Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is a poignant and inspiring documentary from 2012 directed by Jesse Vile. This film explores the life of extraordinary musician Jason Becker and his relentless struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. With a focus featuring not just Becker himself but also his relationships with individuals like co-composer Dan Alvarez and family member Ehren Becker, it offers a moving portrayal of resilience and love against all odds.

The documentary starts by taking us back to the beginning of Becker's journey. Born in 1969, he had a passion for music from a very young age and quickly gained recognition for his raw talent. As a young virtuoso, he gained a particularly impressive reputation for his amazing skills in fast-scaling, arpeggiated classical guitar work, marking him as one of the most promising guitarists of his generation. This early success led to him joining the rock band 'Cacophony' and later being invited to play for David Lee Roth, replacing the audacious Eddie Van Halen. However, just as his career was about to take off, at only 20 years old, he was diagnosed with ALS.

Here's where the title "Not Dead Yet" comes into play. Theoretically, ALS is a disease that progressively weakens the muscles to the point of total paralysis and eventually leads to death. Doctors gave Becker 3 to 5 years to live, but he refused to accept this as a death sentence. The film charts his journey from a superhuman guitarist to a music composer and family man, neither ignoring his disability nor allowing it to define him. Becker’s inspirational fight against ALS fuels the emotional core of the movie, but at no point is it a morbid or depressing watch.

Much of the documentary is illuminated by Becker's incredible personality. Despite the fact that the disease has rendered him motionless and unable to speak, his spirit and brilliant mind remain remarkably untouched. His ability to continue composing music via a system developed by his father, involving eye movements and an alphabet chart, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The film captures these moments in an intimate manner, demonstrating his unmatched will to express himself musically.

Equally important to this tale is the unwavering support of his close-knit family and friends. Famed musician Dan Alvarez, who has collaborated extensively with Becker, beautifully demonstrates an enduring bond that goes beyond professional camaraderie. Ehren Becker, a family member, also provides heartwarming evidence of the strength of familial love and care in the most trying circumstances. Collectively, they provide an inspiring representation of unity and resilience.

Director Jesse Vile brilliantly captures the extraordinary life of Jason Becker, melding a mix of home videos, interviews from family, friends, and fellow musicians, candid footage of Becker's day-to-day life, along with his beautifully emotional music. Through their eyes, we get a well-rounded view of the man behind the legend, his indomitable spirit, and his enduring influence on everyone around him.

Vile doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of Becker’s condition, presenting it with honesty and tact. Yet, the focus is not so much on the debilitating disease but on Becker's enduring optimism and unyielding courage. The crowning glory of the film though is Becker's music, which serves as not just the soundtrack but the heartbeat of the film. It reverberates with his zest for life and the joy that he experiences when creating music, even in the face of immense adversity.

In conclusion, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is not just for avid music fans or those familiar with Becker’s remarkable career. It is a universal story of tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of an individual's spirit over the harshest of life's challenges. An inspiring tale indeed, this documentary, much like its subject, stands as a testament to the boundless power of the human spirit. It is a film that will leave you with a sense of awe for Becker's extraordinary journey while inviting you to reflect on what it truly means to be alive.