For those of you who didn't read my post at The Good Life, I'll exhort you to go see the very excellent movie New York Doll.It follows the life of seminal 70s-glam rock group The New York Dolls' bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane, who joined the LDS church in 1989 (did that sentence even make sense?). Morrissey of The Smiths fame (or of Morrissey fame) became the curator for a 2004 rock festival in London, and he posted on his website that the New York Dolls would be reuniting 30 years after their breakup... Kane found out about this announcement through a friend who happened to read the news on some website. The director, Greg Whiteley, was fortunate enough to be Kane's home teacher when they lived in Westwood... he discovered that Kane was planning on going to London for the reunion show, so Whiteley decided to bring along a video camera when he drove Kane to the pawn shop where his bass was lying in wait after years of neglect.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Please go see this movie. I feel like I've given this same song and dance to everyone, but it is truly an excellent movie. Kane's story is one of the most moving that I have heard in a long time, and it's about time an LDS filmmaker put real talent to use (no offense, Richard Dutcher). It's a great missionary tool. It's gotten excellent reviews (see Kenneth Turan's LA Times review here, listen to the interview with Whiteley on Morning Becomes Eclectic here). It's opened in major cities (LA and New York last week, SLC and Phoenix tomorrow), and the wider release of the film depends on how it does this weekend. Those of you who live around those areas really need to go check it out. I went to a Q&A with Greg Whiteley today, and his story about how the movie has gotten some very lucky publicity is amazing. You can check out more information at the website, newyorkdollmovie.com.
Do the right thing... support good LDS filmmaking! =)
13 comments:
Hannah, I just listened to the Nick Harcourt interview and it really sounds interesting. The rendition of "Come, Come Ye Saints" was great to hear, especially knowing that it ran on KCRW. We are going to see the film tomorrow evening.
It's not playing up here, yet, but I am hoping it comes soon or else it might have to be another NetFlix pick!
Saw "New York Dolls" tonight. A great film - you all need to see it! As Hannah said, it's LDS filmmaking at its best. Very moving, but funny and poignant too. Also, be sure to listen to the Morning Becomes Eclectic interview - Hannah posted a link to it - I think it adds a dimension to your viewing pleasure.
Eliza and I saw it tonight as well, Mr. Whiteley (director) was there(Broadway theatre) answering questions about the movie which gave it a nice added dimension. The place was packed and I think all the night shows sold out here in old SLC. It was great too because I usually laugh when people clap at the end of movies (which happened but who are they clapping for? It's not like the theatre or something)--but when Whiteley introduced himself everybody went bananas and gave him quite the ovation.
It's a very interesting story with a naturally endearing main character. Also, I always enjoy a movie with good music.
I agree--very good. As Matt said, AKK was incredibly endearing, and the story's just really interesting.
One of my fave moments:
Bob Geldof: He's going to go back and put on his tie and get on the bus [to go to the temple], but he should put on his diamante tie and get on the band bus.
Chrissie Hynde: Well, there's room for both.
I also really loved the message of humility (e.g., Arthur talking about the hotel room furniture)...and Arthur's harmonica solo...and David J's rendition of "Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." Speaking of which, I also loved that Mo-Tab version of "Come unto Him."
And...I'll stop talking about every detail. But I really liked it. And I kept thinking about it after the movie was over, which is a good sign. :)
P.S. This afternoon I checked out some New York Dolls on iTunes and gave a first-time listen. Does that make me a glam-punk poser? Don't answer that. Unfortunately I can't find a version of "Out in the Streets" (although I did find the Shangri-La one).
Now I remember the Shangri-las - with fondness too!!
It comes to our home town theater on Dec 2. We've watched the trailers and look forward to seeing it.
LOVED the KCRW interview. I really hope it comes here soon.
Maybe it'll be in LA still at Christmas time. Probably not, but maybe.
Are you even going to be there for the holly-days?
Barb told me the Fillmores are going to be there on the 27th. Happy A-versary to ME! (and Matt)
Speaking of which, I think I'll write a post posing the question, "What day shall we be having this family party?"
Like I said, the 28th looks good - if Phoebe's in town by then. Harry works Wed, Thurs and Friday nights - but Weds. day could work. And we can continue partying without him too - maybe he gets a dinner break!!
Hannah, thanks for the news. I had not heard anything about it. Sometimes I think Lemoore is in North Dakota and not Calif.
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