07/31/06 New York Doll

New York Doll (2005), directed by Greg Whiteley

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

A truly fascinating story of a real life figure that was begging to become a documentary. How's this for an elusive subject...Arthur "Killer" Kane is an eccentric and talented man that in his youth co-founded one of the most influential and controversial rock bands on the planet...only to have the excesses of stardom crash down upon his head, leaving him an alcoholic with a life spiralling out of control...then to have him virtually disappear from the glamorous headlines and find solace in Mormonism and a sedentary day job as a librarian...finally to be found, reunited with friends of an era gone by, and re-introduced to an adoring fan base that has eagerly awaited a rebirth into stardom. That's one hell of a trip if you ask me, and it is the life and times of the leading man Kane. What is at heart a story of one man's travels through life of fame, addictions, pain and closure...it also paints a loose picture in documentary form of the landmark glam-rock band the New York Dolls. The Dolls were a group that was integral in the evolution of rock 'n' roll music, being heavily influential on such punk bands as The Clash, Ramones, Iggy & The Stooges...as well as the nu-wave glam-rockers in the 80's of Poison and Motley Crue. Like all great "Behind The Music" stories of debauchery and implosion, the Dolls were prolific in their art and their internal band fighting. Feeling rejected by the life that established him, Kane resides now quietly as a Mormon and follows the strict religious guidelines of the church. When the opportunity at returned musical glory is posed, an anxious Kane eagerly wants a sense of closure to his broken friendships in the band...particularly of well-known mate David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter in the 1980's). It's a beautifully touching, and heart-wrenching journey back...as we see Kane's family history as well as his current status 30 years later. Culminating in a reunion concert in London, the journey seems to have a happy ending...only to be twinged with a bittersweet resolution in learning of Kane's terminal illness towards the finale. The documentary is short, and a bit too crammed with info to keep it so...I would have loved to get more in-depth into the storylines. However, considering that the filmmaker became a personal friend to Kane throughout the process of filming, what is left is a lasting impression of one of rock 'n' roll's more interesting personalities and original bands.

4 out of 5 stars