'When You're Strange'
a film about The Doors
narrated by
Johnny Depp
Written & Directed
by Tom DiCillo
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/
order soundtrack
at:
http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_30734
March
15, 2010 more WYS cities and theaters ID'd
'When You're Strange' IS opening in more
than the original nine cities listed. According to info
posted by Doors manager & WYS producer Jeff Jampol, here is the latest roster
for April 9. There are two other cities that open slightly later.
New York City:
Angelika
http://angelikafilmcenter.com/
~ Los Angeles area (3 theaters):
Laemmle Sunset 5, Hollywood; Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena; Laemmle Town
Center, Encino
http://www.laemmle.com/locations.php
~
Boston: Somerville Theater, Somerville
http://www.somervilletheatreonline.com/somerville/index.php
~ Philadelphia: PUFF
Theater w/outdoor screening at The Piazza at Schmidt's ~
New Jersey (greater Philly area): Ritz 16,
Voorhees, NJ
http://www.fandango.com/showcaseattheritzcenter_aadky/theaterpage
~ Atlanta: Cinefest Film
Theatre
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwcft/
~
Athens, GA: Cine
http://www.athenscine.com/intro.php
~ Chicago: Davis Theater
http://www.davistheater.com/
~ Dallas: Angelika
http://angelikafilmcenter.com/
~ Seattle: Grand Illusion
Cinema
http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/
~ San Francisco: Kabuki
http://www.sundancecinemas.com/kabuki.html
~ Nashville: Belcourt
Theater
http://www.belcourt.org/
~ Madison, WI: Sundance
http://www.sundancecinemas.com/kabuki.html.
I believe Houston is one of the opening cities, but do not have that theater
listing at this time. The film opens on April 16 in
New Orleans at the Robinson Film Theater
(subject to correction), and
in Albuquerque, NM in May at the Guild
http://www.guildcinema.com/.
I encourage Doors fans everywhere to get out to see the
film (at least once!) on opening weekend. Those first weekend
results are very important for determining wider distribution.
(thanks, DJ & EB)
============================================================
March
14, 2010 WYS website <> more WYS cities ?
The 'When You're Strange'
official website has been updated with a new look.
Check it out at:
http://whenyourestrangemovie.com/
(thanks, Elaine)
I have heard that more cities have been added to the April 9 theater release for 'When You're Strange', but I have not been able to confirm that yet. Stay tuned for details when that happens. (thanks, Elaine)
============================================================
March
13, 2010 Robby & Jeff in Austin <> SKE on Facebook
Robby Krieger and Doors manager
& WYS producer Jeff Jampol will be in Austin, TX at
SXSW next Friday, March 19. Following their book signing at 1:00 at the
SXSW Bookstore, their panel discussion from 2 to 3:00 will be in Room 19A at the
Austin Convention Center. If you are lucky enough to be going, then that
room info could come in handy! Then the film screens at 5:00 at the Paramount
Theater. Read more at: http://ow.ly/1jnef
The 'Strange Kozmic Experience' exhibit that opens at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live on Monday, April 5, now has a Facebook page showing a very psychedelic poster for this exhibit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=374198652312&ref=mf. Admission to the museum is $12.95 ... or become a member and get in free for a year: http://www.grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=support&page=membership
============================================================
March
12, 2010 WYS in 4 weeks
'When You're Strange' gets
released to theaters in selected cities
four weeks from today. There is lots of buzz, lots of press, lots
of momentum. It's getting very exciting!!
============================================================
March 11,
2010 'WYS' soundtrack details <> Grammy
Museum to screen 'WYS' <> soundtrack release date correction <> Robby and
Jeff at UCLA
The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack
has been scheduled for release on March 30th, which we already knew
about. The following linked story provides a detailed track
listing for that CD. Very exciting. Check it
out at:
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8645:when-youre-strange-johnny-depp-reading-of-jim-morrisons-poetry-and-soundtrack-announced&catid=41:news&Itemid=71
The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live is going to screen 'When You're Strange' in their intimate, 200-seat theater on Wednesday, April 7. The film will be introduced by John Densmore, and each guest will receive a copy of the film soundtrack. If you are already a Grammy Museum member or are an American Express cardholder, then you got an email today notifying you of a pre-sale that starts tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10:00 a.m. The pre-sale runs through March 31 at 10:00 p.m., but it'll be solidly sold out long before that ending date. If you want to become a member (and supporter) of the Grammy Museum so you can get in on this intimate screening, go to the Grammy Museum's membership page at: http://www.grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=support&page=membership
The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack has a release date of April 6, according to the Rhino press release (which is the same story as the one linked above). I did not notice that date difference earlier. The Amazon website also lists April 6. The Doors website store still shows the release date as March 30, but I'm going to make an educated guess that the date was pushed back a week to coincide with the same week that the film opens in limited cities, which is Friday, April 9. To pre-order, go to http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_30734. Read the Rhino press release with the detailed track listing, at: http://www.sys-con.com/node/1317490.
Robby Krieger and Jeff Jampol, The Doors manager and one of the 'When You're Strange' producers, introduced the film at a screening on Tuesday night that was held for UCLA students. A 6-minute video of their introduction can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm73Gj1wrsk (thanks, Becky)
============================================================
March 9,
2010 Robby in Austin
Robby Krieger will be signing
copies of 'The Doors By The Doors' at the SXSW
Bookstore during the SXSW convention in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 19
between 1:00-2:00. A
panel discussion about 'When You're Strange' will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the
Austin Convention Center. The film gets screened at 5:00 p.m. at the
Paramount Theater at 713 Congress Avenue.
============================================================
March
6, 2010 WYS to screen at UCLA
Robby Krieger and Doors manager
& film producer Jeff Jampol will be on hand to introduce a
screening of 'When You're Strange' on Tuesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. at the Ackerman
Grand Ballroom. For more info, go to:
http://students.asucla.ucla.edu/cec/.
The screening is for
UCLA students only.
(thanks,
Paolo and Billie)
============================================================
February
26, 2010 WYS in Mojo blog <> WYS in
Variety <> WYS on a list!
'When You're Strange' got a nice
review in UK's Mojo magazine on-line music blog at: http://www.mojo4music.com/blog/2010/02/new_doors_film_mojos_first_gli.html
'When You're Strange' is written up nicely today in Variety on-line at: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015723.html?categoryId=2520&cs=1
'When You're Strange' makes it onto a short list of forthcoming films considered 'stoner movies'. The others on the list are Alice In Wonderland, The Runaways, Leaves of Grass, and a new Cheech & Chong film. LOL. Read the full story at: http://www.celebstoner.com/201002263833/news/celebstoner-news/five-stoner-movies-coming-to-a-theater-near-you.html Smoke'em if you've got'em.
============================================================
February
25, 2010 WYS Dublin
'When You're Strange'
was screened on Monday evening at the 2010 Jameson Dublin
International Film Festival. A fan who attended wrote to report that the
theater was filled to capacity. Of course, he thoroughly enjoyed it.
