New York Doll Movie Review: By Adam Mast, ZBoneMan.com

I’ve seen around seven films already, and while I normally write reviews in the order I see the movies, I’ve decided to do things a little differently this time. I wanted to start this report off with the best film I’ve seen thus far, and truth be told, I really can’t imagine I’ll be seeing a stronger offering at Sundance 2005. And if it’s any indication, Kyle England was with me at the screening, and he felt the same way.

Before I get to the actual review, I’d like to set the stage a little bit. If you hadn’t noticed I really love movies. I don’t get paid buckets of cash for this gig, but that doesn’t matter, I’m a fool for it. In a given year, I see as many movies as I possibly can, and this proves to be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because I’m into movies so much, but a curse because that innocence that comes with going to the movies for the first time, seems like a distant memory. New York Doll, I have to say, has completely reacquainted me with that feeling of wonder and I can’t wait to tell you about it.

The past few years have seen the release of several LDS themed films and, generally speaking, I find myself bored by them. Why? I’m sure that a big part of it is that I’m not Mormon, and when I watch some of these pictures, I feel like the film makers are telling me that "this movie is not for me." I tend to pick up on sort of a smug undercurrent that ruins the entire experience for me. In other cases, I’ll feel like I’m watching blatant church propaganda. Of course there are exceptions. “The Best Two Years” was a giant step in the right direction and I very much admired last year’s indie gem “Saints and Soldiers.” This World War II drama managed to avoid all of the provincial pitfalls that hinder LDS films and, as a result, broadened it’s appeal.

While I’m not Mormon, I am married to a wonderful woman who is, and through the years, I’ve gained a pretty fair understanding as to how the church actually functions, and I have a number of dear friends who practice the faith. As is the case with a lot of religions there are many misconceptions, yet sadly most of the LDS films that have been released over the past several years have only served to alienate non-Mormons and strengthen many of these misleading stereotypes. Having said that, the new film “New York Doll” from director Greg Whiteley, represents everything I admire about the Mormon church and faith in general.

In this big-hearted and fascinating documentary, Whiteley finds a tale of hope and faith in the most unlikely of places; the world of rock n’ roll.
The New York Dolls were a seminal punk band from the 70's and inspired everyone from The Clash to Morrissey. While they never experienced the same sort of mass popularity achieved by bands like The Sex Pistols, those in the know have the proper estimation of their place in the evolution or Rock music.

As is the case with many bands, the New York Dolls suffered the ravages of drug and alcohol abuse, battling egos, bitter in-fighting and even a couple of tragic deaths. Eventually, the group would break up and each surviving member would go in their own direction. Lead singer David Johansen would go on to create alter ego Buster Poindexter and enjoy success both as a musician and actor, while lead guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, would continue as a working musician. Bass player Arthur "Killer" Kane slipped into virtual obscurity, and he is the real focal point of this endlessly fascinating film.

Director Whiteley, actually met Kane at church, and upon talking to the musician, learned that he had joined the Mormon church in 1989. After a few discussions with Kane, Whiteley decided that his story would make for an interesting documentary, so he started following the one-time glam-rock pioneer around with a camera.

Whiteley opens the film by giving the audience insight into the history of The New York Dolls and what lead to their dissolution. For Kane, the parting was bittersweet as his life would take a dramatic down-turn. The sweet and sensitive bass guitarist would continue to have trouble dealing with unresolved tension between he and David Johansen for many years, until finally finding solace in the Mormon church.

This is where the story gets really interesting. Not long after Whiteley began shooting, British rock sensation Morrissey approached Kane and suggested a New York Dolls reunion. The ex-Smiths front man was heading a festival in the U.K. and thought the New York Dolls would be a perfect fit. The question was, could the surviving members of this legendary band be rounded-up and coaxed back together?

“New York Doll” is a mere eighty minutes long but is jammed-packed with information and layers upon layers of complexity. It’s an insightful exploration into the world of rock n’ roll and offers up candid interviews with the likes of a usually camera shy Morrissey, Bob Geldof, Chrissie Hynde, and members of The New York Dolls.

What moved me most though, was “New York Doll’s” incredibly observant view of the LDS church. Simply put, this is the strongest Mormon themed movie I’ve ever seen. In fact, it transcends that particular genre altogether and becomes something much more. As I stated, often LDS themed movies are awash in gags that play off the various Mormon myths and stereotypes and are invariably stilted and preachy, but Whiteley has no interest in such business. His views of faith and the Church represent everything I’ve always admired about religion in general – how it offers comfort in the face of grave existential questions, balm in times of heartache and so often is there to fill voids in people’s lives. These are the things that the Mormon religion held out for Kane, and this is deftly displayed throughout the movie.

Had Kane not found this sort of surcease from his former lifestyle, he might have died years ago. Instead, he found a way to soldier on. Quite obviously, there is a misconception about Mormons, and Whiteley doesn’t shy away from this at all. There is a hilarious moment in which David Johansen makes a couple of playful jabs at Kane’s religion, and the bassist’s reply is equally hilarious. And Johansen isn’t the only one who takes off-color potshots. I found it courageous that Whiteley left these moments in. It’s clear that he’s comfortable with himself and his religion, therefore, there was no reason to leave this stuff out.

Once Kane is asked to reunite with his old band mates, something magical happens. Weights are lifted and wonderful things begin to take place. Perhaps the most refreshing thing about the entire picture is how the people in Kane’s spiritual life continue to support and encourage him in all his endeavors. Not once do they frown upon his decision to return to this place where he once desperately sought refuge from. I suppose it was this aspect of the film that I found the most touching, because, at least for me, Mormons were finally being portrayed for what they really are - normal human beings.

“New York Doll” is the perfect documentary. It’s empathetic and extremely accessible (if the film is picked up, there is no reason in the world why it shouldn’t receive a PG rating). It’s also iron-clad proof that life is much stranger than fiction. While I don’t belong to any one church, I do have faith. I’ve always believed in God and “New York Doll” offers up plenty of solid evidence that there is a higher power at work. The utterly unexpected set of circumstances that comprise a major portion of this picture, could not be explained away as mere coincidence. Most of what happens to Kane happens for a reason, and the bittersweet finale is both tough and hopeful. I am tap dancing around certain elements of this gem of a movie because I don’t want to ruin anything. “New York Doll” is a film to be viewed and treasured. I was absolutely floored by it.

“New York Doll” is this year’s “Dig,” but it’s sort of the flip side of that picture. While this movie does show some of the uglier aspects of the rock world (drugs and alcohol abuse, etc.), it’s far more interested in pointing the camera toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

As a special added treat, Greg Whiteley was on hand for a Q & A following the screening, and he gave even more insight into Arthur Kane and The New York Dolls. He confessed that he wasn’t an expert on the group when he started the project, but he did confess to being a fan of the bands that were directly influenced by them (i.e. The Clash). He also mentioned that Kane has written a book that’s in the process of being published. Whiteley is a major talent, and carries himself graciously. He’s incredibly humble, and it was an honor getting to meet him. I was fortunate enough to see the first screening of this picture, and it had yet to be signed to a distribution deal. That’s going to change really quick. “New York Doll” is an expertly crafted story about faith found in a most unexpected place. It’s only January, but I feel more than confident in calling this one of the very best movies of the year.

Adam Mast, ZBoneMan.com