I Trust You to Kill Me

I Trust You To Kill Me, a 2006 film, is a striking in-depth documentary that demonstrates what happens behind the scenes in the rock and roll world, capturing the essence of band tradition in a raw, unfiltered way. Directed by Manu Boyer, the documentary follows the Southern California rock band Rocco DeLuca and the Burden on their first international tour. The band, fronted by Rocco DeLuca, includes members David Beste on bass, Ryan Carman on drums, and Greg Velasquez on percussion.

One of the intriguing facets of this film, aside from taking you on an intimate journey of a band's struggle for recognition, is the peculiar role of Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the TV show "24", doubled as both tour manager and executive producer. As an under-the-radar music industry player and a major stakeholder in the independent record label Ironworks, Sutherland's mission is to promote the band and do whatever it takes to get them heard.

The documentary covers the band's tour across Europe, hopping from London to Munich, from Berlin to Dublin. It highlights the realities most new bands face - empty concert halls, relentless promotional schedules, occasional homesickness, and ceaseless uncertainty. The film neither glamourizes the music industry nor romanticizes the band's journey. Instead, it portrays the harsh reality of a band seeking an audience and the non-glamourous side of the infamous rock and roll lifestyle.

I Trust You To Kill Me emphasizes intense camera work and filming style that accurately represents the tumultuous, emotionally charged life on the road. The mood swings between the drudgery of the day-to-day, the electrifying performances on stage, and the occasional downtime in the tour bus or hotel rooms are skillfully depicted.

The film masterfully weaves personal interviews, live performances, and period-at-sea introspection from band members. The band's tattooed frontman, Rocco DeLuca, is a particularly compelling character - shy, somewhat distant, and consumed by his quest to communicate his inner world through the resonating strings of his Dobro guitar. DeLuca's on-stage performances are a sight to behold - the raw energy and magnetism he emanates are infectious, shedding light on why Sutherland is so keen on delivering DeLuca and his music to the world.

The rest of the band, from the charismatic David Beste, the steady Greg Velasquez, to the spirited Ryan Carman also lend an added depth to the film's narrative. Their unique personalities, individual roles within the band, and their own perspectives on the shared journey contribute significantly to the documentary's multi-dimensional storytelling.

Kiefer Sutherland undeniably becomes an intriguing focal point of the film. The viewer gets to see the distinctive flip between Sutherland's Hollywood star persona and his unexpected down-to-earth, roadie-side alter ego. His character brings both levity and gravity to the documentary, solidifying the band's collective voice in an industry that otherwise seems receptive only to the soloist.

I Trust You To Kill Me is a celebration of both music and dreams - the complexities of a struggling band's life and their determination to make their music heard are seamed together in a heartfelt narrative. It delves deep into the compromises, the sacrifices, the moments of self-doubt and vulnerability, against the backdrop of bonds formed, music created, and the relentless hope every artist clings on to. It captures the essence of rock and roll - the grit, the rhythm, and the passion - visibly raw and touchingly transparent.

In all, I Trust You To Kill Me is a must-see for all music aficionados and documentary lovers. It provides an honest look at the struggle, faith, tenacity, and resilience of individuals brought together by music. It's a reminder that every band that has made it to the top once faced the same uphill battle - the quest for an audience willing to trust their narratives, believe in their music, and fall in love with their songs. It's definitely an experience that resonates with all, musicians or otherwise.