New York Doll (2005) User Reviews

Not Your Average Epiphany

[baho2 · 8/10 · 2 January 2006]

Religious conversion stories are often dreadfully boring to all but fellow believers. Too often they are tales of interesting lives of despair lifted by a higher power to lives of less-than-fascinating virtue. I don't mean to imply criticism of epiphanies in any form. But it is an axiom of sectarian movie marketing that the religiously inclined will tolerate the blandest of cinema if packaged faithfully, and that's often what they get.

I was expecting more of the same when I heard about New York Doll at Sundance last year. This is the story of Arthur "Killer" Kane, bass player for the legendary New York Dolls rock 'n roll band of the '70's. For those that didn't follow the pop music scene back then, the Dolls were one of the hardest-edged, most controversial groups of their era. Forerunners of the punk movement, they paraded in drag and set the stage for later bands such as The Sex Pistols, The B-52's and The Clash.

Like so many other punk bands, the Dolls fell victim to excesses and addiction. Kane, known for his "killer" bass lines, was sometimes too drunk to perform, and would simply stand on-stage with a bass around his neck while a roadie filled in for him. (However, since Kane was known for his wooden posture on stage, it may have been hard to tell whether he was really playing or not!) After a meteoric four years, the Dolls dissolved and Kane drifted into alcoholism and obscurity, only reclaiming his life with his 1989 conversion to Mormonism and work at the LDS Family History Center in Los Angeles.

But despite his discovered spirituality, he always harbored the desire for the band to reunite and play again. His seemingly impossible dream was realized in 2004, when Morrissey (The Smiths) engineered a reunion of the Dolls for the London Meltdown Festival.

Director Greg Whitely crafts a warm and engaging story set to this strange juxtaposition. Kane is an intriguing personality—simple, friendly and honest, he talks wistfully of his days of drugs, sex and rock and roll ("some of my fondest memories," he says) yet never wavers from his commitment to his Mormon faith. Interspersed in the reunion story are thoughts on Kane from Mormon co-workers and religious leaders as well as punk rockers Morrissey, Sir Bob Geldof (of Boomtown Rats and then Live Aid fame), Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Iggy Pop and others.

But the drama is the reunion itself. Two of the Dolls died in the early 90's, leaving Kane, guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and singer David Johansen. Of the three, Johansen found the most success post-Dolls, both as an actor as well as singing under the alter-ego Buster Poindexter (remember "Hot, Hot, Hot"?). Kane resented Johansen for nearly three decades, and the tension is palpable when the singer arrives (over a day late) for rehearsals. While time and hard living have clearly slowed, humbled and mellowed Kane, in contrast Johansen comes across like Mick Jagger—a youthful glam rocker in a craggy-faced, 50-year-old body. While Kane appears non-plussed by the experience, Johansen is still energized by the spotlight.

What is truly touching is how they resolve their differences, rekindle their relationship and develop mutual respect. Kane tries to explain his religion to a bemused Johansen, including the Mormon principal of tithing—"It's like an agent's fee," he explains. "It's only 10 percent. It's a pretty good deal." New York Doll is a well-executed and compassionate documentary that will warm the hearts of faithful and heathen alike. Whitely clearly cares deeply for Arthur Kane, who seems to have touched the lives of everyone—even those from the Dolls' era. And it's impossible not to like Kane, who is so sincerely grateful for his good fortune—his past, his faith and his chance to once again be a New York Doll. This is a tender story with a bittersweet ending, which I won't give away. I will tell you to keep watching as the credits roll, because there's a song you won't want to miss.

Excellent portrayal of living in obscurity after Fame. And 2nd chances

[DYP-gyro · 8/10 · 9 October 2005]

