Search - I Trust You to Kill Me on DVD

Absolutely mesmerizing

D. Perry | California, USA | 12/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this documentary when it appeared on VH1, amazingly shown with *no* commercials. I taped it and have watched it several times since. I think it's one of the best documentaries I've ever seen of an "unknown" band trying to make its mark on the music industry.

I disagree with the reviewer who intimated that it was mostly about Kiefer. It was probably half about Kiefer and his enthusiasm for promoting this "new" band that he's crazy over, and half about the band itself. We see fascinating glimpses of the band practicing at Ironworks, Kiefer's recording studio, and there are enough interviews, interspersed throughout the film, of Rocco (the lead singer/lead guitarist/head guru of the band) to get a feel for him as a person. My take: he is one very intense guy: multi-layered, charismatic, and angst-ridden.

Kiefer is amusing throughout and it's touching to see his devotion to getting this band he believes in off the ground. At one point in the documentary, in Dublin, Kiefer goes out on the street offering free tickets to strangers, just so that the band's gig that night will be filled. Wotta guy! Also, Kiefer is quite charming during the moments in the film when he reflects upon himself, and most self-disparigingly I might add. You get a feel for this actor as a person, just as you get a feel for the band Rocco Deluca & The Burden -- just enough to fascinate you and leave you wanting to know more.

I also disagree with the reviewer who intimated that Kiefer was drunk throughout the documentary. I saw only a few instances when Kiefer was drunk, and it was when the band and its entourage were "partying" after the gigs -- which to me seems an appropriate time to be drunk, if ever there was one.

I recently heard one of the band's songs played on our local modern rock station, and I was thrilled to see that they *are* starting to make some headway; maybe(?) as a result of this film being shown on VH1. I'd certainly never heard of them before and I've since bought their CD and it's fantastic. So, the film won one new fan for the band and I'm sure others besides; which I'm sure was the motivation behind Kiefer's involvement in the documentary -- *not* to promote himself. He hardly needs it, with the great success of 24.

On a side note, the documentary is also an absolute feast for the eyes. There are many shots of the landscape of Eastern Europe that the band travels through on this tour that are simply haunting. Between the images and the subject, there's not a single dull moment in this documentary. Highly recommended.

--MysteryPerry"

Drinking And Partying Across Europe--The Professional Side O

K. Harris | Las Vegas, NV | 11/19/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Men approaching a certain age sometimes take a moment to reflect on their life's progress. Some may call it mid-life crisis and it can be typified by actions meant to keep one feeling young--the classic cliche's include buying a sports car or starting to date younger women. Keifer Sutherland, however, takes things a step further. He takes a wide-eyed interest in an unknown band and ostensibly becomes their road manager for a two week European tour. This is the ground covered in the documentary "I Trust You To Kill Me."

I'm not sure what the original intention of this documentary was, but it clearly becomes upstaged by Keifer Sutherland's participation. But it was probably Sutherland's attachment that got the cameras rolling in the first place (and if not, certainly he is the name that secured a distribution deal for the film). For the band is largely superfluous. I suppose we spend some time with the lead singer, I know that music is his passion. However, watching a film about an unknown band is not something I would typically do. At the very least, I'd hoped to walk away with an incisive portrait of a group trying to break onto the scene. Maybe I'd get a look at the artistic sacrifice or gain deep insight into what living for your music means--but not in "I Trust You To Kill Me." Ultimately, this is a largely superficial peak at the actual musicians--and you watch the band politely while waiting to see what Sutherland will do next.

Sutherland doesn't disappoint. Inebriated for much of the tour, he is mostly there to use his name to help fill venues. One stop in Iceland where he is interviewed by a local TV station--they ask about his last visit when he was written about continuously as a notorious partier. That's not much of a stretch because this time around he manages to stumble about, loses his phone, loses his wallet, and in one hotel lobby--he hurls himself into a Christmas tree. Needless to say, this professionalism eventually ends his connection to the band. But he'll always remember Europe because he got one of their song titles tattooed in Icelandic covering his entire forearm.

Amusing and somewhat sad, I recommend this only for those with an interest in the real Keifer. At 39, he's still very much an overgrown boy who does what he wants. KGHarris, 11/06."

Must-See Band and Film

S. M. Foote | Wyomissing, PA USA | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My hubby and I saw this movie when it debuted in New York City. And then we actually drove 14 hours to see it a second time in Atlanta, Ga. We were absolutely blown away by the band and the music. I'm not a huge fan of rock music, perse, but I LOVE this group. We saw them in concert in Atlanta and then again in Baltimore in November. We had the honor of meeting Rocco and Kiefer and found they're every bit as "down to earth" as they portray on the film.

The film gives you a glimpse of the personal side of each of them. You get the history of how the band got going...and then you see them in action. It doesn't hide behind any glitz. You see the triumphs and frustrations. But that makes them tangible to all of us who wish we had the courage to follow our dreams like they did. Yes, Kiefer isn't the perfect band manager, but he tries hard and so loves and believes in this band that you fall in love with them alongside of him. His enthusiasm is contagious.

A funny and touching story, following the band -- and their self-admittedly underprepared manager -- across the ocean on their first journey. VERY well done!!"

The real value is deeper....

Monica A. Jensen | Tampa, FL | 03/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me this is ultimately about Kiefer. A grown man who has tremendous success but at this point in his life seems very sad and lonely. Still looking for his father's love and approval. Still looking for something more meaningful. Having been a hugh fan of Kiefer's for years and having watched his career highs and lows over the last 20+ years, most of the intimate conversations with Kiefer in this documentary brought me to tears.
It is well worth seeing. The band is great and you can easily see how Kiefer became such a big fan. I can't help but feel he was trying to live out a boyhood fantasy (of being a rock star) that didn't turn out as he hoped it would."