He even followed up with the Festival Admin & Office Manager regarding the
surveys that movie-goers were asked to complete as they exited to rate the movie
on a scale of 1-5 (this is typical at film festivals); they replied that the
feedback was high, most of the audience rated it a 4, and everyone enjoyed it
very much. (thanks, Declan)
============================================================
February
22, 2010 'WYS' PBS Q&A
'When You're Strange' was feted
on January 13 at an interview session tied in to the
PBS 'American Masters' screening scheduled for May 26. I previously shared
a link to an interview at: http://www.locatetv.com/blog/doors-will-be-reopened-in-new-pbs-american-masters-film/
Another report on that Q&A session can be found at:
http://popculturezoo.com/archives/5411
============================================================
February 20,
2010 pre-order WYS soundtrack
Pre-order the 'When You're Strange'
soundtrack
at:
http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_30734.
If you missed out on reading the track listing yesterday,
here it is again.
============================================================
February 19,
2010 WYS
at SXSW <> WYS soundtrack listing
'When You're Strange' gets screened at
the SXSW Film Festival which begins in Austin, Texas next month.
The screening is scheduled for Friday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. at Paramount
Theater:
http://my.sxsw.com/events/eid/9473
'When You're Strange' soundtrack's official tracklisting was posted earlier today on the forum on the official Doors website at: http://thedoors.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20498. The track list includes Jim Morrison poetry read by Johnny Depp, as well as Isle of Wight and Danish TV cuts. Read the full list at either the link above, or go here. (thanks, Pixie)
============================================================
February
17, 2010 WYS in Toronto <> WYS
soundtrack <> new WYS poster
'When You're Strange' gets its
Canadian premiere next month in Toronto at the
Canadian Music Week's Film Festival. The film will be shown at 7:00 p.m.
on Saturday, March 13 at the Royal Cinema. Read the full story at: http://twitchfilm.net/news/2010/02/canadian-music-week-announces-titles-for-film-festival-program.php
Ticket info is at:
www.canadianmusicfest.com
And here is another story:
http://www.chartattack.com/news/79490/john-lennon-biopic-doors-documentary-getting-canadian-premieres-during-cmw-2010
The press release about 'WYS' news that appeared in Variety a few days ago, includes the info that the soundtrack will feature 13 songs chronicling The Doors' six albums with studio versions of classic tracks mixed with live cuts including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Isle of Wight Festival. The soundtrack will be released on March 30 from Rhino. Read the full story on a blog at: http://thisismyhappening.blogspot.com/2010/02/when-youre-strange-film-about-dorrs.html
'When You're Strange' has a new official poster. The names of the Director and the Narrator both appear prominently. Very nice! See it at the top of the home page or else here.
============================================================
February
17, 2010 WYS in Toronto <> WYS
soundtrack
'When You're Strange' gets its
Canadian premiere next month in Toronto at the
Canadian Music Week's Film Festival. The film will be shown at 7:00 p.m.
on Saturday, March 13 at the Royal Cinema. Read the full story at: http://twitchfilm.net/news/2010/02/canadian-music-week-announces-titles-for-film-festival-program.php
Ticket info is at:
www.canadianmusicfest.com
And here is another story:
http://www.chartattack.com/news/79490/john-lennon-biopic-doors-documentary-getting-canadian-premieres-during-cmw-2010
The press release about 'WYS' news that appeared in Variety a few days ago, includes the info that the soundtrack will feature 13 songs chronicling The Doors' six albums with studio versions of classic tracks mixed with live cuts including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Isle of Wight Festival. The soundtrack will be released on March 30 from Rhino. Read the full story on a blog at: http://thisismyhappening.blogspot.com/2010/02/when-youre-strange-film-about-dorrs.html
============================================================
February 16, 2010 new DiCillo
blog
'When You're Strange' Writer &
Director Tom DiCillo has added a new post today
regarding yesterday's story in Variety with the new details about release
cities, etc. DiCillo reminds us that TV and print advertising will be limited
due to a small release budget, which means that word-of-mouth will be critical:
hence, a call-to-action for Doors fans to help spread the word! We have all been waiting for this film
for many years ... maybe even since Oliver Stone's 1991 film. Read DiCillo's
latest blog #65 'The Release' at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
============================================================
February
15, 2010 'WYS' story in Variety
'When You're Strange' got an
informative write-up in Variety today.
The story fills in some blanks that many of us have wondered about, such as the
cities that the film will open in on April 9: New York, Los Angeles,
Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle and San Francisco. The DVD
will be released three months after that. The film's soundtrack is
scheduled for release on March 30. Read the full Variety article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015269.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
or
here.
============================================================
February 12,
2010 WYS new release date <> WYS
reviews
'When You're Strange' is now
scheduled to be in theaters on Friday, April 9
according to the official film website at: http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/
This is a week later than previously reported. I do not
have any info on what selected cities are the lucky ones (besides LA and NYC)
... but as David Letterman likes to quip "I just pray that your city has
been selected." Now, if they would just correct the poster on that site, and
get Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's name restored to a prominent position,
things would be much better.
'When You're Strange' is currently at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Here is one reviewer's write-up from the UC Santa Barbara paper Daily Nexus: http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=20220 Here is another one from the Santa Barbara/Carpinteria Noozhawk newsletter: http://www.noozhawk.com/arts/article/021110_mark_brickley_new_rockumentary_opens_doors_of_perception
============================================================
February
11, 2010 Santa Barbara screening news
'When You're Strange' had
its first of three screenings at the Santa Barbara
International Film Festival last Friday evening, as previously reported.
It deserves to be mentioned that last night's third
screening was added due to popular demand! The Friday night screening was
attended by John Densmore, Jeff Jampol, Dick Wolf, and Bruce Botnick (see
February 6 and 7 news stories) ... but also in attendance that night were Pablo
Manzarek and his wife Sharmin, and also Ronnie Haran ... the lady who got The
Doors signed on for The Whisky! I don't know if the others knew Ronnie was
there ... but if so, wouldn't it have been nice to have introduced (and thanked)
her! I've never met her myself ... but if I ever get the chance, I will
express my gratitude, that's for sure! I have not gotten any feedback
about attendees at the Sunday night screening.
============================================================
February
9, 2010 Santa Barbara screening
added
'When You're Strange' has had
a third screening added at the Santa Barbara
International Film Festival, currently underway. This one is Wednesday,
February 10 at Metro 4 at 10:15 p.m. For more info, go to: http://sbiff.org/main/
============================================================
February
7, 2010 Santa Barbara screening
feedback <> WYS Director credit
'When You're Strange' played to
a full or very near-full 680 capacity on Friday night
at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, according to an attendee. John
Densmore was there, as already reported. John introduced Pam's mother and
the siblings, nieces and nephews of both Jim and Pam, as well as Bruce Botnick
and his wife. John told the story of when he and Robby were living up on
Wonderland Avenue when a depressed Jim dropped by; they told him to take a walk
to the top of the hill and he returned with the lyrics of 'People Are Strange',
which John recited. There was huge applause at the end and everyone stayed
and sat through the credits. (thanks, P & G)
I have noticed that 'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's name no longer appears prominently on the latest poster for the film, as shown on the official website at: http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/. Johnny Depp's name has been added as narrator and, of course, his star power should be included and touted on the poster. His narration is important, maybe even critical ... but DiCillo wrote the script that Depp narrates. Should the "Directed by Tom DiCillo" line be totally removed, fer crissakes? We would have nothing without DiCillo. Am I the only one who feels this needs a sanity check?