I was lucky enough to catch this movie as part of the Talk Cinema series at The Bridge Cinema De Lux in Los Angeles. I am certain I never would have gone to see this movie if it weren't part of the program and I was even cynical for the first 15 minutes or so. But once you see Arthur Kane and hear him speak you quickly become drawn to him. He is such a quiet, mild-mannered guy of few words but what he does say is usually profound. You are rooting for him from the start even though it seems that the best of his years ended over 2 decades ago. It is interesting to see Arthur's relationship with the Mormon church as result of what appears to be a very sad, drug-addicted life. He finds new purpose in the church and a new job helps suppress some old demons. The director, Greg Whitely, is smart not to make this a Mormon propaganda piece but adding that aspect of Arthur's life makes him come across as a normal guy who just happened to come into fame as a young man and come into a spiritual awakening as an older man. There was a Q&A with the director and producer after the movie and their passion for their subject is obvious and it comes across in the film. Arthur is such a tremendously likable man and even though you may not like rock music, or care about the 70's punk scene (Many of those in attendance admitted they thought that they would not like this movie)you come to care about him and the chance of him possibly tasting fame just one more time. This is an excellent documentary and unlike a lot of Michael Moore films and Moore knock-offs, you never feel a heavy hand pushing the film to make you feel one way or another. The story unravels and it is genuinely compelling. This will likely be in extremely limited release in NY and LA with hopes of making a run for Best Doc Oscar and DVD sales...but do yourself a favor and seek out this film.

Fantastic Film, moving and poignant.

[general-melchett · 9/10 · 11 August 2006]

Very interesting film for anyone keen on the history of American punk, glam rock etc.

Arthur comes across as a very likable character who really enjoyed his last chance at stardom, after many years down on his luck. I particularly enjoyed Morrissey's comments on the New York Dolls, being a big fan of his, and was impressed at his role in bringing the New York Dolls back together again after so many acrimonious years apart.

Loved to see the reaction of his library co-workers in America to Arthur's other rock-and-roll side, which came as such a contrast to his meek, gentle man about the library self.

Great music, great characters make a happy, but sad, film, which cannot fail to bring a tear to your eye. 9/10. Strongly recommended.

Blessed are the meek rock 'n roll gods, for they shall inherit the earth

[prufrockja · 14 November 2005]

What an enchanting little slice of wish-fulfillment cinema -- I love, love, love it. The thing is, this is not a saccharine Hollywood screenplay, Disneyfied for your viewing pleasure -- it is a real-life fairy tale inhabited by defiant glam rockers and blessed with a glorious racket of a soundtrack. Quirky, charming Arthur Kane guilelessly lays out his life for our examination -- his brief, joyous days of fame, fortune, and fabulous platform boots; his years of remorse and despair, boozing amid the ruins of youthful dreams; the healing peace of his newfound faith; and finally his giddy return to the beginning, as he finds himself in leather pants once again, this time viewing his fame and friendships with a wisdom, humor, and gratitude dearly bought over long years of struggle and spiritual redemption.

He is not so very remarkable, really, and that is what sets this piece apart from rockumentaries and gives it a warmth and depth that is lacking in that worshipful genre. Though he spent years living as a rock god, Arthur knows at age 55 that his long-ago life of fame was a gift, not an entitlement, and that he squandered it. Every audience member with a regret becomes invested in Arthur's story. He speaks frankly of his gratitude to God for lifting his sights and hopes again, but admits that the past haunts him even so. That mixture of peace and aching rings true and keeps this film human and honest even as we trail behind him, wide-eyed, watching him stumble gleefully on old joys and bravely confront his demons. There is a contented, bemused look in his eyes as he basks in the happiness of his reunion with friend and bandmate David Johansen while simultaneously parrying David's playful jabs at the finer points of Arthur's conservative Mormon faith. Gone is the glazed, drunken stare of his early days -- he now knows who he is and what he has and drinks every last drop with sober joy.

I take it back -- Arthur is really QUITE remarkable. Not because he and his friends were the toast of New York and London twice in one lifetime, but because he learns to see things as they really are, whether standing at the bottom of the heap or at the top -- an achievement that is easily as rare as rock and roll fame.

New York Doll is a winsome, moving film, and every time I think of it, it makes me smile.

Interesting non traditional rock doc

[taylor745 · 10/10 · 1 February 2005]

I caught this film at the Sundance Film Festival. It was one of the most popular films of the series. I'm not a big rock fan nor am I a documentary junkie, but I really liked this film. The back story was that the director began filming the story of a fallen rocker just as amazing things began to happen in his life. Catch it if you have a chance.

Here is the Sundance write up. New York Doll relates the meteoric rise, resounding fall, and recent all-too-brief resurrection of the seminal New York glam-rock-punk band, the New York Dolls, but it is foremost a story about the band's amazing bassist and leader, Arthur "Killer" Kane. With empathy, respect, and humor, director and friend Greg Whiteley follows Kane and interviews key musicians, friends, and colleagues to uncover the legacy of the Dolls and their significant impact on the London music scene in the dizzying heyday of the early 1970s.

