Kearney's favorite music movies
I realized that I hadn't made a list that brought together my two greatest loves; Film and Music. This is an effort to rectify that. The Movies and the Musicians featured are obviously a reflection of my own personal taste.
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- DirectorHans FjellestadStarsCharlie ClouserHerbert DeutschKeith EmersonBob Moog shaped musical culture with some of the most inspiring electronic instruments ever created. This "compelling documentary portrait of a provocative, thoughtful and deeply sympathetic figure" (New York Times) peeks into the inventor's mind and the worldwide phenomenon he fomented.It's less a film about the synth than a tribute to the man and it's fascinating on both counts.
- DirectorSteven M. MartinStarsLeon ThereminRobert MoogClara RockmoreA documentary about the inventor of the first electronic synthesiser instrument and his subsequent life after he was abducted by the KGB as well as a history of his instrument.Another film that focuses more on the inventor rather than the instrument itself. The story of the Theremin has an abundance of intrigue including an abduction by the KGB.
- DirectorAaron AitesAudrey EwellStarsFenrizVarg VikernesEuronymousInterviews and news footage explore the rise of black metal music in Norway in the 1990s, including artists who were involved in suicide, murder and arson.Bizarre, horrific and ultimately unsettling. This documentary on the Norwegian black metal scene and the resultant acts of hate and violence that came about through it's progenitors boldly interviewed most of the main living players in the story.
- DirectorDavid MarkeyStarsSonic YouthKim GordonLee RanaldoDavid Markey's documentary of life on the road with Sonic Youth and Nirvana during their tour of Europe in late 1991. Also featuring live performances by Dinosaur Jr, Babes In Toyland, The Ramones and Gumball.A film that get's you as close to the seminal musicians it features as any other.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsGG AllinMerle AllinBrian Unk HunterDocumentary about notorious punk rock performer GG Allin.A documentary about a despicable human being who totally deserved an early death.
- DirectorSini AndersonStarsKathleen HannaCarrie BrownsteinKim GordonA look at the life of activist, musician, and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the "riot grrrl" movement of the 1990s.Not just a film about Kathleen Hanna but also about the movement that she and Bikini Kill unwittingly became the spokespeople for.
- DirectorMark James ButcherStarsNick LarkinsThis raw and vital filmed souvenir interviews the musicians around in 2006, Melbourne sonic explorers such as Robin Fox and Rod Cooper, and scene stalwarts including Ross Knight (Cosmic Psychos), Bruce Milne (founder of Au-Go-Go Records, In-Fidelity Records) and Roland S. Howard (Boys Next Door, The Birthday Party). A veritable roll call of live performance footage comes from the likes of The Dirty Three, The Stabs, Bored!, I Spit on your Gravy, The Sailors, Love of Diagrams, Pisschrist and MUCH more.A great document of independent music in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.
- DirectorDarcy MaineStarsSteve AlbiniNick CaveWarren EllisThe Dirty Three are the rough and ready jewels in the crown of Australian rock and roll history. Born from the need to put food on the table and spawned from the intensely collaborative local Australian music scene in the 80's and early 90's, the Dirty Three pioneered the instrumental rock and roll music scene in Australia with their cathartic, sometimes violent and always spellbinding brand of music. Within a few short years, they achieved local and international success and left Australian shores to take their Music to the world. To this day the band continues to tour the world and serve the music that they see as a real, living and breathing thing that chooses the Dirty Three's custodianshipThis film tells the story of one of Australia's greatest bands of all time. It's notable for having a whole lot of great live footage of the band, as well as an in depth look at the recording of Ocean Songs and Horse Stories that includes a lengthy interview with Steve Albini in his Electrical Audio studios.
- DirectorRichard LowensteinLynn-Maree MilburnStarsRowland S. HowardGenevieve McGuckinNick CaveFrom myth to legend Rowland Howard appeared on the early Melbourne punk scene like a phantom out of Kafkaesque Prague or Bram Stoker's Dracula. A beautifully gaunt and gothic aristocrat, the unique distinctive fury of his guitar style shot him directly into the imagination of a generation. He was impeccable, the austerity of his artistry embodied in his finely wrought form, his obscure tastes and his intelligently wry wit. He radiated a searing personal integrity that never seemed to tarnish. Despite the trials and tribulations of his career, in an age of makeover and reinvention, Rowland Howard never 'sold out'. With recent and moving interviews, archival interviews and other fascinating and original footage, AUTOLUMINESCENT traces the life of Rowland S Howard. Capturing moments with the man himself and intimate missives from those who knew him behind closed doors; words and images etch light into what has always been the mysterious dark.A beautiful portrait of a kind and incredibly talented man.
- DirectorJ.L. AronsonStarsSteve AlbiniBrandon EbelDavid Garland"Danielson: a Family movie" is a documentary about unbridled creativity vs. accessibility, Christian faith vs. popular culture, underground music vs. survival, and family vs. individuality. The film follows Daniel Smith, an eccentric musician and visual artist, as he leads his four siblings and best friend to indie rock stardom, eventually facing the struggle to become viable as a solo act. Along the way he mentors an unknown singer-songwriter named Sufjan Stevens whose own subsequent success stands in stark contrast to the music world's uneasy reception of Danielson just a few years prior. Makes use of collage, direct cinema and animation.A fascinating story about one driven, god-fearing man who, along with his family, makes some of the most unique songs of praise ever.