============================================================
February
6, 2010 John at Santa Barbara film
festival <> WYS film review
John Densmore, Doors manager Jeff Jampol
and Dick Wolf were all in attendance at last night's screening of
'When You're Strange' at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
According to the photos on the
http://www.apimages.com/Search.aspx?st=det&sort=date&id=25th%20Santa%20Barbara%20International%20Film%20Festival%20-%20%22When%20You%27re%20Strange%22%20Screening&showact=events&prds=10002&intv=3d&sh=10002&kwstyle=and&adte=1265496910&pagez=60&cfasstyle=AND&
'When You're Strange' gets screened once more at this
film festival on Sunday night. Details are in the calendar below.
'When You're Strange' got a real nice review from a writer who saw it in Santa Barbara. Read it at: http://www.independent.com/news/2010/feb/06/doors-documentary-emwhen-youre-strangeem/
============================================================
February 1,
2010 WYS screening in Dublin
The 'When You're Strange' screening
at the 2010 Jameson Dublin International Film
Festival will be on February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Cineworld, according to this
ticket purchase link:
http://jdiff.ticketsolve.com/shows/23497702/events
(thanks, Mark)
============================================================
January 31,
2010 'WYS' in Dublin
'When You're Strange' will be
shown at the 2010 Jameson Dublin International Film
Festival, according to a story at:
http://www.meg.ie/?p=5719.
It looks like this festival runs from February 18 -
28. (thanks, Paolo)
============================================================
January 28,
2010 'WYS' in Santa Barbara
'When You're Strange' will be
shown twice at the Santa Barbara International Film
Festival next month. The screenings are on Friday, February 5 at the
Lobero Theater (7:00 pm), and Sunday, February 7 at Victoria Hall (9:30 pm.
I have been unable to find a link to buy single tickets, only 'packages', but
I'll keep trying. Meanwhile, the festival link is: http://sbiff.org/main/
============================================================
January 26,
2010 'WYS' in USA Today
'When You're Strange' and its
May 26th broadcast on PBS got a write-up in USA
Today a few weeks ago. Read it at: http://blogs.usatoday.com/livefrom/2010/01/the-doors-on-pbs.html
============================================================
January 22,
2010 'WYS' soundtrack release
The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack
is available for pre-order from
Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/When-Youre-Strange-Doors/dp/B0033G9OFA/ref=sr_1_1
The website says the release is schedule for March 16.
(thanks, Simone)
============================================================
January 14,
2010 John at American Masters
program
John Densmore answered
questions at an interview session yesterday
(Wednesday) afternoon that was tied to 'When You're Strange' and its May 26th
broadcast on PBS during "sweeps week" as part of their American Masters series.
Read the full story at: http://www.locatetv.com/blog/doors-will-be-reopened-in-new-pbs-american-masters-film/
============================================================
January
13, 2010 new DiCillo blog
'When You're
Strange' Writer and Director Tom DiCillo
has added new blog #64 titled "From Mr. D" in which he
re-posts the Johnny Depp remarks about the film and adds more comments about the
forthcoming PBS broadcast, probable theater release, and DVD and soundtrack
releases. Read it in its entirety at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
============================================================
January
12, 2010 Depp on 'WYS'
6:00 p.m. revised: A Johnny Depp
statement
about 'When You're Strange' actually first came from Tom
DiCillo's blog at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=214#comments.
Since comments can be hard to find or can quickly get buried as
additional remarks are added, I
am posting it here: “DiCillo’s ‘When You’re Strange’ is a
meticulously crafted, exhilarating ode to one of music’s greatest, most exciting
ensembles, The Doors. Watching the hypnotic, hitherto, unreleased footage of
Jim, John, Ray and Robby, both on and off the stage, I felt like I was there,
with them, living and experiencing what they were experiencing, seeing it all
through their eyes. Ultimately, Jim has been resurrected here to remind us that
he is to this very day, one of the most significant frontmen/poets/shaman to
ever grace a stage and that the band behind him, kept the music alive every step
of the way, adding fuel to an already raging fire, all along their wild and
electrifying ride into history. The raw material entrances throughout. In terms
of a rock n’ roll documentary, or any kind of documentary for that matter, it
simply doesn’t get any better than this. What an honor to have been involved. I
am as proud of this as anything I have ever done.”
After WYS Writer & Director Tom DiCillo shared it on his blog on Sunday, it was
re-posted on Depp's forum yesterday at:
http://johnnydeppreads.com/index.php?showtopic=8627
============================================================
January
7, 2010 new WYS trailer
A new trailer for 'When You're Strange' was released recently which contains some of the Johnny Depp narration.
Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7KnnGmmN3o&feature=youtube_gdata
(thanks, Paolo)
============================================================
January
6, 2010 'WYS' on PBS in May
'When You're Strange' will get
aired on PBS during "sweeps week" in May, according to
a reply to a fan's question on Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's blog at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=214#comments
last evening. DiCillo says that PBS has secured the first TV rights and
that there will be a DVD release in the U.S. sometime after that. This
makes my heart sink a little, but he goes on to say that he is still
expecting news about a U.S. theatrical release within a few weeks. As
"sweeps week" approaches in May, I will be on this like white-on-rice to track
down and post all the scheduled TV screenings that I can find.
============================================================
December 17,
2009 WYS showing in London
'When You're Strange' may be getting
a screening in London on February 19, IF I am
understanding this website listing correctly:
http://www.curzoncinemas.com/whats_on/preview_when_youre_strange_plus_introduction#/events/doc_days/preview_when_youre_strange_plus_introduction
============================================================
December 14,
2009 WYS film review
'When You're Strange' got a nice
write-up after its recent appearance at the London
Film Festival on a film blog website. Check it out at:
http://laurasfilmblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/london-film-festival-review-when-youre.html
============================================================
November
20, 2009 WYS sold for Germany
theaters
'When You're Strange' has found
itself a deal for a theatrical release in Germany,
according to a new post on WYS Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's News page at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192.
DiCillo goes on to summarize the other major territories that
have bought the film, which include France, Britain, Australia, Canada and Japan
... and possibly a few others. He assures us that there is still progress
on a U.S. distribution deal, so let's keep the faith!
============================================================
November
9, 2009 more Amsterdam WYS screenings
'When You're Strange' has had two
more screenings added at the IDGA Film Festival in Amsterdam.
In addition to
November 26, it will also screen on Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, November
28. For more info, go to:
http://www.idfa.nl/nl/Festival/films-2009/film.aspx?id=020c890a-21ee-4185-8766-70847cffee64
(thanks,
Jan)
============================================================
November
4, 2009 WYS to screen in
Amsterdam
'When You're Strange' will be
screened at the IDGA Film Festival in Amsterdam on
November 26, according to the listing at this site: http://www.idfa.nl/nl/Festival/specialeselecties/rockumentaries-3doc12.aspx
The fan who sent me this info already has his ticket
for the screening, so it must be true! (thanks,
Jan)
============================================================
October 24,
2009 WYS review by TimesOnLine
'When You're Strange' was reviewed in the UK's Timesonline
following the recent BFI London Film Festival screenings. Check that out
at:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/london_film_festival/article6884285.ece
============================================================
October
21, 2009 new
Tom DiCillo blog
Tom DiCillo has posted another
fascinating blog at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
Titled 'Spanish Caravan', this one takes us through his
experiences at the recent film festivals in San Sebastian, Spain and in
Woodstock, New York. The Writer & Director of 'When You're Strange' is for
sure, one entertaining storyteller!
