I was lucky enough to catch this movie as part of the Talk Cinema series at The Bridge Cinema De Lux in Los Angeles. I am certain I never would have gone to see this movie if it weren't part of the program and I was even cynical for the first 15 minutes or so. But once you see Arthur Kane and hear him speak you quickly become drawn to him. He is such a quiet, mild-mannered guy of few words but what he does say is usually profound. You are rooting for him from the start even though it seems that the best of his years ended over 2 decades ago. It is interesting to see Arthur's relationship with the Mormon church as result of what appears to be a very sad, drug-addicted life. He finds new purpose in the church and a new job helps suppress some old demons. The director, Greg Whitely, is smart not to make this a Mormon propaganda piece but adding that aspect of Arthur's life makes him come across as a normal guy who just happened to come into fame as a young man and come into a spiritual awakening as an older man. There was a Q&A with the director and producer after the movie and their passion for their subject is obvious and it comes across in the film. Arthur is such a tremendously likable man and even though you may not like rock music, or care about the 70's punk scene (Many of those in attendance admitted they thought that they would not like this movie)you come to care about him and the chance of him possibly tasting fame just one more time. This is an excellent documentary and unlike a lot of Michael Moore films and Moore knock-offs, you never feel a heavy hand pushing the film to make you feel one way or another. The story unravels and it is genuinely compelling. This will likely be in extremely limited release in NY and LA with hopes of making a run for Best Doc Oscar and DVD sales...but do yourself a favor and seek out this film.