- DirectorMatt WolfStarsBob BlankErnie BrooksDavid ByrneDirector Matt Wolf's critically acclaimed documentary examines the life and work of Arthur Russell, an influential singer, songwriter, cello player and disco auteur who died tragically in 1992.Arthur Russell was musician working primarily in the 70's and 80's in New York. He left behind a musical legacy that covers ambient cello based art music pieces to some of the very first disco tunes.
- DirectorTerry ZwigoffStarsHoward ArmstrongTed BoganYank RachellAbout the obscure country-blues musician and idiosyncratic visual artist Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, member of the last known black string band in America.Terry Zwigoff (Crumb, Ghost World) made this amazing portrait of a musician and a style of music that would most likely have been lost to history otherwise. Highly recommended.
- DirectorDamani BakerAlex VlackStarsBill WithersClarence AvantBenorce BlackmonA portrait of soul legend Bill Withers.I've been a huge Bill Withers fan since i was a kid and had always assumed, considering his lack of output for the past 3 decades that he must've died. As it turns out, he didn't. He was just too humble for the limelight and chose to take a step back.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsMerrill GruverMichael EdwardsMelissa BrownKaren Carpenter's battle with anorexia nervosa and the cultural influence of the Carpenters in the 70s.Todd Haynes cult hit recounts the story of Karen Carpenter's struggle and eventual death from anorexia using Barbie and Ken dolls. As Karen's condition deteriorates throughout the film, Haynes would slowly whittle away at the plastic of the doll.
- DirectorKim HopkinsStarsPeter JennerBilly BraggNora GuthrieWoody Guthrie's daughter organises Billy Bragg to take Woody's 1000's of pages of lyric notebooks and create an album of new original music. Along the way he enlists a then-quite-young Wilco and discovers the history of Guthrie through interviews and other explorations.
- DirectorJeff FeuerzeigStarsByron ColeyDavid FairJad FairFrom their underground days recording songs in their bedroom to their rise as one of rock music's most alternative bands, this documentary chronicles Jad and David Fair's formation of Half Japanese.This is a nice documentary to watch. It shows a band that makes the music they want to make and have found a loyal following for doing just that, despite their technical deficiencies.
- DirectorSusanne OfteringerStarsNicoTina AumontChristian PäffgenA look into the many lives of Christa Päffgen, otherwise known as Nico; from cutie German mädchen to the first of the supermodels, to glamorous diva of the Velvet Underground, to cult item, junkie and hag. Many faces for the same woman, whom, you realize, just couldn't bring herself to care enough to live.This one's more a film for fan's of Nico. A traditional biopic in a sense but one that i hold close to my heart.
- DirectorStephen KijakStarsSara KestelmanArnie PottsJarvis CockerA documentary on the influential musician Scott Walker.I wasn't really aware of Scott Walker or the Walker Brothers before watching this film which made it all the more interesting I think. It's a great film about an uncompromising artist.
- DirectorMichael W. DeanStarsRon AshetonMike BonerLynn BreedloveThis documentary features interviews with Ian MacKaye (Fugazi), J Mascis (Dinosaur jr.), John John Jesse (Demonic Erotic painter), Jim Rose (Jim Rose Sideshow), Jim Thirwell (Foetus), Lydia Lunch, Mike Watt (Minutemen), Richard Kern (Filmmaker), Ron Asheton (Stooges), Madagin Shive (Bonfire Madagin), Dave Brockie (Gwar) and many others. The 60-minute film explores the methods and motivations of independent American artists working in different genres and mediums. "DIY or Die" profiles a fascinating group of icons and unknowns working in various media including print, film, graphic art, performance art and music.Ultra low-budget, down to earth doco on the nature of creating against the backdrop of poverty. Not limited to music, but it definitely focuses on it and has some great interviews with some amazing musicians.
- DirectorJonathan CaouetteStarsBattlesBelle & SebastianGrindermanA kaleidoscopic journey into the parallel musical universe of cult music festival All Tomorrow's Parties.Although the live footage is cut short on almost every occasion during, this movie's well worth watching for it's crowd sourced footage approach.
- DirectorD.A. PennebakerStarsBob DylanAlbert GrossmanBob NeuwirthDocumentary covering Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.One of the greatest music documentaries ever and probably the best way to get to know one of the most mysterious men in modern culture.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsChristian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRuminations on the life of Bob Dylan, where six characters embody a different aspect of the musician's life and work.The only biopic on Dylan that ever needs to be made. It captures the enigmatic nature of the man without being weighed down by "facts" and "historical accuracy".
- DirectorSam JonesStarsJeff TweedyJohn StirrattLeroy BachFirst-time filmmaker and award-winning photographer Sam Jones documents the recording of Wilco's album, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."This is a movie that explains what's wrong with the music industry... It's the industry part.
