'Death makes angels of us all and gives us wings where we had shoulders smooth as ravens claws.'
Jim Morrison
Director Tom DiCillo’s new treat: ‘When You’re Strange’ presents exclusive unseen footage of the Doors following their whirlwind careers from 1965 through to lead singer Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, all smoothly narrated by the dulcet tones of a certain Johnny Depp. I was all over this like a rash. Hosted by the Art Deco elegance of the Electric Cinema in Birmingham, now the oldest running cinema in the country, one can sit back in plush velvet sofas and enjoy the film with a cocktail. The old traditions are often the best I find.
The film follows both the chemistry and the clashes between Morrison and the rest of the band; drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek. The camera watches as the band experiences its greatest highs as musical superstars touring Europe. However, during the Doors' first American tour, we witness Morrison’s gradual self destruction under his heavy alcohol addiction and a charge of indecency and public obscenity. The documentary follows the band's ambivalence and frustration over their lead singer's lack of co-operation during this period. However, audiences are also drawn into Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore’s dedication in maintaining the Doors intoxicatingly sensual appeal, doubling their vigour during shows where Morrison had collapsed centre stage, in order to encourage him to rise to his feet once again. The fantastic high quality recordings comprise memorable gigs from the band's performances on the Ed Sullivan Show and the Isle Of Wight Festival. Morrison completely captivates both the contemporary fans of the sixites and seventies on the footage and the modern audience in the Electric.
Let’s face it who couldn’t with a combination of leather clad legs, long wavy locks and deep sultry eyes. Phwoar.
