Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
Filmmaker Julien Temple takes a look beyond the guise of the late, anti-establishment icon Joe Strummer to offer a warm portrait of the self-described "mouthy little git" who was born John Mellor and was destined to become the frontman for one of the most influential punk bands ever. A complex figure who would learn to use his gift for music as a means of decompressing his conscience, Strummer is revealed here through unearthed interviews and the illuminating recollections of his closest companions. At times idealistic to a fault, the flawed Clash singer/songwriter had a special gift for compelling listeners to think as they moved to the music. Vintage performance footage and excerpts from Strummer's popular BBC radio program offer the ideal musical backdrop for an affectionate tribute to a punk-rock legend.
Director: Julien Temple
The triumph of this fond, uncontainable documentary is that it lets you hear that voice again loud and clear.
Captures the Joe Strummer who, in the late 1970s, just about firebombed the rock establishment with his fury.
Like an early Clash number, it's by turns lovely and ugly, loud as bombs and quiet as a revolution's first-thrown stone; it acknowledges the legend while uncovering the truth.
Compelling viewing, even for people who don't care a bit for the punk scene.
One of the most direct and personal music documentaries ever made.
Best British Documentary
British Independent Film Awards (2007)
Best Single Documentary
Irish Film and Television Awards (2008)
World Cinema - Documentary
Sundance Film Festival (2007)
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