When You’re Strange: A Film about The Doors – DVD Review

The Film:

And he came to a door…and he looked inside…

The 1960s was a tale of two mentalities for America; there was a counter-culture happening, a love movement, and then there was the death of that being, a violent, radical tonal shift into an aggression led backlash. The sex, the drugs, the Bay of Pigs. Everywhere one turned, their eyes were stained with blood and their voice harsh from screaming into deaf ears. That decade exposed the facade of the 1950′s, with the JFK assassination, the Civil Rights Movement, Viet-f*cking-Nam, Charles Manson, LSD, Nixon, Kent State, more assassinations with MLK and RFK, which by decade’s end, was a collective ball of bloody lines drawn into the sand. Where to go? Where to turn? And all of this was echoed in the most vibrant and unique bands ever in rock and roll history: The Doors.

Is everybody in?

Director Tom DiCillo’s documentary is much like the band itself. It never compromises and never follows conventions. This isn’t just a standard entry into the rock and roll documentary category, it’s a lyrical beast, who’s power not only draws from the music and the era, but the mentality that The Doors represented. When You’re Strange: A Film about The Doors is incredibly emotional and captivating, and the key reason is DiCillo eliminates the talking-heads style of documentary telling, and uses a much more powerful tool. The entire film is a collection of footage of The Doors, from rock shows, to television appearances, to candid recording booth sessions, to even a film with Morrison. Adding the silky, unobtrusive voice of Johnny Depp to string ideas and narration, when needed, together anchors the film.

In the background is the music of The Doors, but this film isn’t just about how great the band was, it’s a deeply focused look at the members and the story of the band. There’s been much criticism from hardcore fans and the surviving members about Oliver Stone’s 1991 film for the bending of facts to serve a dramatic purpose, maybe even an exploitation purpose, but DiCillo never follows Stone’s route. He can’t. The film is essentially The Doors story, told through the eyes of The Doors. That’s why When You’re Strange is mesmerizing and marvelous. Growing up, my father and I used to sit outside in our driveway looking at the stars, drinking, listening to The Doors’ blend of poetry, jazz, and rock and roll blues. Within the music and Morrison’s voice, we were transported as the lyrics led us like a shaman into looking at ourselves, our lives, and society. It was purely subconscious, but that’s what this film does, like all of those dark and cool Saturday nights with my dad. When You’re Strange takes you by the hand and breaks you on through to the other side.

Are you still here?

The DVD:

Audio/Video: Eagle Vision releases the film on a solid DVD, all things considered. It is a documentary, told visually through rare home movies, television appearances, and concert footage, so expect a varying degree of looks. Some of damaged, others look fine. But when it comes down to it, this really doesn’t matter. Also, don’t expect concert level sounds. The doc is mostly just their music and Depp’s narration, and while those are clear and perfect, don’t expect to be blown away with bass or audio effects. Remember, this is a doc not a concert.

Conversations with…is a fascinating 10 minute interview with Jim’s sister and father, who has rarely ever publicly spoken about his son. They talk about his home life, his rock star life, and his death, with earnest and truth. Within these few minutes, we get a lot to digest, especially from the father, considering fans of The Doors, know Jim dismissed him and often claimed he was dead.

A Trailer and a cool Fold-Out Poster round out the disc.

Conclusion: The Doors fans will be in love with the film, and there’s some great stuff for just documentary fans as well. A beautiful ode to one of the best bands to ever record music.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: