2022 Directed by Toby Amies
The film explores the “acute suffering” and transcendent glory experienced by current and former members of King Crimson, allowing the audience an intimate and sometimes uncomfortable insight into the musicians’ experience as they confront life and death head on in the world’s most demanding rock band.
i wasn’t expecting this to be as funny as it was, but watching all the creative ways crimson members from throughout the 50 years of the group found to say that robert fripp is kind of a dick to work with was hilarious
When I heard of a king crimson documentary playing at the cinema I thought what a random thing to be playing. I hadn’t listened to them in years but I still had to go and to my surprise the cinema was sold out and packed .
Robert Fripp would have to be one of the most interesting and weirdest cats ever in music and this was at times hilarious especially the interaction between him and Jakko .
I would have liked to seen a bit more music and I could have just watched those 80’s concerts with Belew all night and day but it was still fascinating and a must see for all fans .
Interviewer: "If you're being held musically hostage by the acerbic, anal-retentive cunt wearing a suit and playing guitar, please blink twice."
All current and former members of King Crimson: [blinkblinkBlinkBlinKBLINKBLInKBlINKBLINK]
I Will Remember You…
One of the most philosophical and impressive music documentaries I’ve seen. I had to write so words of wisdom down during this picture. It’s so rough as a film, but everything within is so strong that it makes the lower budget of the documentary feel more like a defining aspect rather than an actual negative.
And by god, there is a scene here that has to be seen to be believed. An emotional moment from a rigid man that is so quiet and intense compared to the precise loudness of King Crimson’s expert rhythm and sound. It may be my favorite single moment of the entire SXSW festival, and maybe of the whole year had Steve-O…
An extremely endearing and funny documentary about this monolithic band that just goes to prove that Robert Fripp is the weird prog child of Hitler and Barbra Streisand keeping everybody hostage in the band ‘till they usually develop Stockholm Syndrome (fans included). Great stuff!
“No one can escape the fate that was chosen for them. All that remains is the result, where you will all perish. Eternal greatness only exists only within myself. Sing a song of sorrow in a world where time has vanished." - Diavolo, Vento Aureo.
Not so much a history of the band, but more a deep dive into what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. The story of King Crimson is kinda tragic in some ways: A bunch of newcomers hit it big the same year they will ultimately split up. But this movie doesn’t dwell on what could’ve been, instead it chooses to celebrate how being part of a band- or really any artistic group- is like being in a family.
You create together, you fight together, you succeed together, you might even end up mourning together. If you’re great, you can always get better. And if you’re a dick to people, you might just push them away.
(from my blog, 15 March)
Capturing the 50th anniversary tour of legendary prog rock band King Crimson in 2019, Toby Amies's film is a drama in miniature.
Robert Fripp, founding member and dogged perfectionist, speaks at length in this documentary about his craft, about past members, and about what comes after a life well lived. He's very serious, sometimes abrasive, always thoughtful.
Like most bands with a long history, King Crimson have had many changes of personnel, settling as a eight-piece introduced by on-screen first names. Robert, Jeremy, Mel, Jakko, Tony, Pat, Gavin, Bill.
This is a personal story as much as a professional one. A story of young men who became old men, still enveloped in their art. Still…
Before the Kanye sample, before the Bizarre Adventure, before cover bands and before many, many classic rock bands… was King Crimson.
First off, let me say that I am extremely biased. I have not watched many documentaries, so this could very well be a poorly made one. I also remember distinctly my ten year old self flipping through my dads CD case and stopping at a screaming pink face. Glaring white teeth and eyes that seem to follow me as I put it into the car stereo, and what emanated from the speakers was the start of my true journey into music. It is no secret that this is probably my favorite band of all time, and if you know…
suffering has never been this beautiful.
Robert Fripp is by far the most interesting mind in music I know. This documentary is not necessarily very well-made, but it doesn't hinder the work too much, since its source material is so great. Fripp remains a mystery throughout most of it, but whenever the veil is lifted just a little bit, it reveals the scarred and complex mind behind the seemingly stoic musical genius. It never really becomes clear if Fripp suffers from weltschmertz, or if he is just on an endless quest for perfecting his craft. Maybe they are one and the same for him. None of the other band members seem to know the answer to this either, and in the end, none of that really matters; the audience only hears exactly what King Crimson wants them to hear.
Me: “I’m taking you to see the King Crimson documentary.”
My dad: “Oh, I’ve heard of them! They had a big hit!”
Me: “No they didn’t.”
My dad: “🎵Dancing in the moonlight!🎵!”
Me: “That’s King Harvest.”
