‘Lemmy’ (2010)

When I lived in Van Nuys, I would hang out on Sunset Boulevard every weekend. All of my friends told me to swing by the Rainbow Room if I wanted to see rock stars. In my punk youth, my response was often something along the lines of “F*#k rock stars!” And one day I overheard some friends saying that they went to the Rainbow to see Lemmy Kilmister from the band Motorhead. I said “I missed Lemmy playing at the Rainbow!?” They responded “No, man. Lemmy was hanging out at the Rainbow. He is always hanging out at the Rainbow.”

Roughly ten years later I am watching a documentary about Lemmy at the fabulous Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, and what do you know? He is still hanging out at the Rainbow almost every night that he is not on tour.

Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski’s “Lemmy” is a wicked ride exploring the life a complicated man that possesses a profoundly simple wisdom. The film digs into the legendary frontman’s family life, career, and his home (which is screaming to be featured on a celebrity edition of “Hoarders”).

I have to admit that my expectations on quality were pretty low for this film. I mean, it’s a documentary about Lemmy for God’s sake! But the producers did a great job of balancing high quality without applying too much polish to a film that benefits from some grit (the 16mm segments really make it solid).

Another victory for the filmmakers are the live performances. Usually, the quickest way to put me to sleep is to show me a concert on video. But these guys really did wonders between the camera work and the audio mix. I literally almost started clapping after the performance of “Ace of Spades”. I felt ridiculous.

“Lemmy” is a killer documentary about a legend in punk and metal circles. It never takes itself too seriously or tries to be some kind of social commentary. It just is what it is, much like it’s subject.

We love you Lemmy, and we appreciate you letting these guys make a movie about you!

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