Search - Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten on DVD

Movie Release: 2006 DVD Release: 07/08/2008 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 3 hrs 42 mins Studio: Sony Legacy Members Wishing: 16 Genres: Music, Biography, Music History

Filmmaker Julien Temple takes a look beyond the guise of the late, anti-establishment icon Joe Strummer to offer a warm portrait of the self-described "mouthy little git" who was born John Mellor and was destined to become the frontman for one of the most influential punk bands ever. A complex figure who would learn to use his gift for music as a means of decompressing his conscience, Strummer is revealed here through unearthed interviews and the illuminating recollections of his closest companions. At times idealistic to a fault, the flawed Clash singer/songwriter had a special gift for compelling listeners to think as they moved to the music. Vintage performance footage and excerpts from Strummer's popular BBC radio program offer the ideal musical backdrop for an affectionate tribute to a punk-rock legend. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Joe Strummer
Mick Jones
Nicky "Topper" Headon
Terry Chimes
Iain Gillies

Julian Temple, who previously chronicled the career of The Sex Pistols in two different films, turned his focus on Joe Strummer, the late leader of The Clash, in this documentary which has been given an effective presentation on DVD. Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten has been transferred to disc in the widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, letterboxed on conventional televisions and enhanced for anamorphic play on 16x9 monitors. The image is rich and colorful, and while the quality of the archival footage is inconsistent, Temple uses this to his creative advantage in giving the film an appropriately eclectic look. The audio has been mastered in two formats, Dolby Digital Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1, and the sound is full-bodied throughout, though like the visuals the age and rough filming conditions of some of the earlier material is obvious. The interviews and performances are (with rare exceptions) in English, with no subtitles or multiple language options included. Bonus materials include an addition 100 minutes of "campfire interviews" with Strummer's friends, family and band mates; an optional commentary track from director Temple; and the film's original trailer. The Future Is Unwritten offers a fascinating variety of perspectives on one of the towering figures in British rock, and the DVD release does the film and its subject justice. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide