Beware Of Mr. Baker

Beware of Mr. Baker is a fascinating and perilous journey into the life and mind of one of the most influential and unpredictable musicians of the 20th century, Peter Edward 'Ginger' Baker. Released in 2012, this engaging documentary directed by Jay Bulger unveils the life of Ginger Baker, who pounded the drums with a mixture of reckless abandon and calculated precision. Known for his contributions to the world of rock and jazz drumming, Baker was unarguably the beat behind some of the biggest bands of the '60s and '70s like Cream and Blind Faith.

The film begins with Bulger, posing as a freelance writer for Rolling Stone magazine, spending three months living with Baker in South Africa where the drummer had chosen to isolate himself from the rest of the world. During this time, the filmmaker captured more than he bargained for, reflecting the raw and unfiltered reality of a world-class drummer plagued by personal demons and self-destructive tendencies.

Throughout the film, we see a man who knows his extraordinary talent, but who is also driven by a relentless and restless energy that seems to consume him. The movie artfully balances the showcasing of Baker’s incredible talents as a drummer and his troublesome personality that caused havoc wherever he went.

Being masterfully interviewed by Bulger, Baker shares stories of his life marked by addiction, bankruptcy, and numerous health problems. Moving to music, where Baker really shines, the interview brings forth the brilliance that is his drumming. From his complex time signatures to the sheer force and speed he uses, Baker is shown to be a true innovator and iconoclast who helped shape the future of music.

Baker's career and personal life are further elucidated through interviews with those who knew him best, including former bandmates, friends, family, and famous admirers such as Eric Clapton and Femi Kuti. Here, they attempt to delve into their complex relationships with Baker and to understand the turbulent life of a man considered a genius by some and a tyrant by others.

Eric Clapton speaks of Baker as an 'incredible musician’ but equally an ‘architect of chaos', whilst Femi Kuti muses on how much the drummer’s obsession with African rhythms had influenced his own career. These interviews provide a balanced portrayal, highlighting Baker's undeniable musical impact while not shying away from his volatile character. They illuminate the layers of Baker's personality, revealing a multifaceted individual who was as wild and unpredictable off-stage as he was on.

Technically, Beware of Mr. Baker is simply a knockout; it's thoroughly researched and stylishly constructed. It tackles the exhaustive chaos of Baker's life with an editing style that is dynamic, energetic, and almost a visual representation of his drumming style. Transporting audiences through world tours, jam sessions, and personal trials, this film paints a complete portrait of the star as he is: a brilliant musician, a difficult partner and father, and a reckless addict.

However, the film does more than just narrate the life of a musical legend. It also delves into musically stimulating dialogues which are complemented by archive footage from Baker's heyday and recent footage of him in his natural elements, either playing a drum solo in front of the camera or caring for his beloved polo horses.

Beware of Mr. Baker is filled with incredible stories about an incredible life. Above all, it is a testament to the undeniable force that is Ginger Baker, a man whose life was marked as much by genius as it was by self-destruction. With electrifying performances, honest interviews and an unforgettable protagonist, it is a captivating journey for all music and documentary lovers - a raw and honest insight into the world of a legendary drummer.

While you might not come away from the film adoring Ginger Baker, you'll undoubtedly admire his unparalleled musical prowess and the influence he had on the music industry. It’s a character study of an artist who lived his life to the beat of his own drum, regardless of the cost. This is a film that invites you to Beware of Mr. Baker, but more than that, it encourages you to listen, learn and marvel.