As far as band documentaries go, this is one of the best I've ever seen, and I've watched quite a few. What we have here is an intimate portrait of the Ramones, warts-and-all. In my opinion the film's greatest strength is that we get to hear the story in the band's own words, as most of the film consists of interview footage with the various members of the Ramones, as well as various musical peers, managers, producers and other folks in the Ramones immediate orbit. There's also a goodly amount of live footage which spans their entire career. For any Ramones fan, this film is a must.
Sadly, it turns out that the Ramones story is most assuredly a tragedy rather than a comedy. Despite the humor inherent in much of their work, it becomes pretty clear that there's little humor to be found in any of their lives or personalities, with the possible exception of Joey and Marky. Dee Dee comes across as earnest and fairly pleasant, though thoroughly burned out and damaged, while Johnny proves to be an incredibly unpleasant, petty, vengeful and bitter fella. One gets the feeling that he has all the capacity for self-reflection of the average rock. In fact, I found myself cringing at some of the things coming out of his mouth.
In essence, this was a band built on personality conflicts, and in viewing this film one is left with the impression that they didn't have nearly as much fun being the Ramones as we did watching and listening to them. Moreover, their career proves to be a tragic litany of disappointments and failed attempts. Despite their rabid fan base and multi-generational, all pervasive influence, they never quite broke through to the big time or made any real money despite two decades of trying. Radio wouldn't play them and MTV wouldn't touch them, but despite this they were always able to fall back on their fierce live show. Sadly, after returning from playing 30,000 seat arenas in South America, they'd find themselves back in the States playing the same crappy clubs. It's enough to make a grown man cry.
All in all though, this is a well made and thoroughly compelling look at the Ramones, arguably the least successful yet most influential band of the modern age. Gabba Gabba Hey!!
Sadly, it turns out that the Ramones story is most assuredly a tragedy rather than a comedy. Despite the humor inherent in much of their work, it becomes pretty clear that there's little humor to be found in any of their lives or personalities, with the possible exception of Joey and Marky. Dee Dee comes across as earnest and fairly pleasant, though thoroughly burned out and damaged, while Johnny proves to be an incredibly unpleasant, petty, vengeful and bitter fella. One gets the feeling that he has all the capacity for self-reflection of the average rock. In fact, I found myself cringing at some of the things coming out of his mouth.
In essence, this was a band built on personality conflicts, and in viewing this film one is left with the impression that they didn't have nearly as much fun being the Ramones as we did watching and listening to them. Moreover, their career proves to be a tragic litany of disappointments and failed attempts. Despite their rabid fan base and multi-generational, all pervasive influence, they never quite broke through to the big time or made any real money despite two decades of trying. Radio wouldn't play them and MTV wouldn't touch them, but despite this they were always able to fall back on their fierce live show. Sadly, after returning from playing 30,000 seat arenas in South America, they'd find themselves back in the States playing the same crappy clubs. It's enough to make a grown man cry.
All in all though, this is a well made and thoroughly compelling look at the Ramones, arguably the least successful yet most influential band of the modern age. Gabba Gabba Hey!!