After Kane and his band bottom-out on drugs and alcohol, he disappears from music, embracing a surprisingly different path when he becomes a born-again Mormon. When rocker Morrissey organizes a London reunion of the New York Dolls, Kane buys his guitar back from a pawnshop, takes leave of his Family Center library job, and heads back to New York City to prepare for an unlikely comeback.

How will the reconstituted band pull off its first performance in 30 years? Can these musicians possibly recapture the energy and élan that made them legends in their own brief time? What awaits Kane after his short reprise in the spotlight? The answers make New York Doll an entertaining, exhilarating, warmly human, and ultimately bittersweet paean to an era and the man lovingly described by friend and band member David Johansen as "the miracle of God's creation."— Diane Weyermann

God, Fate & The Rock n' Roll Killer - An Absolute Must See Film!!

[TheAnimalMother · 10/10 · 29 January 2010]

This is easily one of the most extraordinary documentaries I have ever seen, and I've seen more than a few. In fact I have rated thousands of films on IMDb, and New York Doll happens to be 1 of only 15 films I have given a full 10 rating. First off, this documentary is done the way a documentary is suppose to be done. It is completely observatory. It does not try to make you believe something, or sway your opinion this way or that way. It has a refreshing integrity throughout. After watching NY Doll, I couldn't help but feel that this film in itself seems like such a fateful occurrence. An independent amateur filmmaker happens to stumble into the well aged Arthur 'Killer' Kane, former member of the raucous and raunchy 1970's glam/punk rock act, the New York Dolls. He finds that Arthur misses the days of rock n' roll fame and mischief, but now has a totally new and simple life in which he has found some sort of solace in a new faith in God. What follows upon their collaboration is hard to express fully in words. It must be seen, but it seems as though the filmmaker and the subject met each other at the perfect time. Arthur's journey here in is one so honest, so human, that I found it almost impossible to not get emotionally choked up over, even after repeat viewings; And it is a rare event when I get choked up over a film. This is an absolute must see if you like human stories. If you like movies or documentaries at all, it's a must see. It doesn't matter if you don't believe in God, or even if you don't know who the hell the New York Dolls are. It doesn't even matter if you like rock music. See the film, thank me later.

If I'm acting like a king / Well that's cause, I'm a Human Being / And If I want too many things / Don't you know that, I'm a Human Being / And if I've got to dream / Baby baby yeah, I'm a Human Being

10/10

a small triumph story, if only because Kane lived a life with some meaning for himself

[Quinoa1984 · 7/10 · 1 August 2007]

Watching New York Doll, we see a man who was once a real rock n roller, a member of one of the pioneering punk rock bands, that quickly fizzled after a few years of cult success, and how he turned to drugs soon afterward and instead of simple rehab and reunion with the band went to religion. Mormonism can't be completely explained in one film, especially one as short as 75 minutes, but what the filmmakers faithfully (no pun intended) capture is the transformation of Kane into someone who was happy to be himself, and not strung out on addiction and a lack of a solid career in music. It may even be touching for the die-hard NY Dolls fans who are glad to see "Killer" Kane in anything- he was kicked out of the band originally- and to see other rockers like Morrissey, Bob Geldoff and critics talking very fondly of the Dolls.

But it's just as affecting for those who don't know Kane much at all, as it's a tale of self-redemption (albeit by a usually kooky sect like those with Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), and a rehabilitation that's not to be taken lightly for Kane. Without this he would've been dead much sooner, and yet he remained the second-to-last surviving member of the Dolls before his death in 2004; seeing the quasi-reformed Dolls perform with their original footage spliced in is really amazing. The only drawback I would say is that the filmmakers aren't the greatest at projecting an effective style all the time (though there are remarkable moments, like Kane playing a harmonica, and the voice-overs saying how he started to "have a cold" and went to the ER).

Amazing and Inspirational

[DonnaGraysonDotCom · 10/10 · 1 November 2005]

I went to see "New York Doll" expecting to see a Rock documentary. Instead I found the movie to be a touching and heartfelt look at a former rock stars religious conversation.

Arthur "Killer" Kane hit rock bottom with alcohol, but he turned to the Bible and to his church. Its an amazing story about how having faith can really help you change your life and fulfill your dream.

