New
York Doll is the best film of the year. I can’t think of a better way to
start this review. It’s touching, it’s funny, it’s heartbreaking,
and it’s inspirational, but most of all, it’s truthful. I actually had
an opportunity to see this movie back in January at the Sundance Film Festival
and was also lucky enough to talk to director Greg Whiteley. I’ve been praising
and supporting the film and it’s director ever since, highly anticipating
that moment when I’d finally get to see it again. Lucky for us the viewer,
New York Doll has just been released (although very limited) and having seen it
for a second time, I’ve realized just how magical this documentary really
is. Some might even find it life altering.
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. Simply put, this is one of those pictures that makes
me completely excited to go to the movies, and I can only hope that it has the
same impact on you.
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 that sort of a smug undercurrent and 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 step in the
right direction and I very much admired last year’s indie gem "Saints
and Soldiers."
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. I also 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 many
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. And
in fact, this is much, much more than an LDS themed movie. If audiences are willing
to seek this gem out, I’m convinced it will emerge as a crossover hit. It
really is a special film.
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 and The Ramones, 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 (a sort of oafish but sweet
individual), the parting was bittersweet as his life would take a dramatic down-turn.
The 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, as I already stated, it transcends
that particular genre altogether and becomes something much more. Whiteley’s
(and Kane’s) views of faith and the Church represent everything I’ve
always admired about religion in general – how it offers comfort in times
of heartache and grief and so often is there to fill a void 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.
In
a year of high profile documentaries (i.e. March of the Penguins, Mad Hot Ballroom
etc.), New York Doll emerges as the strongest of the lot. No matter which faith
you might practice. No matter what kind of music you happened to listen to. New
York Doll is a movie that transcends a label. Whiteley’s examination of Kane’s
life is so earnest and truthful, that it’s nearly impossible to look away.
This is a movie for everyone to see and cherish, therefore I encourage you all
to seek it out.
"New
York Doll" is the perfect documentary. It’s touching and extremely accessible
(the film is rated PG-13), and it’s subject is endlessly fascinating. 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. "New York Doll" is a film to be viewed and treasured.
I was absolutely floored by it.
