Exciting news on the movie front: Currently garnering major raves at the Sundance Film Festival is Julian Temple's (director of the Sex Pistols biopic The Filth and the Fury) new documentary on the life of Joe Strummer, the coolest Mother Effer ever to walk this planet. The movie is entitled The Future Is Unwritten.
Temple, who was a close friend of Strummer's, reportedly chronicles the life of the man before, during, and after his time in The Clash (the greatest rock band of all time), including his time in the band that he fronted right up until his untimely death in 2002 -- the ridiculously overlooked Mescaleros. According to the Sundance website:
"Filmmaker Julien Temple chronicles the transformation of a self described 'mouthy little git,' born John Mellor, into an antiestablishment icon known to the world as Joe Strummer. In his latest documentary, Temple uncovers the myth behind the front man of the seminal punk band the Clash.
"Through previously unearthed interviews with Strummer himself and recollections of those who knew him best, Temple reveals a complex man who used his music as a bullhorn for his conscience--as well as a means to educate others about the injustices of the world. The film includes live concert footage spanning Strummer's career and tapes of his BBC radio program, all of which provide a fitting soundtrack to his distinctive and storied existence.
"The performance footage would be fascinating on its own, but Temple probes beyond Strummer's mystique to reveal a person with his own flaws who could sometimes be idealistic to a fault. Temple has created a thoughtful and poignant portrait of a man many think they knew. Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten provides a rare glimpse into the man behind the legend of 'punk rock warlord.'"
Could anything be more exciting than that? Hell no! FoxNews is reporting (I know Frank, bear with me) that IFC films is interested in the movie, so keep your fingers crossed that it makes it to the big screen.
For old time's sake, check out the following:
The Clash: "Capitol Radio Two" from the 1979 Cost of Living EP
The Clash: "Straight to Hell" (Live) from From Here To Eternity
Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros: "Shaktar Donesk" Live at St. Ann's Warehouse, Brooklyn, April 2002
Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros: "White Riot" Live at St. Ann's Warehouse, Brooklyn, April 2002 (Thanks to Berkeley Place)
In unrelated news, the rumors appear to be true: According to Billboard, the Police are preparing to reunite and tour this summer, their first outing since the 1983 Synchronicity tour. I saw that show in Biloxi, and it remains on my all time list. Here's hoping Sting still has it in him after all his tantric activities and lute diversions. Whatever -- I'll be in line for those tickets.
