WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE: TOP NOTCH DOORS DOCUMENTARY

At first it's odd to adjust to seeing Jim Morrison's face not looking like Val Kilmer. What a difference the truth makes. Johnny Depp narrates this journey of a few guys who just wanted to play some music and expand their consciousness to one of the greatest bands of all time. Please note, this is a documentary about the band, not about Jim Morrison. Moreover, it's a documentary about the music which when pushed up to maximum volume, sounds as clear and sharp and riveting as it did in the beginning. Director, Tom DiCillo presents old material injected with new footage. Watching this documentary is like viewing the band with fresh ears and eyes. It answers many questions and does so simply, no drama. Their performances and albums are synced with historical and cultural events; events that shaped our nation and their music. Jim, of course, has more screen time being the lead singer and focal train wreck and we are shown the creative, created chaos he strategically planned. The bonus features interviews with his since deceased father and his sister, who never seemed to have a voice previous to this project. Depps smooth voice competes with Morrison's throaty mix, but blends in rather than standing out. This may be a "for fans only" bit, except that I think this film could introduce a new generation to another kind of young angst. The good aren't the only ones who die young; so do the over indulged and hard lived. This is an outstanding testament to the band and its members. Fantastic work.

What's with Jim Morrison and Vampires?

WHAT DOES JIM MORRISON HAVE TO DO WITH MOVIE REVIEWS?

There is a scene from Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind where Mary Spevak, starts sharing her favorite quotes...

"Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.

Nietzsche (A favorite of Morrisons). Beyond Good and Evil... Found it in my Bartlett's."

Like Mary, I also love quotes. Face it, there are only so many words and combinations thereof, that it is most likely that the sentiment you are trying to express has already been written.

Those who know me know I like Jim Morrison. LOVED the movie. Bought the Soundtrack and visited his grave in Paris. Before Ray and Walk the Line and the like, Val Kilmer had his Jim Morrison down. He was Jim. Same simple movie plot, music, drugs, women... ending in either salvation or death. Jim was a film student in his early days, perhaps the foundation for the quote.

The reason that Jim's quote spoke to me is this. When I watch a movie, a really good movie, well acted, great cinematography, cool soundtrack... and that certain something that you bring to the screen from your own life that can relate to something in the movie, like a secret you both share, once that movie has ended, I feel like I have taken a piece of that movie with me. Sucked just enough blood from it so that we both continue to live, but that hole in me is now satiated, at least temporarily. The great thing about owning DVDs is that you can access that feeling on your own, like a movie medicine cabinet.

Taking something away from a movie that can suspend all rationale, make the unreal seem possible and makes you forget you are in a theater (even drowning out the cell phones and people who think they are whispering) leaves you with memories, perhaps insight and even feelings to reflect on, and even helps us all to better communicate with each other, make a connection on some common level. Just remember, if all else fails, "Vote for Pedro."