When You're Strange: A Film about The Doors

Film Information

(USA, 2008, 90 mins)

Directed By: Tom Dicillo

Producers: John Beug, Jeff Jampol, Peter Jankowski, Dick Wolf
Screenwriter: Tom DiCillo
Cinematographer: Paul Ferrara
Editors: Micky Blythe, Kevin Krasny
Music: The Doors
Featuring: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison
Narration: Johnny Depp
Location: Mann Festival Theater (Tickets: $12)
Date & Time: June 21st, 2009 - 10pm

Fans of the iconic Los Angeles band The Doors will find much to love in this time capsule, composed entirely of footage shot between the group’s formation in 1965 and mercurial frontman Jim Morrison’s untimely death in 1971. Tom DiCillo’s revealing documentary is a treasure trove of live performances, TV appearances, home movies, studio footage, and a never-before-seen independent film made by and starring Morrison.

DiCillo, a veteran director of independent narrative films, avoids the cliché of nostalgic “talking head” interviews, immersing us in the band’s rise from the clubs of Hollywood to America’s living rooms. With narration by Johnny Depp, When You’re Strange offers a rare glimpse of Morrison and bandmates John Densmore, Robby Krieger, and Ray Manzarek discovering their art and their place within a time of great political and cultural turbulence.