Gimme Danger

Jim Jarmusch continues to share his passion for rock’n’roll with this entertaining documentary about The Stooges.

“I am going to interrogate Jim Osterberg” Jim Jarmusch says as he addresses his subject in the opening scene of his fascinating new music documentary. Osterberg, of course, is the real name of Iggy Pop – the iconic rock’n’roll figure who became notorious after he created the legendary band The Stooges in the 1960s. In the beginning it was the Psychedelic Stooges but after seeking permission from the popular comedians The Three Stooges he was allowed to use their brand name as long as he didn’t use the number three. Almost everyone hated them in the 1960s and 1070s but they gradually became a cult around the globe and changed the image of rock’n’roll, predating the punk movement. 

Iggy tells his story with colourful anecdotes including the incident in which he lost his front teeth by jumping off stage into the audience. Performing shirtless became his signature look, very much influenced by that of the Pharaohs, especially by Yul Brynner in The Ten Commandments. Jim Jarmusch is a good storyteller and his passion for music is evident in all his films, particularly in this enjoyable edition.

GEORGE SAVVIDES

Featuring  Iggy Pop, Ron Asheton, Scott Asheton, James Williamson, Steve Mackay, Mike Watt, Kathy Ashton, Danny Fields.

Dir Jim Jarmusch, Pro Carter Logan, Fernando Sulichin and Rob Wilson, Screenplay Jim Jarmusch, Ph Tom Krueger, Ed Affonso Gonçalves and Adam Kurnitz.

Low Mind Films/New Element-Dogwoof Pictures.
108 mins. USA. 2016. Rel: 18 November 2016. Cert. 15.