Documentary Essentials DVD

The Mayor Of Sunset Strip: (Dir. George Hickenlooper 2003) A wildly entertaining ride through rock-and-roll history as seen through the eyes of one supremely distinct figure Rodney Bingenheimer. Directed by acclaimed documentarian George Hickenlooper ('Hearts Of Darkness') the film examines the life of Los Angeles' Mayor of Sunset Strip. Coming of age in LA in the 1960s just as rock-and-roll was bursting onto the scene Bingenheimer was obsessed with all things musical. Though not a successful musician himself he nonetheless befriended rock's elite. In the 1970s he... opened up his own club Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco which played host to luminaries such as David Bowie Iggy Pop and Marc Bolan. It was in 1976 however when Rodney found his true calling. On his weekly radio show on KROQ Bingenheimer introduced several of popular music's most celebrated voices to America - Blondie The Ramones The Sex Pistols The Smiths and Coldplay. The Devil And Daniel Johnston (Dir. Jeff Feuerzeig 2005): The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away. Director Jeff Feuerzeig exquisitely depicts a perfect example of brilliance and madness going hand in hand with subject Daniel Johnston. As an artist suffering from manic depression with delusions of grandeur Daniel Johnston's wild fluctuations numerous downward spirals and periodic respites are exposed in this deeply moving documentary. The Devil and Daniel Johnston artfully melds current footage vintage performances home movies and dozens of recorded audiotapes from Daniel's life. Testimony from supportive friends and a deeply committed family adds a rich layer to his personal history but it is Daniel's poetic songs interwoven through out the film that tell their own passionate haunting and truly unforgettable story. Now in his mid-40s Daniel Johnston has grown into a prolific visual artist. His expressions have earned him worldwide recognition and critical praise producing international exhibits where he continues to sell his vibrant and intimate sketches. He has recorded over ten full-length albums and his supporters have included Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain who was often seen wearing a Daniel Johnston t shirt Matt Groening The Butthole Suffers Sonic Youth noted Minutemen/FIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt David Bowie Tom Waits Beck The Flaming Lips and an ever-growing international cult audience. The Ramones: End Of The Century (Dir. Michael Gramaglia Jim Fields 2002): 'End of The Century' is a documentary about the Ramones and their career to date. Tracing the history of the band from its unlikely origins through its star-crossed career bitter demise and the sad fates of Joey and Dee Dee End of the Century is a vibrant candid document of one of the most influential groups in the history of rock. [show more]

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