I liked that the movie was not preachy against rock music. It showed his Ministers and how they spiritually supported his decision to play again with the band. And I think Arthur portrayed such a fine example of his Morman faith when he got back together with his band mates and dealt with the bad feelings of the past.

The film interviews both Rock Stars, and Mormon Church Members, all talking about Arthur and the New York Dolls. In doing this, it shows both sides of Arthur Kane - the RockStar, and the Devout Mormon. This is a very touching tribute to this member of the New York Dolls.

From Killer Kane to Citizen Kane

[billmil · 7/10 · 6 December 2005]

While I agree with the reviews that New York Doll tells a compelling story, I didn't find it terribly different from the other 'behind the music' rockumentary genre (from glory to the gutter to an unstable equilibrium somewhere between). As for religious conversion documentaries go, 'Sister Helen' is much more gripping.

I first stumbled across the New York Dolls in a book about punk rockers 25 years ago as a young teenager. Who were these guys dressed up like women? And why did they rank up with all these other bands--the Talking Heads, Iggy and the Stooges, the Velvet Underground? When I saw the movie poster, I was excited: finally I'd hear what made this band important, and maybe hear some of their music. (after all those decades, I still hadn't heard any of their songs).

As with the Pixies DVD, 'New York Doll' contains a lot of respected, famous musicians (e.g. Morrissey, looking noticeably like Cary Grant) wax profusely about how said band broke new ground and made a profound impression on their young sensibilities. It's interesting to hear their stories, recounted freshly despite the decades. Yeah, they had attitude and mascara. But I still walked away thinking, "Joy Division...now *that* was a band." (and '24 Hour Party People'...that was a movie!)

Kane's conversion to Mormonism gives the movie it's poignancy, but "New York Doll" doesn't explore the lows and highs of sins and redemption that we find in, say, Johnny Cash "American Recordings" series of records. Nor does it probe some of the more interesting aspects of Mormononism and how these affect Kane in his new LDS-life (e.g, mormons need to wear secret underwear, they believe God lives in bodily form on a place/planet/star called 'Kolob', and that a Mormon becomes a God of his/her own planet when he dies). Instead we see a religion depicted fairly similar to, say, the Baptists, but with a nod toward Joseph Smith. It really does seem like the film maker had an agenda here to spin positively the LDS church. A more neutral film maker would have treated this more evenhandedly and given us less sanitized story. This would have made for a (somewhat) better movie.

To conclude, I recommend seeing this movie. But it's not "really really really good". As for documentaries about religious conversion, see "Sister Helen". It's great. As for music movies, see the Pixies DVD and 24 Hour Party People.

A Touching and Funny Doc That Goes Beyond Normal Roc Doc Tarritory

[willden21 · 10/10 · 23 January 2005]

Forget Dig! and the Ramones Doc from last year, this is the Rock doc that you need to see. It is an examination of the New York Doll's Bass Player Arthur "Killer" Kane, and his transformation from rock-bottom alcoholic depressive to born-again Mormon. The film then goes into standard Rock Doc territory showing the history of the band and interviews from surviving band members and historians and similar artists and prodigy's.

But it goes beyond that as it examines his new zest for life, and his longing to reconnect with the remaining members of the dolls to play and reconcile. Just like it is read by his ex-wife in a passage from his book of Mormon, if you pray and ask for something in faith the lord willing will grant it. And shocking enough he gets that miraculous chance to unite at a festival in London.

Other shocking things occur which lead to a tear-jerking and uplifting finale. Now this is a rock doc for fans and their families to watch together. It is almost completely non-offensive (The film-maker I believe is Mormon) and at the same time educational, heartfelt, and completely human.

Lead and held together by fun graphics, and fitting music as well as interviews from close Mormon friends and rock friends of Kane's you see a powerful tale of the importance of finding some kind of meaning in life, whether it be philosophical or spiritual and miracles can happen. This film could not have been any better, proof once again that fact is more astonishing and acts as a better narrative then fiction.

Tender, poignant and seamlessly entertaining

[carolejwebber · 10/10 · 5 November 2005]

Even if you know nothing about The New York Dolls you will likely enjoy this touching documentary. The subject Arthur "Killer" Kane is exceedingly likable and the filmmaker tells his story with an affectionate earnestness and irony that is uncommon.

The film succeeds as a documentary, but also as a movie, in as much as it has all of the elements of a good story; a beginning a middle and an end; a protagonist, an antagonist, redemption, humor and humanity.

