2010 music documentaries that rock
If you had to choose between being a rock star or a movie star, would you be able to make the decision? Luckily, the stars of these recent music documentaries don’t have to. Check one out and you’ll be swept up by the music too.
- When You’re Strange: A Film About the Doors: Now available on DVD, this film features rare archival footage, including excerpts from Jim Morrison’s 1969 experimental film HWY: An American Pastoral. The narration is provided by Johnny Depp. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek calls this the “true story of the Doors”, in contrast to the 1991 Oliver Stone film which took several factual liberties.
- Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage: Geddy Lee’s amazing voice is recognizable to millions, but the history of his band has never been touched on before this documentary. Interviews with artists Rush influenced, including Jack Black, Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, and members of the Foo Fighters and Metallica, round out this piece. Even at 107 minutes, there’s plenty left out, so be sure to check out the deleted scenes and live performances on the bonus disc.
- The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights: Co-released with the band’s first live album, Jack and Meg White take the viewer along on their 2007 summer tour of Canada, during which they played mostly free shows anywhere people would listen. For those who have never had the chance to see this band live, this video will certainly leave a mark on you, especially in Jack’s final haunting rendition of “White Moon”.
- Oil City Confidential: Not all rockumentaries focus on bands that made it big. Director Julien Temple’s film is a portrait of Dr. Feelgood, a pub rock group that formed in the mid-70s, before punk took over. Guitarist Wilko Johnson provides the focus of the film, as a hippie schoolteacher-turned-rock star prepared to stand up for the rights of rockers everywhere.