Lemmy movie review

 

Lemmy

Rating: **** or **** 1/2 (I'm dead serious)

The reason why this movie isn't showing in all theaters is because it's too good for the theaters. This documentary on Lemmy Kilmister, simply titled Lemmy, could easily become one of the greatest movies about rock n roll ever made. Released about a year ago, Lemmy has been given a DVD release as well as a limited theatrical release. The DVD was released today on February 15, 2011. Movie critics have already been making a fuss over this movie and after watching it, it's easy to see why. This documentary brilliantly captures what makes Lemmy Kilmister one of rock n roll's icons. 

Lemmy was filmed over the course of about one or two years. According to the DVD booklet, the movie was filmed from April 2007 to December 2009. Like many rock documentaries today, the movie doesn't straight up tell you Lemmy's life from point A to point B. In between, there's some footage of Lemmy's everyday life. In the beginning of the movie, Lemmy talks about his influences. The movie then cuts to one of my favorite bits: Lemmy walking into a independent music store. He goes over to the section of the Beatles' remasters and takes a look at the stereo box set. He goes over to a clerk and asks if they have the mono box set. The clerk says no (it was hard to find the mono box set for weeks and weeks!). What does Lemmy do now? He browses through Pat Benatar. Luckily, the record store clerk runs over to Lemmy and gives him a copy of the Beatles mono box set. Lemmy thanks the store manager and she says she couldn't turn down a rock legend. A typical day for Lemmy. So, this movie shows Lemmy in present day (something like the scene mentioned above) and then cuts to something from the past. Dozens and dozens of artists were interviewed for this documentary including Lemmy's old band mates from the Rocking Vickers, Hawkwind, and of course Motorhead. They all talk about Lemmy's past and what it was like in those days. Lemmy's peers are also interviewed: Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper. Then there are interviews with those who Lemmy inspired: James Heitfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo (all from Metallica), Scott Ian, Slash, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, and Dave Grohl just to name a few. 

Lemmy's everyday life is captured brilliantly in this movie. We get a tour of his house. Now you'd think a guy as famous as Lemmy would have a mansion and the whole works. He doesn't. He lives by himself in a somewhat small and cluttered house. The walls are covered with gold and platinum records (some of them not belonging to Motorhead), posters, and even Nazi memorabilia. The latter is talked about in the movie. Lemmy turns out to be a real history buff and likes to collect such things. Lemmy himself is actually a very intelligent man, filled with wit and charisma. He saw the Beatles when they played at the Cavern Club and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix. The man has seen a lot and has many stories to tell. One thing that is brought up over and over again is his lifestyle: Lemmy, who's currently 65, is still smoking and drinking. Unlike many rock stars, it seems to have not effect on Lemmy at all. Lemmy's son, Paul, is also interviewed. Paul shares a few stories about his father, most of which are hilarious. You'll also get to see Lemmy in the studio and on the stage. Even some his fans get a quick word. 

This review could go on and on.  If it did, you'd probably not have any interest of seeing the movie. If I haven't said it before, you must see this movie. No matter if you're not a fan of Motorhead (although it helps), you must see this movie. The DVD boasts up to an astounding three hours of bonus material. I haven't gotten through it all. The DVD set comes with two discs. On the movie disc, there's a 36 minute Motorhead show. The second disc seems to be filled with featurettes, all of which I still need to see. Lemmy is an amazing documentary and it is a must-see for all.