The music, although not the focus of this film, is fine as well.

I understand that Blender Magazine recently named New York Doll as the 25th (out of 100) best rock movies of all time. For good reason.

Cheap, sad and depressing.

[frankiecheezoli · 1/10 · 3 January 2007]

Mormons allow certain people; ones that are famous (Steve Young), have power (Mitt Romney, Harry Reid), come from the "right" pioneer family, etc. to pretty much do whatever they want. They are not expected to follow the Mormon social norms or the strict callings, teachings, and "check lists" of the Mormon gospel. Part of the sick Mormon culture is celebrity worship. ("Did you know Larry King's wife is a Mormon, oh that's so special to have one of us married to him, blah, blah, blah.")

The former Mormon prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, commanded that every worthy, young man must serve a mission -- but Mormon NFL player Steve Young chose to be a football player, with the blessing of the church, instead of going on a Mormon mission -- and now he gives Mormon-sanctioned talks to Mormon young men about how a mission is the most important thing they can do. Mormon males are so pressured to go on missions that Utah has the highest youth male suicide rate. (Utah also has the highest antidepressant usage and other alarming social, health and financial statistics.)

Simply, if Arthur hadn't ALREADY had success before he joined the Mormon church they would have FROWNED upon him trying to follow his rock 'n' roll dream -- and either would've shunned him or reprimanded him. Period.

I suggest to anyone that is naive enough to disagree to JOIN THE MORMON (LDS) CHURCH and try to pursue a rock 'n' roll dream. ... Or any other dream that's doesn't provide a high return rate of tithing to the Mormon church. (This is why the Mormon-owned Brigham Young University excels and focuses on business education instead of humanitarian studies.)

Let me repeat, Arthur (being a Mormon since 1989) was oppressed by the Mormon culture. Any natural "aggressiveness" and AMBITION that Arthur could've used to fulfill his dream sooner was stifled.

The movie isn't about Arthur. It's made by a Mormon to show that a rock 'n' roll star is "one of us." It's made by a Mormon for Mormon public relations. The Mormon PR undertones were obnoxious and insulting to the viewers and to the subject. This is his directorial debut -- about a subject he knew nothing about and had no passion for. All to jump on that goofy, amateurish, short-lived "Mormon movie" bandwagon. He did now know the extent of Arthur's fame UNTIL Arthur told him (he was Arthur's "home teacher") about the upcoming reunion. There was no film planned before then. Nothing. ("Reunion? Fame? Hmm...")

Cheap.

(IMDB lists this as the one and only film of Mr. Whitely's. Hmm.)

What the movie DID SHOW was that being a Mormon is conforming, disheartening, and a waste of life.

The disgusting and inhumane comment from the elderly Mormon man at the end made my jaw drop. He said that it's good he died so he didn't have to suffer, etc. and HAVE MEDICAL BILLS. I hope god "blesses" me with an early death before I also get large amounts of medical bills too. If we're all lucky we can all die without large medical bills! A very common Mormon attitude. ("Opps, another kid died out mountain climbing on the Wasatch Front. That's okay, we have 5 more! He's in the Celestial Kingdom now and it was Heavenly Father's plan.")

Watching the movie was difficult. The sleazy car salesmen-like Mormon Bishops and "home teacher" were obnoxiously sick, phony and pretentious. The movie left me sad and depressed, and it seems that's how Arthur lived the last part of his by being a Mormon -- like an uncountable amount of Mormons.

There's way too much to write on this subject. Please visit exmormon.org to see what harm the Mormon church does to people, their families, and their emotional and financial health if you think the church is as open-minded as this "director" tries to portray.

R.I.P. Arthur.

Go See This Show!!!!

[amyjohnsonpd · 10/10 · 26 October 2005]

This is one of those little films that you don't expect much of, but are blown away by. I was lucky enough to be invited to an early screening, and loved every second of it. "New York Doll" is a great movie that surprised me with the amount of heart it had! I did not even know who the New York Dolls, were, and yet I left a fan, and even more, a fan of Aurthur Kane. Aurthur is such a loving, warm, funny, unique person that he just draws you in. He makes you love him, and makes you want to be his friend. There are so many great unique, funny moments in this film that just could not be written. This movie has a great message, and is wonderful for the entire family, which is so rare. I loved this film, and recommend it, to anyone! Go see it! Search for it, find it.