============================================================
October
18, 2009 Tom DiCillo news
Tom DiCillo, the writer and
director of 'When You're Strange', has posted a new
entry on his news blog at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192
Tom mentions that The Works, the UK distributor, has been tracking the film
since Sundance. He also assures us that there is strong forward momentum
on sales to other countries AND the U.S.
============================================================
October
16, 2009 John not going to
London <> WYS picked up for UK distribution
John Densmore has had a change
of plans and will NOT be attending 'When You're
Strange' screenings at the BFI London Film Festival. However, expect a
probable appearance when the film premieres in theaters in Europe sometime in
the first half of 2010.
Speaking of 'When You're Strange', the UK film rights have been picked up by The Works UK Distribution and plan to release it next year, according to this story: http://www.screendaily.com/news/distribution/uk-ireland/the-works-picks-up-uk-rights-to-when-youre-strange/5006901.article And yet still, no US distributor for this film? That is just wrong, fer crissakes! >=(
============================================================
October 9,
2009 John at
London WYS screening
John Densmore will be attending
the October 18th screening of 'When You're Strange' at
the London Film Festival. That festival also screens the film on October
16th. The screening dates are now scheduled for the Viennale (Austria)
Film Festival: October 23 and 24. See calendar below for more
information and links.
============================================================
October 7,
2009 DiCillo interview
'When You're Strange' Writer and
Director Tom DiCillo recently attended the screenings
of the film at the Woodstock Film Festival. To see a brief YouTube clip of
him discussing it, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2X770JSxGw
(thanks, Stuart)
============================================================
October 3,
2009 'When You're Strange' interview
'When You're Strange' Writer and
Director Tom DiCillo and John Densmore are featured
in a nice long (2 page) interview about the film at:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/london_film_festival/article6852578.ece
============================================================
October 2,
2009 When You're Strange screenings
'When You're Strange' is currently
showing at the Woodstock Film Festival.
Tonight's screening is listed as 'sold out' but tickets are still available for
tomorrow night. For more info: http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/festival2009/details.php?id=20981
============================================================
September
17, 2009 WYS London screening dates
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo
has posted the London Film Festival screening dates on his
News Page at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192.
Friday, October 16 and Sunday, October 18 are the
dates. The direct link for the info is:
http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/node/532
============================================================
September
9, 2009 WYS at Deauville
'When You're
Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo
has posted a new blog entry this morning. Simply titled 'Deauville',
it recounts the trip he has just returned from to Deauville, France for the film
screening in that city's film festival. I won't paraphrase or synopsize,
read it for yourself at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
Additionally, Tom's news page says the screening dates for the San Sebastian
Film Festival have been finalized: September 24, 25 and 26, all at 4:30
p.m.
============================================================
September 4,
2009 R&R not going to Woodstock screening
Ray and Robby
will NOT be at the Q&A following the
Woodstock screening of 'When You're
Strange', as reported yesterday according to an on-line story I shared. So
much for believing everything that you read on-line (but you already know that)!
============================================================
September
3, 2009 WYS Q&A at Woodstock with R&R
'When You're
Strange' will be screened at the
Woodstock Film Festival (among others), as reported yesterday with details in
the linked story. In a story about this festival's line-up, the
blurb about WYS says that after the screening there will be a Q&A with Writer &
Director Tom DiCillo and Ray and Robby! This info is contained in
the following story: Scroll down to the section headed
'Documentaries In Competition.'
http://www.vimooz.com/festivalticker/2009/09/the-woodstock-film-festival-10th-anniversary-line/
============================================================
September
2, 2009 WYS gets lots more film festivals
'When You're
Strange' has been entered into a
slew of film festivals, most of them outside the U.S. This news comes from
an on-line story at:
http://www.examiner.com/x-21763-The-Doors-Examiner~y2009m9d1-When-Youre-Strange-a-Doors-documentary
but I have also verified this info. As previously advised by Writer &
Director Tom DiCillo on his blog and news, a distributor deal has been secured
in France, but so far no US or North American distribution deal or DVD release
have been announced. All the available film festival info has been added
to the Calendar below.
============================================================
August 28,
2009 WYS distribution deal!
‘When You’re Strange’
Writer and Director
Tom DiCillo posted terrific news today on his “NEWS” page at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192 : "When You're Strange" has just secured an official
theatrical distribution deal for France.
The company is MK2, a well-respected French distributor with experience
in both documentary and narrative features.
MK2 will be assisting at the premiere of the film at the upcoming
Deauville Film Festival September 6 in France.
============================================================
August 10,
2009 WYS update
'When You're Strange'
writer & director Tom DiCillo posted today on his NEWS
link at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192 that
WYS has been selected for a series of special screenings at the San Sebastian
Film Festival in Spain in late September. DiCillo commented that this
inclusion indicates a strong vote of confidence. This is in addition to
his previous news that WYS has been accepted into the Deauville (France) Film
Festival's Documentary Section. He thinks a tentative screening date is
September 6th, subject to change.
============================================================
August 3,
2009 'When You're Strange' news
'When You're Strange'
Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has added Blog #61
"Dog Daze" at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
wherein he shares a little bit of WYS news.
DiCillo once again assures us that the developments are good but is unable to
provide details to fans at this time. However, he does say there is
serious interest from US distributors for a theatrical release, as well as
several offers from France for a theatrical release in that territory ... which
would pave the way for other international offers. The film has been
invited to the Deauville International Film Festival in France in early
September. DiCillo has been to this festival with four previous films, and
his 'Living In Oblivion' won Best Picture there in 1995.
============================================================
August 1,
2009 no WYS news
'When You're Strange'
Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has still not posted any
news about the film getting picked up by distributors. It is not necessary
to write to me and ask about it. When I learn of an announcement, I will
share it here. Until then, no news is no news.
============================================================
July 11, 2009 WYS:
still waiting
There is still no
announcement about distribution deals for 'When You're
Strange' on Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's blog. He does tease us with
the news that there is a very prestigious sale in the works for France, which
would spur the interest of other European territories. He says the
response to the NYC screening was strong and there should be some significant
news within a few weeks. When I get wind of something, I'll share it here.
============================================================
July 7, 2009 WYS
review
The recent screenings of
'When You're Strange' at the L.A. Film Festival were low profile, possibly
due in part to the late submission of the film. I don't believe there were
any press screenings, so reviews have been hard to find ... but I finally found
one. Read it at:
http://www.pronetworks.org/index.php/independent_films/post/my_review_of_when_youre_strange_at_2009_la_film_festival/
============================================================
June 26,
2009 Jac Holzman on 'WYS'
Elektra Records founder Jac
Holzman was at a private screening of 'When You're
Strange' last week, which was also attended by Johnny Depp and John Densmore,
among others. Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has posted Holzman's letter to
him on blog #60 Strange in LA at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=204
DiCillo's preface to sharing the letter should also
be read, but here is the content of Holzman's email:
Tom - I saw the screening over the weekend and was just knocked out. There have been many attempts at a Doors film AND so many abject failures that I had despaired of anyone getting it “right.” And by “right” I meant just letting the band and their music hit a contemporary audience full blast.
