A Reel Review: WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE

In what is probably the very first full-length documentary film on The Doors, WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE utilizes never before seen footage backed by narration by Johnny Depp, and falls just short of providing fans and non-fans with enlightenment.

STRANGE plays out unlike most documentary films, skipping over any historical insight from people who might have been there during the band’s rocketship ride to fame. It instead relies on Depp’s narration to tell The Doors’ story from beginning to end. It is a very linear approach, and the lack of material from surviving members makes the entire film offering not much more information that what is readily available online or in the nearest bookstore. The lack of the human element takes away the heart of the film, and makes Jim Morrison’s tragic end arrive with a ho-hum. The narrative just tells the story from the outside, and the intrapersonal relationships within are only tragically hinted at.

The film focuses mostly on Morrison, and the lives and backgrounds of the other members gets left by the wayside. Despite the heavy attention to Morrison and his addictions/behavior, the reasons behind his madness (and genius) are only hinted at and never explored deeper. His estranged relationship with his parents, the devotion he recieved (maybe undeservingly) from his girlfriend, his addictions and powerful (albiet altered) mind are only mentioned in the script as facts.

Where the storytelling falls a bit short, it is the footage that really keeps things interesting and far from boring. The film puts the viewer smack in the middle of the bands’ world, from their recording sessions to their business discussions to their backstage interactions. It’s fascinating to see for both fans and newcomers. The intimacy of the footage actually draws attention to the weak script, which does not support the visuals. Footage that we’ve seen hundreds of times is restored to pristine shape here. And the new footage, which includes live performances from The Ed Sullivan Show, a TV performance in Copenhagen, and the historic Florida abortion of a concert that saw Morrison arrested, looks as fresh and new as it did 40 years ago. Perhaps the most fascinating stuff comes from Morrison’s attempt at an indie film, which is played out in a different context, as Morrison wanders the countryside after his death is announced over the airwaves.

Director Tom DiCillo does a fine job with the new and old footage, and things are edited just right. Non-fans will probably be a tad bored with the many musical montages, as things start to feel like an extended tribute over an engaging story. Good attention however is given to the musical talent of all the members.

WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE is worth a look for Doors’ fans, as this may be the film they have been waiting years for. The lack of intrapersonal stories and emotion may frustrate those just looking for a solid story on celluloid. The film does manage to never get boring, and what is there is much better than what is missing.

BOTTOM LINE: See it.

WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE is currently playing at select theatres, including the Puff Movie House in Philadelphia