A Great Documentary

[patrickthand · 3 July 2006]

First, I confess that I never "got" The New York Dolls.

Second, this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen.

The film is a bittersweet, understated but fascinating portrayal of Arthur Kane, the one-time degenerate New York Doll bass player turned Mormon, as he prepares for a reunion concert with his former band mates, and, as it turns out, a far more important gig. The filmmaker treats all of the subjects(including Morrissey, David Johanssen, numerous LDS members, the LDS Church itself, and most of all, Kane) with dignity and respect, and without judgment. The film's unstated message of tolerance and understanding makes this worth watching by all.

Utterly compelling

[joyebarber · 10/10 · 13 February 2006]

I saw a screening of this documentary 3 days ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Like so many people who have commented I had barely heard of the New York Dolls and really came to see this by chance, but I am so glad I did. Arthur "killer" Kane is utterly compelling to watch as he makes the journey back from obscurity and onto the stage of the Royal Albert Hall. Arthur is a genuine and endearing character and his story is both tragic and uplifting by turns. This documentary is an intimate and thoughtful portrait of and has left an imprint of Arthur on my heart that I think will take a long time to fade.

This movie ROCKS on many levels!

[margeedolly · 10/10 · 2 December 2005]

I loved this movie from start to finish. Simultaneously hilariously funny and movingly poignant, New York Doll is one of the most well-rounded and fulfilling documentaries/biographies I've seen. A screenwriter couldn't have created a more compelling story. I don't know how you could be disappointed by this film. And the music is amazing! Where can I get the soundtrack? At times I found myself laughing so hard that I missed the next funny part, so I'll obviously need to see the picture multiple times. The juxtaposition of music is so effective at illustrating the dichotomy between Killer Kane's lifestyles at various points in his life. All of the music is beautiful and moving, just in different directions. I was thrilled to learn of the far-reaching influence of the Dolls. Although I knew they were an influential force in the early '70s, I had NO idea of the reach they had. So many of my favorite bands were live and in person on this film and attesting to the inspiration they received from the Dolls. Also impressive was the raw use of graphics in illustrating musical family trees and timezones, both of the Dolls and of Killer's life. Although obviously at peace with himself and with his world, Killer Kane was a good example of the long-term effects of substance use (his unfortunate accidents notwithstanding). I highly recommend this film!

What a documentary is supposed to be

[spartacus34 · 10/10 · 1 June 2007]

I watched this movie a week ago and I can honestly say I have found myself thinking about it every day since viewed this "Gem". Arthur "Killer" Kane is as memorable a figure as I have ever seen or or more appropriately "experienced". He is quirky, he is lost, he is sweet and he is naive it just so happens at one time he was the bassist for The New York Dolls a pre-punk band that had mild commercial success in the mid 70's. Who are th New York Dolls you say? They turn out to be the inspiration for artists like Morrissey, Chryssie Hynde, Mick Jones and The Clash as well as Bob Geldof amongst others. The New York Dolls were credited in the movie for creating what became the punk rock wave that hit England in the late 70's. What intrigued me was that they are credited for the movement a few times in the movie and according to Mick Jones of the Clash, this all came from a SINGLE television appearance the Dolls made while in England. Watching this movie was like seeing a biography of Dr. Jekyll. Kane (Jekyll) is older, wiser and filled with faith and regret of "what could have been" beating himself up for the destruction he has caused to himself, his former wife and questioning himself about what he could have done to stop the tidal wave of failure that followed in the wake of the break up of the Dolls . Kane clings onto the hope of reuniting with his 2 surviving former band mates, like Linus does his blanket. I was moved to see a man who once was a "rock god", now humbled as he is filmed riding the bus to his job as a glorified "gopher" at the Latter Day Saints family history library in Los Angeles. Kane the once proud and defiant bass player is shown to be so broke now that his LDS church loans him the money to get his bass out of a pawn shop. Kane is shown to be deeply religious but even that does not help in dealing with his anger and jealousy over the career that David Johansen aka "Buster Poindexter" has carved out over the years while Kane faded into alcoholism, poverty and obscurity. Arthur Kane reflects the pain and confusion that everyone has experienced at one time in their life, wondering how something wonderful and so precious was lost, praying that the opportunity avails itself one last time and to embrace and clutch onto the moment. I will not spoil the ending to this beautifully crafted movie, a film that is at times funny ,emotionally devastating and inspirational. I will say that it was the first time I shed tears during the credits of movie in more than 20 years. Do yourself a favor see this movie even if you are not a fan of the New York Dolls, I am sure after you see the movie you will be...

a documentary that shows music can be presented in a way that enthralls

[didi-5 · 8/10 · 5 December 2007]

The New York Dolls were briefly the darlings of the pre-punk music scene in the US and UK before they descended into drug-fuelled oblivion and squabbles. This film takes up the story of one of the band, Arthur 'Killer' Kane and follows him around the time the 2004 Meltdown reunion.