I have lived with The Doors for 43 years and understand that the sheer power and danger of the group had to come out through their music even more than in live performance footage. You got that just right. In the context of all the music that flowed into the mighty rock ‘n’ roll tributary, The Doors still excite, chill, inform and challenge the listener.
The canny addition of the HWY material as context-within-context, the intense editing without showiness, sound mixing, Johnny Depp’s subtle phrasing and solid narration all fuse into one of the great films about music and the crazy, driven people who have no choice but to create it. Pondering the movie later I realized what guts it took for Ray, Robbie and John even to get on a stage with Jim. Only the best and most committed musicians could have made that work.
When You’re Strange viscerally plugs into that tremulous period when The Doors represented the furthest edge to which one might aspire without actually getting arrested. I’ve alerted my associates at Warner Music Group about the June 30th screening in New York. I’ve told them this is a “must see” music movie. Jac
============================================================
June 25,
2009
Westwood! <> more on L.A.F.F.
A few words about Westwood: what a week it's
been for that town. The reinvigorated L.A.
Film Festival started last Thursday and continues through this Sunday. The
Federal Building was the site of large demonstrations and candlelight vigils for
the political drama unfolding in Iran last weekend. Ed McMahon passed away at
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Tuesday morning. And this afternoon,
Michael Jackson was transported to that same hospital before the news of his
death was confirmed. I apologize in advance if this sounds crass or
callous,
but it's from the perspective of a movie-goer: it is a lucky break for
attendees of 'When You're Strange' screenings that none were planned for late this
afternoon or this evening! It probably would have been near impossible to
get into town, let alone find parking. 'Nuff said.
Speaking of the L.A. Film Festival and 'When You're Strange' again .... I have seen some pix on-line from the LAFF that indicate that Johnny Depp was there for the premiere of his newest film last week. Maybe he got to attend a private WYS screening before he took off on the promotional tour for 'Public Enemies.' I also heard that Jac Holzman saw it. I know I've been grousing about there being no Q&A sessions following the two screenings here this week; I should clarify that the absence of Writer & Director Tom DiCillo was not intentional on his part, but was due to his own schedule and the producers' decision to keep the film 'low profile' at this film festival. (But I still missed them!)
============================================================
June 24,
2009 'When You're Strange'
screening #2
'When You're Strange' had its
second and final screening at the L.A. Film Festival
this afternoon at The Regent in Westwood, just south of the UCLA campus. I
am pretty sure this show was sold out because before the screening began, the
theater people were scurrying around looking for empty seats and then directing
late arrivals to those. Ray & Dorothy Manzarek, along with Robby Krieger and his
son Waylon, entered the theater from a front side door to audience cheers and
applause. I also spotted Jim's oldest nephew, Dylan Graham (Anne's son).
Once again, a festival employee read a statement from Writer & Director Tom
DiCillo before the film rolled. The film was applauded and cheered as the
credits rolled by. As I mentioned in my Sunday night screening re-cap, it is
unfortunate that the WYS audiences at this film festival in particular
did not have the benefit of the Q&A segment with DiCillo, which he conducted
after every Sundance showing. What with the proximity to UCLA, and the
'hometown' nature of this locale, there may have been some interesting
and lively discussion points brought up by attendees! Next week there is a
buyer's screening in New York City. Here's hoping this film gets a
theatrical release very soon!
============================================================
June 23,
2009 'When You're Strange'
It should be noted that Tom
DiCillo is not only the Director of 'When You're Strange'
but he is also the Writer. I keep neglecting to credit him for the terrific
script that weaves together all the footage and tells the story in a new and
fresh manner. I've inserted that descriptive in yesterday's news story and
will try to remember to give him that credit going forward! That being
said ... in the News section of DiCillo's website today at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192
he mentions that there will be a buyer's screening in NYC on June 30th.
Now, this is important! The film needs a buyer in order to
get it into distribution as a feature film so audiences everywhere can see it as
it is intended: in a theater on a large screen with a great sound system,
with that pristine HWY footage and outtakes! DiCillo has been really good
about communicating what is going on on his website, so we can look forward to
more blog updates. He goes on to say that Johnny Depp saw the film over
the weekend and was 'extremely complimentary.' It's all good!
By the way, if you scroll down to the bottom section of DiCillo's blog at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=181, you will
find some comments from others who were in the audience on Sunday night, and his
responses.
============================================================
June 22,
2009 'When You're Strange'
premiere
'When You're Strange' had its
L.A. Film Festival premiere last night at the Mann
Festival Theater in Westwood. It was the first screening at this festival,
located in the heart of Westwood near UCLA where Morrison and Manzarek and
Ferrara all fatefully came together. This was also the first public screening of
the film with the new Johnny Depp narration. I never had a problem with
the original narration by Writer & Director Tom DiCillo, but I certainly do like the Depp
contribution. The new and improved narration is leaner (less talking over
the footage) and Depp's nuanced inflections hit the right marks! This
version includes some newly added footage that was not in the earlier,
DiCillo-narrated version. The HWY footage edited in from the newly-surfaced
original negative is nothing short of stunning! I can't stress that
enough!! If you have ever seen a grainy, time-coded bootleg of HWY, you
may understand what I'm trying to impart. The music is rich sounding and many of
the songs get to play out in their entirety. Prior to the screening, one of the L.A.F.F. people read a statement from the absent DiCillo; that included
a well-deserved acknowledgement of cinematographer Paul Ferrara who was in the
audience with his wife Sandy. At the Sundance Festival screening I
attended in January, the audience benefitted from both a brief introduction from
Director DiCillo, as well as a Q&A with him following the film. In that
regard, this festival audience missed out on something! I did not see any
members of The Doors there, but that's not to say there were none just because I
didn't spot any. Celebrity sighting: we noticed actor Adrian Grenier (of
Entourage) walking past us to get into line. There is only one more chance
to see 'When You're Strange' at this film festival.
Tickets can still be purchased on-line for theWednesday afternoon (2:00) screening at
The Regent:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305
============================================================
June 21,
2009 'When You're Strange'
premiere tonight + traffic warning
'When You're Strange' premieres
tonight at the L.A. Film Festival in its final form,
with the Johnny Depp narration track. The screening begins at 10 p.m., and
ticket holders MUST be in their seats 15 minutes before. At that time,
empty seats will be sold to people waiting to buy tickets which are available
only at the door for tonight's screening. It's important to note
that yesterday there were large demonstrations of Iranians at the corner of
Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards (at the Veterans building) that were still
going strong at 10 p.m. last night. News reports indicated the demonstrators
would return today in even larger numbers. Traffic and parking in Westwood will
surely be affected, so allow extra time if you are planning to attend.
Tickets can still be purchased on-line for the Wednesday afternoon screening at:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305
============================================================
June 16,
2009 original HWY negative found
HWY news: this is big.
No, this news is HUGE. One
of the Holy Grails of Doors-dom, i.e., the original 35 mm negative of HWY, has
been located through HWY's editor, Frank Lisciandro. This show-stopping news was
posted today on WYS Director Tom DiCillo's "NEWS" blog on his website at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192.
