Fascinating subject
Ginger Baker I knew from Cream who are one of my favourite bands of the 60's. I didn't know much else about him but had heard of his notoriety when this documentary was premeried at the LIFF in 2012. Saw the film today and it's very well done. I'm not sure what I make of Jay Bulger, the film maker who appears a few times. If he's as irritating on a regular basis as he was in the film then I'm not surprised that Mr Baker was angry with him.
Anyway, the film is fascinating because Ginger is fascinating. If he hadn't found his vocation as a drummer than he would have either died from drugs or have been locked away in mental institutions. He is mad. Like some mad people he is inspired and creatively a genius and watching him drum was visceral and thrilling. I loved the footage of Cream and wish I had been able to see them live circa 66/7/8.
Otherwise I felt quite sad for Ginger Baker. It seemed to me that there were lots of life lessons that enable maturity which he had not learned. When he spoke of saying goodbye to his father aged 4 and about the contents of a letter his father had written for him age 14, I felt very sad.
Compelling subject, well composed documentary with some very interesting interviews. Highly recommended.
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