As the film progresses there is a great sense of a life largely lost in the wilderness, of missed opportunities, bitterness and regret. Kane's Mormonn faith gives him a reason to view everything through new eyes - particularly his relationship with Dolls' frontman David Johansen, who he seems to have viewed as an enemy for far too long. How sad.

Given the circumstances of the film's completion - Kane unexpectedly died shortly after the concert in the UK - it is very moving to watch and never short of enthralling. The music of the reunited Dolls is presented alongside footage of their Old Grey Whistle Test appearance - showing the years have not been kind but that the sound is still there.

A surprising success, this film is everything a true music documentary should be, and with such a gentle and likable subject it is never a bore or contrived.

And that last song from Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain is perfect to wrap up a strange and lonely tale of a lost rock 'n roll soul.

Beware the Evils of Rock 'n Roll!

[charlie-542 · 1/10 · 2 February 2007]

This film is a thinly disguised propaganda piece about the evils of rock 'n roll from the wide perspective of the Mormon church.

Featuring Arthur "Killer" Kane (30 years after the fact), the movie starts with Mormon director Greg Whitely interviewing a couple of white-haired colleagues from Kane's servile gig at the church, one of whom comments on a near-senile Kane and his amazing ability to keep the copier filled with paper.

Can you guess where this is gonna go?

Laughable commentary from Kane's Mormon fellows interspersed with suspiciously edited "interviews" with a few of his peers is supposed to give the film a raw, gritty feel but simply exposes the juvenile attempts at proselytizing by Whitely, who is clearly out of his depth as regards the NY scene in the '70s and doesn't really care anyway.

The film ends with a lost looking Kane on stage in England attempting a pathetic reunion with the remaining New York Dolls, his bass playing hugely non-existent while session men fill in the gaps. Whitely clearly relishes his role in exposing a 'lost soul', but instead of a lovingly compassionate look at the man and his work, he uses the footage to mock Kane and the Dolls.

Talk about Christian compassion!

And this is the point of the movie. God forbid should one ever stray from the straight and narrow. And should you perhaps be so stupid as Arthur Kane to break new musical ground and dabble in the forbidden, your life isn't worth more than a cheap Christian documentary.

Johnny Thunders is probably looking down and laughing at poor Arthur rotting in hell for allowing himself to be used like a whore by the Mormon church.

-- Charlie Parisek Tokyo, Japan 2007

The Dolls and the Mormons

[maupho · 29 May 2006]

I watched "New York Doll" with intense fascination and moment by moment trepidation, wondering at what point the staunch beliefs of the Mormon church would clash with the life of former rock star Arthur "Killer" Kane. To my utter surprise, as reflected by the "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" performance by David Johansen (which is one of the most brilliant juxtapositions ever in music), the empathetic sensitivities of Kane's rocker friends to his conversion to the church and the church's non-judgmental support of his life and dream of reuniting with "his friends" revealed a natural symbiosis I never thought I would see. It has literally renewed my faith in people!

a life-changing film, better than fiction

[charrette · 10/10 · 15 November 2005]

This film is a life-changing look at one man's journey from fame to failure to faith...and back again. It's the story of New York Dolls founder Arthur "Killer" Kane and his virtual demise after problems with drugs and alcohol. Arthur lives a desperate and impoverished life for many years, and then somehow stumbles onto an ad for a Book of Mormon and joins their church. He is so candid and guileless in his comments about where he's been and how he's changed. When he gets wind that his band is reuniting, the real fun begins. How will this gentle Mormon man revisit his glam rock past, confront past demons, and pull off a concert tour in London?

