As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that the upcoming Jimi Hendrix documentary titled “Jimi” piques my interest immensely. Having witnessed the Emmy-nominated masterpiece, “The Greatest Night in Pop,” directed by Bao Nguyen, I am confident that his keen eye for storytelling and ability to breathe life into iconic figures will once again shine through.
A brand new documentary about the life and career of iconic musician Jimi Hendrix is currently being developed. According to Variety, Bao Nguyen, who directed Netflix’s Emmy-nominated documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop,” will take charge as director for this upcoming project. Network Entertainment, Double Agent, and Experience Hendrix (Hendrix’s estate) are the production companies behind the film, which will be simply named “Jimi.” The movie aims to share Hendrix’s origin story, tracing his journey from the vibrant ’60s in London to his extraordinary ascent in the psychedelic and American rock ‘n’ roll world.
Nguyen’s Netflix film, titled “The Greatest Night in Pop“, focuses on the journey of Lionel Richie in 1985 as he endeavored to create an outstanding musical supergroup and record “We Are the World” to aid African famine relief. The documentary offers exclusive, never-before-seen glimpses into the early stages of planning, phone conversations, songwriting sessions, and meticulously chronicles Richie’s monumental task of coordinating big-name stars such as Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, and others. The Greatest Night in Pop has garnered 3 Emmy nominations and boasts a remarkable 98% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Speaking about his new film, Nguyen said:
In this movie, I aim to convey the lively ambiance of the 1960s music world and his astonishing journey to fame, reaching its peak at the iconic Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 – a triumphant return that not only lit up his guitar but also sparked a cultural revolution in music history.
The Failed 2013 Jimi Hendrix Biopic
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that I’ve seen my fair share of films about the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and 2013’s “Jimi: All Is by My Side” was one of them. This biographical drama, penned and helmed by John Ridley, featured Andre 3000 (André Benjamin) in the lead role. Notably, Ridley is recognized for his work on “12 Years a Slave,” which also debuted that year.
The film aimed to portray Jimi Hendrix’s beginnings, delving into his discovery, romance with girlfriend Linda Keith (played by Imogen Poots), his move to America, and the events leading to his performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. However, Experience Hendrix, LLC publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the movie, which means that no songs penned by Hendrix will be featured in it. Their statement reads:
“Experience Hendrix, LLC, the family-owned company responsible for preserving Jimi Hendrix’s legacy and managing his music and publishing rights, has consistently stated that no film using original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix can be produced without their active involvement.
Yet another setback for the movie came in the form of audience disapproval. Towards the end, Hendrix is shown striking Kathy Etchingham, his girlfriend between 1966 and 1969, using a phone which necessitated her needing stitches. This scene was disturbing to some viewers. Moreover, the real Kathy Etchingham stated that this particular scene was fabricated.
Reflecting on my personal encounter with Jimi Hendrix in an interview for the Sydney Morning Herald, I can attest that he was a genuinely amusing, articulate, and friendly individual. Our time together was nothing short of enjoyable. However, I found the biopic “Jimi: All Is by My Side” ethically questionable, to say the least. The portrayal of domestic violence in the film left me deeply disturbed. To prevent this misrepresentation from being perpetuated and accepted as truth, I contemplated taking legal action against the filmmakers. As it stands, the biopic was met with a less-than-positive reception; currently, it has a 67% critic score and 37% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The First Feature-Length Documentary Authorized by the Hendrix Estate
The first authorized documentary about the renowned musician Jimi Hendrix is titled “Jimi.” This movie, approved by his estate, will offer interviews, unseen photographs, and historical footage to depict the rock ‘n’ roll legend. Notably, Experience Hendrix LLC is involved in the film, suggesting that it may include original music composed by Hendrix himself. According to a statement released by his sister, Janie Hendrix, this documentary promises an immersive exploration into the life and music of Jimi Hendrix.
In the same vein as Bao Nguyen’s films that delve into the lives of cultural icons, this account of Jimi’s time in London promises to be both enlightening and engaging – a narrative that does justice to the tale.
Nguyen added:
It’s truly a privilege and a distinct challenge for me to narrate the tale of Jimi Hendrix during his transformative years in London. This city has always stirred my soul, much like it did for Jimi when his artistic brilliance soared to unprecedented heights. I embark on this project with immense reverence for his legacy and the cultural impact he’s left as an American trailblazer, feeling a strong kinship with his connection to London’s creative pulse.
There is no release date for the documentary as of yet.
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2024-09-15 20:35