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Great Rock Biopics and Documentaries [Rock Films Part 1]

Control by Anton Corbijn
Control by Anton Corbijn
An amazing bio pic by avant-garde music video director Anton Corbijn about Joy Division's Ian Curtis. Sam Riley who plays Ian does one of the best acting jobs I've ever seen of a singer. The movie chronicles his struggles, addictions and health problems. This is a fantastic bio pic.

You're Gonna Miss Me by Keven McAlester
You're Gonna Miss Me by Keven McAlester
Roky Erickson was once the lead singer of The 13th Floor Elevators who pioneered acid rock. After a pot bust gone wrong he pleaded insanity and spent years in a mental hospital. He emerged with a new creation "Horror Rock" and became a Syd Barrett-like recluse. This movie starts with where he is now and then shows you where he came from.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston by Jeff Feuerzeig
The Devil and Daniel Johnston by Jeff Feuerzeig
A documentary about a schizophrenic musicians life. This singer song writer creates simple music with a lot of heart. Throughout the film of his life are snippets cassettes and video clips which he obsessively recorded. He suffered from bi-polar disorder and became obsessed with demons possessing him. The film details Johnston's emergence as an alternative rock icon, helped in large part by Kurt Cobain's constant wearing of a Johnston T-shirt over the last few years of his life.


Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture by D.A. Pennebaker
Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture by D.A. Pennebaker
Critical to see, because it is literally the last day of Ziggy Stardust's life. "Not only is it the last show of the tour, but it's the last show that we'll ever do. Thank you." Many in the audience believed that Bowie himself was retiring. Lots of great footage of glammed out Ziggy fans entranced by this rock super star. All of Bowie's best outfits and most famous make up. Great footage of him miming. Special guest appearance by Ringo Starr, who joins him backstage between acts.

End of the century: The story of The Ramones by Jim Fields and Michael Gramaglia
End of the century: The story of The Ramones by Jim Fields and Michael Gramaglia
The best Ramones documentary out there. It begins with Joey Ramone growing up in Forest Hills and how rock and roll was his salvation. In his process of pursuing rock and roll he met the other guys that ended up being The Ramones. Great interviews with Joey's own mom, Joe Strummer, Debbie Harry, and Mickey Leigh. This movie includes a lot of interesting information on the Ramones personal lives. Including Linda and Joey's relationship that ended when she left him for Johnny, Dee Dee's stint as a male prostitute, Joey's OCD and the band's overall drama.

Woodstock by Michael Wadleigh
Woodstock by Michael Wadleigh
Has the best and most legendary rock performances all in one place. This documentary is pivotal for anyone interested in classic rock. Famous footage of free loving concert goers coupled with amazing live performances. A historic all access view to the counterculture movement and the music that influenced it.


Please note: If you have a question about any of these movies, or would like to add more to the list, feel free to contact me -or- join in the conversation on my facebook page. We love talking about this stuff!

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