- DirectorMargaret BrownStarsJoe ElyGuy ClarkWillie NelsonBe Here to Love Me - Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of musician Townes van Zandt.You can hate country music and even Townes' own, but watch this doco and you won't be able to hate the man himself. My favourite part is his pride as he shows the camera crew around his derelict yard, bottle of bourbon in one hand, rifle in the other and waxes lyrical on his slice of paradise.
- DirectorJeff FeuerzeigStarsDaniel JohnstonMabel JohnstonBill JohnstonDaniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.A great story about a very troubled, damaged artist.
- DirectorKeven McAlesterStarsByron ColeyPaul Drummond13th Floor ElevatorsDocumentary about rock pioneer Roky Erickson, detailing his rise as a psychedelic hero, his lengthy institutionalization, his descent into poverty and filth, and his brother's struggle with their religious mother to improve Roky's care.Same deal as devil and daniel johnston.
- DirectorOndi TimonerStarsAnton NewcombeCourtney Taylor-TaylorJoel GionA documentary on the once-promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, and the friendship/rivalry between their respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor.And again, same as the last two.
- DirectorRichard LesterStarsJohn LennonPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonSir Ringo Starr finds himself the human sacrifice target of a cult, and his fellow members of The Beatles must try to protect him from it.My sentimental favorite of all The Beatles films. The songs are spot on and the humor is totally python-esque.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsDave ChappelleYasiin BeyLauryn HillA mix of Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy and musical interludes, inspired in part by the 1973 documentary Wattstax.My favourite concert movie. The best hip hop acts that were around in 2005 doing a real community spirted show. All of the non-performance stuff is awesome too, which is no small thanks to director Michel Gondry.
- DirectorPaul JustmanStarsJoe HunterJack AshfordUriel JonesDocumentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.Equal parts historical document and star studded concert film.
- DirectorGreg 'Freddy' CamalierStarsRick HallAretha FranklinKeith RichardsA documentary that celebrates Rick Hall, the founder of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and the signature sound he developed in songs such as "I'll Take You There", "Brown Sugar", and "When a Man Loves a Woman".Between this and The Stax Records Story (below) you can see how the non-motown side of r'n'b and soul captured America and the world's hearts in the '60s.
- 1971– 2h 35mTV-G7.5 (216)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert GordonMorgan NevilleStarsSamuel L. JacksonJim StewartEstelle AxtonSpectacular rise & disgraced collapse of Memphis' socially-conscious, neighborhood-based Stax Records, which spawned many of the best soul sounds of the 60's and 70's is told mostly by its groundbreaking, colorblind executives and artists. Stax's family atmosphere and the challenges it faced in a turbulent era of social revolution and Black empowerment are illustrated by the label's great music, from Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Booker T and the MGs, Sam and Dave etc.See above.
- DirectorPoull BrienStarsCharles BradleyAlex EverettSharon JonesThe incredible rise of 62-year-old aspiring soul singer Charles Bradley, whose debut album rocketed him from a hard life in the Brooklyn Housing Projects to Rolling Stone Magazine's top 50 albums of 2011.Inspiring, uplifting and toe tapping. It's a crowd pleaser but so is he.
- DirectorFatih AkinStarsAlexander HackeAhmed UlugCem YegulAward-winning director Fatih Akin takes us on a journey through Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia, and challenges familiar notions of east and west. He looks at the vibrant musical scene which includes traditional Turkish music plus rock and hip-hop.A film by Fatih Akin about the music scene in Istanbul. It turned me onto alot of music i never would've heard or heard of otherwise
- DirectorJohn CarneyStarsGlen HansardMarkéta IrglováHugh WalshA modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.The most accurate cinematic representation i've found of what it means to be a musician outside of documentaries.
- DirectorFranc RoddamStarsPhil DanielsLeslie AshPhil DavisJimmy Cooper loathes his dead-end job and his working-class parents. He seeks solace with his mod clique, scooter riding, and drugs, only to be disappointed.The best thing The Who were ever involved in in my opinion.
- DirectorJulien TempleStarsPaul CookSteve JonesJohn LydonA film about the career of the notorious punk rock band, the Sex Pistols.This movie says all there is to say about the Sex Pistols and a little bit more about the state of the UK at that time.
- DirectorJack HazanDavid MingayStarsRay GangeJoe StrummerMick JonesA young British punk and roadie for The Clash navigates life in socially torn 1970s England.Rude Boy gets a lot of hate it doesn't deserve but at the end of the day, Clash fan's get a whole lot of great live footage, and those of us willing to dedicate a bit of time to the rest of the plot get a chance to better understand British culture in the late 70's.
- DirectorMichael WinterbottomStarsSteve CooganLennie JamesJohn ThomsonIn 1976, Tony Wilson sets up Factory Records and brings Manchester's music to the world.Such a great movie. Hilarious, interesting and full of little cultural tidbits.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsSean PennSamantha MortonWoody AllenIn the 1930s, jazz guitarist Emmet Ray idolizes Django Reinhardt, faces gangsters and falls in love with a mute woman.If anyone can make a non-vocal musical about a 30's jazz musician it's Woody Allen. Big props to him and Sean Penn for working to make the musical numbers appear authentically played live.