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| From | "David Bash" <bashpop@earthlink.net> |
| Subject | The Mayor Of Sunset Strip |
| Date | Thu, 11 Dec 2003 16:45:10 -0800 |
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Last night I saw a preview of The Mayor Of Sunset Strip, a documentary about
the legendary Los Angeles DJ, Rodney Bingenheimer. I've known Rodney for a
few years, though not very well, so some of the film was a bit revelatory
for me. The one thing that struck me the most was how genuine the film was.
As many who know him can attest, Rodney is one of the more enigmatic
characters on the music scene, but not as much for his odd personality as
for the fact that he is probably the most unpretentious person in a world of
great pretention. Over the years he's managed to meet and hang around with
several of the most famous music luminaries in the world (as well as some
non-music ones) by doing nothing but being himself. Although he's a very
odd little guy with a weird, warbly voice and a strange face, there's
something eminently likeable about him, as his elfin ways just somehow
endear him to almost everyone around him.
That said, he comes off in the film as a somewhat tragic figure, a very
lonely man despite his associations with so many of his idols. It's as if
people don't mind him hanging around them, but at the same time keep him at
arms length so that he never really gets to know them beyond the surface.
The film recounts much of his childhood, which was mired in isolation, and
gives you some very strong insights into how he turned out the way he did.
It's an excellent film, and I highly recommend every Auditeer see it upon
its release early next year. The only gripe I have is that Kim Fowley, who
while is probably Rodney's biggest confidant, does steal the show a bit too
much and draws attention away from Rodney in his Fowley-esque manner, but
that's something which is more of the fault of the director (who shouldn't
have let it happen) than it is of Fowley.
Though the preview didn't show it, apparently Cosmo Topper's "For...The Time
Being" (written and sung by our own Morley Bartnoff, who I'm sure can add
further-and more relevent-insight into Rodney Bingenheimer than I have) will
be played during the closing credits of the released film.
Kudos to producer Chris Carter, and all associated with the film!
--
Pop Rules!!!!!
Take Care,
David
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