Movie-A-Day #336: the Doors

KingLouieLouie

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I know that I have been slacking with my week of "movie-a-day" since earlier in the week, but Ive been extremely busy as of late... However.. I have found the time to make-up for everything by posting the remaining selections for my week.... First... I plan on beginning with what has to be one of the best portrayals of a musician ever... Thanks again to my friends at Amazon.com for the following:

Thanks in large part to its meticulous re-creation of the late 1960s and early '70s rock scene and the uncannily authentic performance by Val Kilmer as legendary Doors front man Jim Morrison, Oliver Stone's hypnotic film biography is standing the test of time. Capturing the carefree mood of the Age of Aquarius, the film charts the meteoric rise of the Doors on the California club circuit (including a memorable scene showing the creation of the hit "Light My Fire"), and chronicles the band's exploits with hallucinogenics and Morrison's battles against charges of public indecency on stage. Kilmer's performance is hauntingly perfect, and performances by Meg Ryan, Kathleen Quinlan, and Kyle MacLachlan are similarly impressive. The movie doesn't fully probe the depths of Morrison's character, but as a portrait of excess it is vividly true to the spirit of the self-destructive poet known to his fans as "The Lizard King." --Jeff Shannon
Personal Note:

I rented and watched this film w/my great-aunt and grandmother when it initially was available on video.... My great-aunt really enjoy it, however, my grandmother thought some of the rather torrid risque scenes were too graphic, that she immediately stopped watching it.....

Anyways.... I never witness an actor get so immensely immersed into a role such as what Val Kilmer did.... You would literally think he was the Lizard King himself.... To even have his chin reconfigured proves what sacrifices that Kilmer was willing to resort to..... It was all worthwhile since Oliver Stone's depiction of the Doors sudden rise to fame and Morrison's demise was very accurate.... Otherwise.. the surviving Doors wouldnt have been willing to assist the actors nailing down everything to the manner that they managed to do.....

the Doors is obviously meant for a mature audience (unless there is some edited version out there), but what would expect if you lived the life that Jim Morrison did? Otherwise.... it wouldnt be soo accurate of a representation.....

Does one have to be an avid fan of Morrison or the Doors music in general? Not necessarily.... especially if you're very interested in that era's culture and everything that surrounded it....... the Doors is one of those movies you can see over and over again without it ever losing its meaning.....Mainly because Morrison's legacy alone will never cease... but also the remarkable performance by Kilmer makes you do a double-take to literally think that he is indeed Morrison himself...
 

Bada0Bing

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That last paragraph is absolutely correct. I’ve never had much interest in their music, but I wanted to see the movie because that era fascinates me. Val Kilmer pulled off one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Great movie.
 

Mulli

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Wow, I don't think my gram would even consider starting to watch this show.
Since I have seen it, I wouldn't really want to watch it with her.

Excellent points about Val's perfomance. Almost matches his performance in Tombstone. :)
 

abomb

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I grew up with my parents rocking out to the Doors. I swear, I probably learned the words to LA Woman and Light My Fire before I could walk. ;)

My parents wouldnt let me watch this movie when I was a kid, but I bought it in the $7.50 bin at Wal-Mart a while back and really enjoyed it. After watching this and "Heat", I realized Val Kilmer is pretty underrated and doesnt seem to get enough talk for how good his acting is. Good choice and good discussion KLL!

A-Bomb
 

Bada0Bing

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Another movie where Val completely immerses himself into the character is Wonderland. He plays John Holmes and it’s based on the real events from a brutal killing in Laurel Canyon in the early 80’s. It’s definitely not for everyone, but Val’s performance is excellent.
 

phillycard

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I actually started liking The Doors after seeing this movie! One of my all time faves, and Kilmer was off the hook. I just got the special edition DVD, but I haven't watched it yet. One of a handful of movies I have seen over 10 times.
 

Ryanwb

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I like the drug fueled romp with the reporter.

Oh and the elevator scene
 

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