BY MIKEY MIGO
Tom DiCillo is my hero. This is the man who wrote and directed this awesome documentary taking a look at the rise and life of “The Doors”. This came out in 2009 through the festival circuit with Tom DiCillo doing the narration. Those who saw it during these screenings were not digging his voice so they went out and got someone else to do the job. The new narrator would be Hollywood icon Johnny Depp. Yes, THAT “Hollywood icon” Johnny Depp. Depp did a great effortless job. He didn’t overplay anything and was a solid voice to carry us throughout the doc. This was a great documentary and you realize about half way through when the power of Jim Morrison overtakes Depp. You completely forget Depp is providing the narration you’re hearing and become too enthralled in the journey. That’s a pretty big feat because like everyone else in the world I’m a huge Johnny Depp fan. We’re taken on the story of “The Doors” from joining up until Jim’s death. With Morrison and Manzarek being film students there always seemed to be a video camera around them. Lots of their old and very early shows were captured and the experience is there to be viewed. Editors Micky Blythe and Kevin Krasny utilize this footage, home movie stock that’s never been seen, the iconic shots of the Ed Sullivan appearance and the name/job?/“Jim” introduction, and so much more. The story is of course similar to the Oliver Stone movie “The Doors”, but less flashy and contrived. You’re watching this and feeling like you’re being taken through the story by someone who was there, and with the footage and narration used you almost were. The “motion picture” is one of my favorites, but I felt like I was let even further behind the curtain with DiCillo’s documentary. Super diehard fans will appreciate the never before seen footage and the quality of realism, everyone else should enjoy it. I’m a pretty big fan of the band, have written a few thousand word once over on their career more than once, and consistently enjoy the music of “The Doors”. I enjoyed the hell out of this documentary and even took away a few new facts I didn’t have before. If you’re into “The Doors”, Morrison, or late 60’s music and culture then this is something you don’t need to, but MUST watch. Recommend, like mofo!
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