Lemmy Review

• 2nd Mar 2011

Lemmy, the enigmatic frontman of the now legendary bands, Hawkwind and Motorhead is the latest icon to get the rockumentary treatment in this very low key, fly-on-the-wall, ‘warts and all’ film (pun intended). It covers the past and present of Mr Kilminster and his continuing journey in music. Lemmy, the movie is just what the title says. The role Lemmy plays as a frontman to one of rock’s most influential creations is really just a side story to what the film is trying to portray.

Sometimes it’s quite an abhorrent experience watching films about people in the limelight and seeing them blatantly use the occasion to pout and strut their way through the film. You can almost see it on the star’s face just how much they need the attention and sometimes the viewer can feel like a voyeur. Some people like that however and if that’s what they’re looking for, they won’t see the glitz and glamour of the rock star in this movie. I actually almost forgot I was watching a rock and roll documentary; Lemmy really does not ‘big up’ his status in the same way that other icons do. In fact, apart from when being directly interviewed, he seems blissfully unaware that there are cameras anywhere near him. He ambles his way around LA’s Sunset Strip, bars and his own abode quite naturally and I really got the impression that I was watching a man go through his normal routine. Of course, big parts of that routine are his vices; gambling, smoking and drinking. You see Lemmy take up all of these vices frequently during the movie and often all at the same time. It’s frankly a wonder how a man can take such pollution being poured and inhaled into his body on a daily basis and not keel over. A sentiment that Lemmy himself makes reference to in the film.

As the film pans out, you realises that Lemmy really does not see himself in the same light as his hall of famers that feature dispensing many favourable accolades towards Lemmy that make him sound god-like. From watching this film, I get the impression that Lemmy feels like he’s anything but a person to be worshipped; he just goes about his business, sitting on a fruit machine at LA’s coveted Rainbow Bar for hours on end before popping out for a quick jam session with Metallica before joining them onstage for a little ditty. It’s that simple to him. Nothing seems to faze him but to be fair; he has done it all many times over in the last 40 or so years. Lemmy is so rock n’ roll, he doesn’t even need to exude it from his personality. In fact, one of the only things that seem to prick his ears up is his extensive World War II memorabilia collection.

To give Lemmy his credit, he is exceedingly frank and forthright in his opinions and he seems to hide nothing for the camera. He talks frankly about and with his son, Paul and among his peers, he shoots the breeze with them as if without a care. Watching the film progress however, there was a part of me that actually felt sad. Lemmy has a zombie-like demeanour to him, as if he needs to be fuelled up on Jack Daniels to just make it through the day sometimes. There are overtones to the movie that makes you think he is dealing with alcoholism, although this is not formally declared in the film. Lemmy also appears decidedly lonely at times too and the state of his dwelling (I say dwelling because it’s really not a home in the usual sense of the word) is chaotic and that’s being understated. This could all be down to the editing of the film itself but even if this is exactly as he leads his life, I had to keep telling myself that I should not pity this man. He is living the life he wants to lead with no preconceptions, he knows the possible consequences of his actions and more than has the faculties to deal with the life he leads – probably better than most of the young upstarts that line the streets of LA along with him. One thing I now know for sure after watching this film is that whatever the viewer thinks, or anyone else for that matter, Lemmy could not care less and this is where his rock n’ roll edge surpasses pretty much every other rock star.

Lemmy is a breathtaking rockumentary. It goes so much deeper than any other documentary of its type I’ve ever seen. You actually feel like you’re tagging along with Lemmy and that you are invited into his real life, not his public façade. If you want bright lights and constant music, go and buy one of the myriad of Motorhead live DVDs that are on the market. For those who like celebrity however, this film does have its fair share of contributers – Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, Kat Von D, to name just a few. Ultimately, if you want to see the life-story of a man, who just happened to turn into one of rock’s most recognised, most loved and most respected stalwarts, then look no further.

Dan Beadle