I have seen it three times, and cannot stop thinking about how honest and subtle and straightforward a portrayal it is. I am still in awe of the "truth is stranger (and better) than fiction" elements here. Even a great writer could not invent a story this amazing with characters so diverse...no one would believe it or buy it. But that it's all documented here is like living an amazing fantasy, and glimpsing into a world (or two) most of us will never imagine, let alone experience. This movie has a compassionate, nonjudgmental look at humanity, and offers an abundance of hope.

Heartwarming and Heartbreaking.

[ukgal9-1 · 10/10 · 15 December 2005]

I had the pleasure of watching the film with an old friend. We met by chance in the theater. We are Dolls fans. Am am glad that I got to see what happened to him. He was a lovely man. Everyone said so. I met him in 1975 and he really seemed sweet and I was happy to see that through his journey he remained the same. The sad part was he lived for the Dolls. He talked daily about his band and how one day he would get back with them and all would be alright again. The filmmaker was at the screening and during the Q&A period he was asked, "If Arthur had lived, what do you think would have happened?" he said, "Without sounding cruel or insensitive, I think that him passing at the time he did was the kindest thing to have happened to him. He lived for the day that the band played again. They did, he was treated like the rock-star he was, 5* hotels, with limos and adoration.... and then he had to go back to his 'regular' job. He had fulfilled his dream. He was loved and he still is loved. We miss him."

A Very Pleasant Surprise

[munoapl · 10/10 · 15 November 2005]

Go see this movie! I went on a friend's recommendation not knowing what to expect and got a very pleasant surprise.

It's a touching story that is well told. I thought they did a great job of telling Arthur's story while covering the band's history and reunion, all culminating in their London performance. The years of alcohol abuse and personal injury have certainly taken their toll. Arthur reminded me somewhat of Joe Walsh in his speech pattern. A simple man with a childlike faith. Very endearing.

Hats off to the film makers. Nice work! Stay through the credits and listen to the music. It's very touching. My wife had to compose herself before leaving the theater and I confess that I had to wipe a tear or two.

Rock and Roll works in mysterious ways!

[heyheyheythatswhatisay · 10/10 · 10 August 2007]

I think my new favorite movie about Rock and Roll is also my favorite movie about religion! A quiet, dweebish librarian for the Mormon temple gets a chance to play with his old band, which happens to be one of the most important (and outrageous!) bands in rock and roll history. It's the chance he's dreamed of for thirty years, and his church friends help him get his bass guitar out of hock.

Years earlier, the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle drove him mad, and nearly killed him, but this time Arthur "Killer" Kane stays humble, strives to be "a good latter day saint", leads the band in a backstage prayer, plays a triumphant set before ecstatic fans in London-- and then returns to his Mormon life, not knowing that he will be dead from leukemia in just a few months.

If it were written in a script, you'd find it too unbelievable, but it's all real, right down to the motherbeeping New York Dolls bowing their heads in prayer. I love how the incredible irony is never played up. No one telling the story feels the need to say how ironic this all is. Arthur Kane feels no conflict between his Mormon faith and his rock and roll. "My job", he says, "is making people happy." No one makes fun of Arthur. Both his Mormon friends and his Rock and Roll friends are interviewed, and they all have insights into his amazing story.

Back in the day, Arthur and lead singer David Johansen were feuding, but now, as grown-ups, the affection between the old friends is palpable. After the show, David says to Arthur: "I love you so much! You make me so happy!" Really, this is not so much a documentary as a feelgood-tearjerker scripted by Almighty God himself. And God turns out to be a Dolls fan.

If you want to know my opinion, I find the tenets of Mormon faith to be more that a little strange... but I was genuinely moved by the story of how Arthur Kane saved himself by finding a life of humility and service. And the band rocked!

Great film....must see.

[patrick-486 · 10/10 · 6 November 2005]

With so much garbage in the theatres, especially with documentaries, this film delivers the reason I am looking for when I decide whether to stay home, or attend the cinema. One would think there would be a little bit of Mormon bashing in this film, but there is none. It is simply a story of one man's life, the good and the bad. He was in the iconic band "New York Dolls", has some very hard years, joins the LDS church and turns his life completely around, then has the chance to re-unite with the Dolls. That is all I will say as the humor, fate, and coincidence that ensues has to be viewed, not described. I will say this, the director absolutely knew his music history, which is a nice bonus as it puts the story in it's proper context. Definitely see this film. If you are a Dolls fan, never heard of the Dolls, a Mormon, or could care less about the LDS Church, the message in the film is for all. Ask your local movie theatre to show it as soon as possible.