Director DiCillo goes on to say that the shots have been cut into the film and
they look breathtaking, as if they were shot yesterday. I guess this means
that what I already thought looked amazing at Sundance in January, will now be
beyond dazzling. I can't wait! DiCillo does go on to express
concerns that the skeptics who previously doubted that all the footage was
indeed Morrison, (and not a double or an actor) ... will now be even more
convinced of their delusions. DiCillo asks Doors fans and historians
everywhere to spread the word that 'When You're Strange' contains NO effen
re-enactments ... all the Morrison HWY footage used in 'When You're Strange' IS
the real deal, written and acted by Morrison in 1969. Like I said ... this is huge news!
============================================================
June 9,
2009 'When You're Strange' ticket link
Here is another link to
order tickets for the L.A. Film Festival screenings of
'When You're Strange' on June 21 and 24:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305
============================================================
June 2,
2009 WYS at LA Film Festival <> WYS ordering
link
The listing for
'When You're Strange'
on the LA Film Festival's website is a real challenge to find.
Not quite sure why ... it took me awhile on Sunday evening to find the two
screenings, but I finally did. But I cannot locate them again. If
you are trying to order tickets and do not have the time or the patience to try
all the various search methods on their site, you can order them by phone at:
1.866.FilmFest
More info regarding the problems in locating the listings for 'When You're Strange' on the LA Film Fest's website: I wrote the website and got a reply that it has just been added, and should be available for ticketing on their website by Friday. The odd thing is that I did manage to order tickets myself, but then could not find the listings again later. It seems like the film IS there, but not linked on all the pages it should be. In the meantime, a fan found a page with the listings that does work for ticket ordering: http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/Country/USA/Page5 (thanks, David)
============================================================
May 31,
2009 'When You're Strange' is done & will be
screened in L.A.
'When You're Strange' ... the long awaited
and highly anticipated Tom DiCillo film about The
Doors, is finished! The Johnny Depp narration has been cut into the movie,
the film is locked, and it will get two screenings at the L.A. Film Festival in
Westwood. The June 21 showing is at 10:00 p.m. at the Mann Festival
Theatre,
and the June 24 showing is at 2:00 p.m. at The Regent. For more info and to
order tickets, go to:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/2009/
Don't be surprised if you have a hard time finding the film listed ... I
don't even know how I finally found the listings, just keep trying different
links and searches.
============================================================
May 20, 2009
'When You're Strange' narration is done!
FINALLY ... some great news
regarding 'When You're Strange'. According to
Director Tom DiCillo's "news" column on his blog page at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192,
Johnny Depp has recorded his narration and they are in
the process of cutting it into the picture. DiCillo remarked that it
sounds fantastic and that Depp's work brings something very personal to the
film.
We can get the excited and enthusiastic anticipation about this film fired up
again! YEA!!! DiCillo's report also says that there is at least
a week's worth of work before it is all put together. I don't know what
follows next, but I'd guess that maybe some film festivals again and that the
film distributors who previously viewed it, would start sharpening their
pencils. This is SUCH good news!
============================================================
April 6,
2009 Sundance interview clips
The blog of
'When You're Strange'
director Tom DiCillo has offered up some more interview clips of
DiCillo and John Densmore from the Sundance Film Festival. Go to:
http://www.movingpicturesmagazine.com/videoaudio/mpminterviews/john-densmore-tom-dicillo-when-youre-strange.
============================================================
March 30,
2009 new DiCillo blog
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo
has posted another blog earlier today. #55 is
titled FRAGMENTal, subtitled Notes From Winter, and recounts Tom's jet-lagged
and sleep-deprived adventures and impressions in both Park City, Utah and
Berlin, Germany as the film was presented at those film festivals. Check
it out at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=148
============================================================
March 17, 2009 Admiral in 'WYS'
DVD extras
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo's
Blog #55 'Round Two' revealed in comments a few days ago that the interview that
was conducted with Jim's father a few years ago for this documentary, will be
used in the DVD extras. That's something to look forward to, I know a lot
of fans have inquired about that. Tom also said in another post that
Johnny Depp was planning to start the narration a week or so ago, but there are
no further updates on that.
============================================================
March 2,
2009 UCLA on 'When You're Strange'
The UCLA School of Theater, Film and
Television did a story on 'When You're Strange',
citing alumni Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison and Paul Ferrara. Check it
out at:
http://www.tft.ucla.edu/news/announcement/583-ferrara_doors-documentary/
The bottom of that story links to the
Richard Blackburn drawing
'A Perfect Day at the Gypsy
Wagon' which includes depictions of Paul (#46),
Ray & Dorothy (#44), and Jim (#32). Paul wrote about the Gypsy Wagon and
this drawing in his recent autobiography
"Flash Of Eden."
By the way, Paul Ferrara has been selling photos from his private portfolio on
his website. There are a few left, which can be seen at:
http://paulferrara.net/ ... click on the
link for 'Original Photo Prints For Sale.'
============================================================
February 28,
2009 WYS out of SXSW
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo's
Blog #55 'Round Two' revealed in comments yesterday that the film is not going
to get a screening at SXSW in Austin, Texas in a few weeks after all. Tom
explained that Johnny Depp had a schedule conflict this week and will not be
able to record until some time next week. That makes it impossible to get
his voice cut in for the SXSW festival in two weeks. Tom said they are all
in agreement that the film should not screen again until Johnny's voice is in.
Tom's voice was always intended to be temporary; now that they have a real
narrator, it's better to wait for the film to be right before it gets shown
again. Tom's blog page is at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
============================================================
February
19, 2009 WYS official website
'When You're Strange'
now has
an official website at:
http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/
The site has the movie trailer, clips from the
Sundance premiere, interviews, and more. If you have not been keeping up
with Director Tom DiCillo's blog at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/,
he recently posted that he hopes to have the Johnny Depp narration in place for
the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas next month.
============================================================
February
13, 2009 John & DiCillo in Berlin
John Densmore attended the Berlin
Film Festival along with 'When You're Strange' Director Tom
DiCillo last week. A brief clip of them discussing the film and answering
audience questions can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEbv3_cZOM
(thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
February
11, 2009 Berlin WYS blog
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo
is back from the Berlin Film Festival and sold-out screenings, and has posted a very
brief blog #55 called Round 2. His blog header says he has been awake for
39 hours, so the brevity is understandable and he's probably counting sheep by
now. He does share that there are already offers for theatrical releases
in England and France, with more to follow ... and that he hopes the have the
Johnny Depp narration in place by the time the film goes to the SXSW Film
Festival next month. The link to this latest blog is at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=154#comments and
from there, he links to a review (thank goodness, it's in English!). Check
them out.
============================================================
February
7, 2009 Johnny Depp: narrator <> film gets
a distributor
It is just about
6:00 p.m. in Berlin, Germany
right now, where the first European screening of 'When You're
Strange' is already underway. It is at this screening where Executive
Producer Dick Wolf and Director Tom DiCillo announce that actor Johnny Depp will do
the narration for 'When You're Strange.' Depp's voice will replace
that of Director DiCillo which was heard on the screening prints used at the
Sundance Film Festival. It has always been stated that there would be
another voice used for the theatrical release, and curiosity and speculation
have been building. Unfortunately, there have been 'leaks' about this
announcement for the last two days, but now it's official! Sounds terrific, what a
great "get" this is.
