoLucy GordonLaetitia CastaA glimpse at the life of French singer Serge Gainsbourg, from growing up in 1940s Nazi-occupied Paris through his successful song-writing years in the 1960s to his death in 1991 at the age of 62.Incredible.
- 20101h 56mNot Rated7.6 (1.9K)68MetascoreDirectorJohn ScheinfeldStarsGerry BeckleyLee BlackmanPerry Botkin Jr.The life and work of the enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter.
- DirectorMat WhitecrossStarsAndy SerkisTom HughesClifford SamuelA biography of Ian Dury, who was stricken with polio at a young age and defied expectations by becoming one of the founders of the punk-rock scene in Britain in the 1970s.The story of Punk Pioneer Ian Dury
- DirectorDavid LipkeChris TerryStarsBrent AndersonScott AngelacosPhil AnselmoA film about heavy music in the modern American South, as told by the very people who have created this music during the last two decades. Shot in back alleys, parking lots, and the seedy green rooms of the dirtiest clubs that the Bible Belt failed to snuff out, these die hard musicians discuss their love of music and the south, as well as the difficulties, contradictions, and insanity that haunt every southern artist. There are no illusions here, no apologies, no distractions - only the straight truth as told by those who would know the difference.
- DirectorSpencer SusserStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittDevin BrochuNatalie PortmanA young boy has lost his mother and is losing touch with his father and the world around him. Then he meets Hesher who manages to make his life even more chaotic.Loosely based on Cliff Burton- er well, his personality, not his life. Not a doc and certainly not a biopic but regardless, an excellent movie
- DirectorMarie LosierStarsGenesis P-OrridgeLady Jaye Breyer P'OrridgeBig Boy Breyer P'OrridgeA documentary on artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and his wife and collaborator, Lady Jaye, centered around the transformations the pair underwent for their Pandrogyne project.Genesis P-Orridge has been a huge influence on me both intellectually and as a Psychic TV fan. This doc is somewhat evolutionary, moving from Genesis P-Orridge early roots and influences, his ban from the UK, his theory of Pandrogeny and how/why he and Lady Jaye melded it into their lives. This doc may not be for everyone but is def a must for Throbbing Gristle and PTV fans.
- DirectorNick HammStarsBen BarnesRobert SheehanKrysten RitterTwo brothers attempt to become global rock stars but can only look on as old school friends U2 become the biggest band in the world.While not typically the type of music flick I would watch, I enjoyed this one for its premise and cast. While still kinda sorta on the fence with this one, its got enough interesting quirks and redeeming qualities to it I felt it should make the list.
- DirectorRoger SargentStarsCarl BarâtPete DohertyJohn HassallAn access-all-areas documentary about The Libertines' reunion shows at Reading and Leeds Festivals 2010 from first-time director Roger Sargent: photographer, witness, and confidante of the band throughout their short, turmoil-filled career. Featuring the present-day story of the build-up, rehearsals, warm-ups and concerts set against the painfully-honest interviews with each band member recounting the band's history and illustrated by Sargent's unparalleled archive of classic Libertines photographs. An intense and intimate portrayal of arguably Britain's most exciting and influential band of the last decade.
- DirectorDaniel AlgrantStarsPenn BadgleyImogen PootsNorbert Leo ButzA chronicle of the days leading up to Jeff Buckley's performance at his father's tribute concert in 1991.I dunno why everyone hates this movie so much, I think its pretty good.
- DirectorDon ArgottDemian FentonStarsBobby LieblingSean PelletierDiane LieblingDocumentary follows Bobby Liebling, lead singer of seminal hard rock/heavy metal band Pentagram, as he battles decades of hard drug addiction and personal demons to try and get his life back.
- DirectorMark Christopher CovinoJeff HowlettStarsBobby HackneyDavid HackneyDannis HackneyA documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded.My favorite doc of the year for sure
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsBob MarleyZiggy MarleyRita MarleyA documentary on the life, music, and legacy of Bob Marley.
- DirectorLaura ArchibaldStarsSusan SarandonHappy TraumTom BernadinExplores the music scene in Greenwich Village, New York in the 60's and early 70's. The film highlights some of the finest singer/songwriters of the day.
- DirectorBrett MorgenStarsMick JaggerCharlie WattsBill WymanLegendary British rock band The Rolling Stones mark their 50th year together.
- DirectorMalik BendjelloulStarsRodriguezStephen 'Sugar' SegermanDennis CoffeyTwo South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsMichael DouglasMatt DamonScott BakulaA chronicle of the tempestuous six-year romance between megastar singer Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson.Woo hoo! This one was and is epic!
- DirectorDavid MametStarsAl PacinoHelen MirrenJeffrey TamborA drama centered on the relationship between Phil Spector and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden while the music business legend was on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson.Another "coulda, shoulda been better but the acting makes up for it" listers here. But hey, its Phil Spector!
- DirectorSini AndersonStarsKathleen HannaCarrie BrownsteinKim GordonA look at the life of activist, musician, and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the "riot grrrl" movement of the 1990s.
- DirectorJohn RidleyStarsAndré 3000Hayley AtwellImogen PootsA drama based on Jimi Hendrix's life as he left New York City for London, where his career took off.Way better than expected biopic.
- DirectorRandall MillerStarsAlan RickmanMalin AkermanJustin BarthaA look at the New York City punk-rock scene and the venerable nightclub, CBGB.
- DirectorIain ForsythJane PollardStarsNick CaveSusie BickWarren EllisWriter and musician Nick Cave marks his 20,000th day on the planet Earth.Nick Cave.
- DirectorTate TaylorStarsChadwick BosemanNelsan EllisDan AykroydA chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.James Brown docudrama
- DirectorBill PohladStarsJohn CusackPaul DanoElizabeth BanksIn the 60s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 80s, he's a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy.I'm on the fence with this one... However, Brian Wilson is my jam, so its a must view for any other fan.