erollence

First, I'm glad I saw this in the theater. I like to financially support films like this. That said, I won't be buying the Blu-ray.

There is a misconception among many modern day directors/cinematographers: DARK = SCARY. It's been false time and again. The worn-out idea is not true.

It was so dark I couldn't tell the difference between the day and night scenes. Seriously! That's an important factor in a vampire movie! Should I make a run for it? If it's daytime; sure! If it's nighttime; nope! What about NOW? Is it day or night?! Uh, I can't tell!

I'm sure others are raving about the makeup. Most shots of the vampire are very dimly lit long shots. There was one close up of just his eyes, and I can only image the light source was a single candle about 100 feet away. So utterly dark I couldn't even tell if he had eyebrows! I really did want to SEE the vampire. Are his fangs close together like in the classic silent movie? Uh, maybe? Never saw 'em.

Dark cinematography aside, there was really just one scene that was truly creepy/scary. I found "Last Voyage of the Demeter" to be better for delivering thrills and chills. Don't be surprised if all the gushing (pun intended) 10 star reviews don't live up to expectations.

Thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. There are a lot of interviews with Rock stars that are still alive, and a few clips of some that have already died. It's interesting hearing their stories as they look back on their Rock lives. Some Rock careers had the lifespan of a Mayfly. Even their stories are fascinating.

I've heard so many times that Nirvana releasing Nevermind was the dagger to the heart of Hard Rock/Metal. This documentary partially confirmed that, although there were others factors at play as well, including Beavis and Butthead of all things.

Drugs, drugs, and more drugs were at the center of many bands doing their worst to undermine their own lives and careers. Really sad and stupid. It was also interesting to hear how flat broke a lot of artists were just trying to make it in the business.

Sometimes, a documentary will make you feel more love or compassion for the subject after having watched the film. This documentary is NOT one of those! There really wasn't one band or artist I felt better about after having watched this documentary. I love all the music, but their lives were an absolute mess. An interesting look behind the curtain, or backstage if you will.

The writer/director seemed hell-bent on not pointing fingers or choosing sides. Consequently, he ended up taking an infamous stance: "There are very good (or bad) people, ON BOTH SIDES." Everyone is equally at fault. There are no good guys, no bad guys, no winners, only losers. I understood his desire to not put his thumb on the scale in American politics, but as a moviegoer it felt empty. It's Star Wars, except EVERYONE is a storm-trooper, and they are all just killing whoever crosses their path. The movie ends with half the storm-troopers dead and the other half alive. Hooray for the storm-troopers?

This movie is about a Civil War in the United States of America, but American politics plays no part. Therefore, it's portrayed as if it could be ANY fictitious country. The message: war is bad. Yeah, we get it.