ContentFilm International has taken worldwide sales rights to 'When You're Strange' according to a story on ScreenDaily.com at: http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=43136&Category=. In time, I'm sure we'll all learn what this means in terms of distribution and worldwide theatrical release, so this is more exciting news!
============================================================
February
4, 2009 DiCillo interview <> in-depth DiCillo &
DCM interview
'When You're Strange'
Director Tom DiCillo
can be seen talking about the film in an
8-minute interview at:
http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp?aid=10768&tcid=1
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo did a lengthy and insightful interview last week with Kerry Humpherys of Doors Collectors Magazine (www.doors.com) and Salli Stevenson. The interview link is included in the latest issue of DCM's Strange Days Newsletter, and can be accessed directly at: http://www.doors.com/magazine/tomdicillo.html
============================================================
February
3, 2009 John's webmaster interviewed <> WYS
narration & website news
John Densmore's webmaster Jim Southwick
was interviewed last night on a northern California
radio station, KMUD at 91.1 FM. Jim attended a screening last month in
Salt Lake City of the 'When You're Strange' film, and he spoke extensively of
that as well as the website and fan forum he runs at
www.johndensmore.com.
The interview runs about 15 minutes and can be heard
at:
http://www.johndensmore.com/humboldt.mp3
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo mentioned in his blog yesterday at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/ that the announcement about the film narrator will be made in Berlin. The first screening at the Berlin Film Festival is this Saturday which includes the press screening, so stay tuned for that news! He also informed that there will be no official website for the movie until it hits U.S. theaters, so fans can stop searching for that for the time being.
============================================================
February
2, 2009 WYS goes to SXSW
'When You're Strange'
will go to the
SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas which runs from March 13 to
March 21, according to Filmmaker Blog at Filmmaker Magazine.
The film is in a category called '24
Beats Per Second', a showcase for documentaries about music, musicians, or the
cultural ties that exist around them. Read the story at:
http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/blog/2009/02/sxsw-announces-line-up.php
and
http://www.indiewire.com/article/sxsw_unveils_09_line_up/
============================================================
February
1, 2009 WYS goes to Berlin
'When You're Strange'
makes its European
debut this coming Saturday, February 7 at
the Berlin Film Festival. For the screening schedule, see calendar below
or go to:
http://www.berlinale.de/en/presse/pressevorfuehrungen/datenblatt.php?film_id=20094596
============================================================
January 27,
2009 Kerry's WYS
review
Kerry Humpherys of Doors
Collectors Magazine has just sent out his latest
Strange Days Newsletter #188 with his own review of 'When You're Strange.'
If somehow you are not among his subscriber list of 24,000+ Doors fans, you can
go to his home page at
www.doors.com
and sign up (it's free!). In the meantime, read Kerry's
impressions of the film at:
http://doors.com/188/.
Kerry also has an in-depth interview with 'When You're Strange' Director
Tom DiCillo coming our way in the near future ... that's something exciting to
look forward to just before Director DiCillo heads east for the movie's European
premiere at the Berlin Film Festival which runs from February 5 to the 15th.
============================================================
January
26, 2009 Tom DiCillo's latest blog
'When You're Strange' Director Tom
DiCillo's latest blog #54 titled "Round One" is a
must-read for fans:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=153
Well said, Tom!
============================================================
January
25, 2009 Sundance blogger interview
A Sundance blogger
who interviewed
'When You're
Strange' Director Tom DiCillo can be read at: http://www.sundancechannel.com/festival/blog/2009/01/dealing-with-the-doors/
(thanks, Joe)
============================================================
January
23, 2009 movie trailer <> Ray & Robby's mini-jam
The trailer for 'When You're
Strange' is contained in this link, according to the
story's writer:
http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/10589/tcid/1
Park City's mayor Dana Williams played harmonica on Roadhouse Blues when Ray and Robby did a two-song mini-jam last weekend at the Gibson Lounge during the Sundance Festival. There is still no info on who the other musicians or the female vocalist were, but this story refers to them as the 'house band.' Read story at: http://www.parkrecord.com/city/ci_11539354 If you missed the story with the links to both videos the first time around, here it is again at: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/doors-at-sundance-video.html
============================================================
January
22, 2009 more thoughts on WYS <> more Sundance
interviews <> John interview
'When You're Strange'
... more thoughts! First and foremost, and
straight from the Director himself: this film has lots of positive stuff
happening for it, and it is still going to the Berlin Film Festival in early
February ... so that is all good! Let's not rush to read
too much into the fact that some critics were strangely vicious, even rude,
about this film and/or its narrative.
I suspect there is a breed of critics who feel empowered when they can
criticize the efforts of those with actual artistic talent. Many times I
have passed on a movie or TV series based on critical reviews, and then later
discovered that I had missed out on something great! There have been
remarks about the use of newsreel footage to help define what was going on
during the era; some felt it was unnecessary or too obvious. I was in my
early 20's when I experienced my Doors concerts, and know all too well what was
going on in the late 60's in the USA. However, this film will draw
audiences who were not born yet, or not raised in this country where those
events were front page news and became part of our personal experiences.
I feel it's important to remember that as it relates to the context the Director
was providing. Yes, there is familiar footage from HWY
and Feast of Friends and the official releases. It would have been
impossible to tell the story of this band that we love so much without using
some of that stuff which is so great, that it was previously released.
It is hard to describe, but the way this film has been edited gives the familiar
film footage new significance. Fans want to know exactly what is new, and
that is difficult to explain. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of clips and images
... and you will see things that you realize you have never seen before.
Let's be positive, think good thoughts for this film and project an eagerness to
see its widespread release. You never know who might be lurking around the
forums looking for fan reactions. Lastly: I will not reply individually to everyone who
has written me in the last 24 hours with questions. It is simply too soon
to know what the distribution details will be, when it will be available in
theaters within or outside the USA, be shown on Sundance Channel, or when it will be available as a DVD
release. When that info is available, it will be shared! Please
don't take it personally if I don't write back ... I just answered most of your
questions in the last few sentences.
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo, along with Robby and Ray, can be seen discussing the film in a 4-minute interview during Sundance at this link: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid5237562001?bclid=8598973001&bctid=8620345001
Another interview with 'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo can be found at: http://blog.spout.com/2009/01/20/tom-dicillo-when-youre-strange-interview-sundance-2009/ (thanks, Bill)
My son got busy tracking down interviews and clips as well, and found a 2-1/2 minute AMC interview with DiCillo, Ray and Robby: http://www.amctv.com/videos/movie-news/?bcpid=1725961875&bclid=7065999001&bctid=8484268001 (thanks, David my son)
John Densmore was interviewed while he was at the Sundance Film Festival for the film's premiere: read this one at: http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Doors+documentary+recalls+strange+days+when+Morrison+ruled+stage/1198627/story.html (thanks, Bill)
============================================================
January 21,
2009 'When You're Strange' screening <> Sundance interview
Some hours ago I got home
from an overnight trip to Salt Lake City where I saw the Tuesday
night screening of 'When You're Strange' accompanied by some long-time Doors
friends: Jim Southwick, webmaster at
johndensmore.com
and his wife Leah, and Kerry Humpherys of
Doors Collectors Magazine.
