Directed by: Keven McAlesterReleased: 2005
i've only gotten into roky erickson's music within the past few years, but i've been a huge fan since i first heard his material. this film has been sitting in my netflix queue for months, and i finally got around to watching it. it's great. it really is. the film focuses on both the 13th floor elevators as well as his solo work, but it's more about his mental illness and the horrible conditions he lived in for so many years. and honestly, i was glad about that-- not that i wouldn't love a whole film all about the music, but the stuff i was really interested in learning was what the fuck happened to this guy? insane amounts of drugs, lengthy stays in mental institutions (in the 60's and 70's, eeeesh), many, many arrests, becoming a hoarder ... it all shows in his face today. it's almost sad to see this amazing rock musician in the state he is now. granted, he's back to playing live and recording, and his life is back on track (well, as much as it can be when you're schizophrenic), but still, it's almost heartbreaking. an amazing watch for fans and newcomers. 9/10.
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