And now the truth can be told: this was my second viewing of the film; I
saw it in November with cinematographer Paul Ferrara, whose film footage is used
extensively. Many of us have seen bootleg footage of HWY over the years
... if you have, let me assure you that you have never seen it like this
which is 'worth the price of admission' alone! Its quality is pristine
which translates to brilliant and breathtaking when viewed on a large theater
screen, and it is utilized cleverly and creatively throughout. As
publicized, there is indeed never-before-seen footage that will thrill even the
most jaded Doors fan. Director Tom DiCillo has found himself in the strange
position of needing to re-assure viewers that ALL the footage is of Jim, Ray,
Robby, and John, and that there are NO actors. Apparently at the media
screening someone stormed out because he felt that there was an actor being
used to portray Jim Morrison, when actually it was some of the vivid and
pristine HWY footage of a bearded Jim. Seriously! The editing which juxtaposes
concert footage and still photos breathes new life into that which is familiar.
Robby is given proper credit for all his songwriting contributions. Since the
film's premiere last Saturday, I have shared links to various reviews that have
been favorable overall. I disagree strongly with some other media reviews which
are surprisingly, even bizarrely, critical of the narration by Director DiCillo, and I exercise my prerogative to not share those here
because they largely ignore the film content itself, instead taking issue with the tone of DiCillo's voice (fer crissakes!). I have the
advantage of having seen this film twice. With two months to reflect
between my first and second viewings, I feel DiCillo's narration set just the
right tone. This film is about The Doors, all four of them!
DiCillo's narration appropriately does not overwhelm or detract from that
story. If you have not taken the time to read the two blogs (#52 and #53) that DiCillo wrote about this project's process, this would be a good time:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/.
But don't just stop reading there, because DiCillo actually took the time to respond to
each and every comment or question posed to him, which shed light on additional
aspects including the narration. Some of the critics complained because
there were no interviews, no 'talking heads', and DiCillo discusses that decision on one of the
blogs as well. One critic dared to call it 'Doors For Dummies' ... what an
insult and I'd say that critic IS the dummy. This production is
targeted for a theatrical release and therefore, it would indeed play to many
"Doors Dummies" who are familiar with only the most common or most lurid stories and facts
... so while this film covers a lot of territory that is already familiar to
readers of this website ... trust me, there is PLENTY to satisfy fans
like us! Let's hope that those unfavorable reviews do not impede
the future of this film. Jim Southwick posted some of his own impressions
about last night's screening on John's forum; to read that, go to:
http://forum.johndensmore.com/index.php?showtopic=2957&st=20
and scroll down to Page 2, Post #27 by KnowIdea.
A 9-minute video clip of Director Tom DiCillo, Ray and Robby being interviewed the day after Saturday's premiere can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v319aHuzt2Q (thanks, KDW)
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January
19, 2009 Sundance 'WYS' reviews <> more Sundance 'WYS' stories
Last evening was the screening
of 'When You're Strange' for press and industry, so
there are a bunch of reviews popping up. I'm not going to use every one
but will select the most comprehensive ones to share. I'm going to start
with these:
http://www.thestar.com/Entertainment/article/573260
and
http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=42684
Just a few more stories and reviews about Sundance and 'When You're Strange': http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/sundance-monday-no-im-not-there/ and http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/01/sundance-jack-1.html
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January
17, 2009 The Doors at Sundance
Robby, Ray, and John are all in
Park City right now for the Sundance Film Festival.
'When You're Strange' had its premiere showing this evening. Earlier
today, Robby and Ray participated in a mini-jam at the Gibson Lounge and
performed 'Riders On The Storm' and 'Roadhouse Blues' (maybe more, I don't
know!. This can be seen on YouTube videos on this link: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/doors-at-sundance-video.html
Dorothy Manzarek can be seen sitting just behind Ray in both videos.
Incidentally, Ray and Dorothy just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on
December 21.
============================================================
January
14, 2009 DiCillo interview <> follow Sundance from home
Tom DiCillo, Director of 'When You're Strange',
has a brief interview in today's Salt Lake City Tribune wherein
he discusses his idea for the structure of the film. Read it at:
http://www.sltrib.com/entertainment/ci_11451942
The same publication, Salt Lake City Tribune, also has a story about following the film festival events from home via internet, Sundance Channel, etc. If that is of interest to you, check it out at: http://www.sltrib.com/sundance/ci_11399770
============================================================
January
12, 2009 When You're Strange
'When You're Strange' tops the
list of the "13 Films You Should Be Excited To See At
Sundance 2009" according to the featured article at:
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/13-films-you-should-be-excited-to-see-at-sundance-2009.php
============================================================
January 9,
2009 DiCillo interview
Tom DiCillo,
Director of 'When You're Strange', can
be seen in a 3-minute video discussing the film. The video is on the
Sundance website at this link:
http://festival.sundance.org/2009/videos/
Click on "Meet The Artists" and scroll over to the second page ... DiCillo
is right in the middle square, and well worth the listen!
============================================================
January 8,
2009 Doors docu screening schedule <> Ray
interview
A Rhino Records press
release about 'When You're Strange' which includes the
screening schedule at Sundance can be found at:
http://www.rhino.com/rzine/pressrelease.lasso?PRID=603
Ray Manzarek did a 15-minute phone interview with a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune in advance of next week's 'When You're Strange' premiere at Sundance in Park City. During the interview, Ray reveals that following Sundance the band will tour Mexico, then do about six U.S. west coast dates from Seattle to San Diego, then down to South America, and finally into the recording studio to record some new music with various singers. Ray also said they will be the Manzarek-Krieger Band, with the same musicians as Riders On The Storm. Listen to it at: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/hello-i-talk-to-you.html
============================================================
December
28,
2008 film director's blog
Tom DiCillo,
Director of 'When You're Strange',
posted another blog about this film that we are all breathlessly awaiting the
debut of. This entry #53, titled 'Mojo Risin', gives insight about how he
conceptualized the project, the meetings he had, the use of HWY outtakes, and
much more. Be sure to check it out at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
and if you haven't already, also read blog #52 titled 'The
Doors.'
============================================================
December
23,
2008 Sundance ad
Check out the Sundance Film Festival
page on 'When You're Strange' at:
http://festival.sundance.org/2009/film_events/films/when_youre_strange
============================================================
December
22,
2008 When You're Strange poster
Check out the poster for
the forthcoming film documentary, 'When You're
Strange'
go here
(thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
December 18,
2008 When You're Strange in Billboard
'When You're Strange'
got a nice write-up in today's Billboard.com.
Rhino will release a soundtrack to the film next summer. To read the
full text of the Billboard story,
go here
(thanks, George)
============================================================
December 3,
2008 Doors docu goes to Sundance
"When You're Strange",
the long-awaited
forthcoming documentary, is an Official Selection of The Sundance
Festival. It will be in the main documentary competition and will have its
world premiere there on January 17th! The overall Sundance line-up
presents 118 feature-length films which were chosen from 3,661 submissions!
There has also been an official invitation from the Berlin Film Festival in
February. The film's director, Tom DiCillo, discusses the film at length
in a blog posted today on his website. Check it out at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
============================================================
December 2,
2008 Doors documentary titled
"When You're Strange"
is the title of the forthcoming Doors documentary. I
like this title because it's a song line that has not already been used
elsewhere!
============================================================
Robby news only
Ray news only
John news only
return to Ida's L.A. Woman Confidential home page
for more Doors news and reviews