Last Days Here

Last Days Here is a thought-provoking 2011 feature-length documentary that centers around the turbulent life of Bobby Liebling, the legendary frontman of the heavy metal band Pentagram. Directed by Don Argott and Demian Fenton, the movie is lauded for its unflinching portrayal of addiction and the road to redemption.

The film profoundly chronicles the struggles and triumphs of Bobby Liebling, a man whose life was consumed by drugs and despair, and his arduous journey to keep his dreams alive amidst spiraling life circumstances. The storyline pivots around Liebling's personal battles, focusing on the late life resurrection of his music career, and his desperate bid to break out of decades of hard drug addiction. It is as much a tale about survival as it is about hope and resilience against all odds.

Last Days Here is based on real-life events portrayed through raw footage, interviews and rare concert footage. It takes viewers into the life and battles of Liebling who is holed up in his parents' house, subsisting on a punishing regime of hard drugs. The audience witnesses the heart-rending turbulence of Liebling's life, a tale of a gifted musician who fell prey to his demons. Throughout the movie, Liebling takes the audience through labyrinthian routes of his memories, past musical achievements and his battle with substance abuse.

Enter Sean Pelletier, a die-hard fan of Pentagram who recognizes the unique musical talent that Bobby possesses. He takes it upon himself to try and resurrect his living legend's dying career. Sean emerges as a beacon of hope in Liebling’s otherwise dark life, and their working relationship quickly takes on the form of a tight friendship. The movie follows this unlikely partnership as they navigate through a series of pitfalls and triumphs in their quest to resurrect Bobby's life and career.

The directors place the spotlight on the raw, unsettling and emotionally charged aspects of Liebling's life with a candidness that is rarely seen in typical biopic offerings. Never shying away from the more uncomfortable elements of his life, the film portrays the harsh realities of addiction that he lives under. This stark contrast to the fame and fortune often portrayed in rockstar films makes Last Days Here a distinctly hard-hitting viewing experience.

The supporting cast of the movie includes a selection of characters who play significant roles in Liebling's life. The most notable among them is his mother, Diane Liebling. The movie depicts a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of a mother torn between her love for her son and despair at his choices. Diane’s unconditional love for her son, her optimism amid his addiction and hard living adds an emotional heft to the narrative.

Furthermore, Last Days Here shines in its representation of Liebling's relationships: his close-knit relationship with Sean, his contentious relationship with former bandmates, his complex relationship with his parents, and his blossoming romantic relationship. There is a deep sense of intimacy in the emotional portrayal of these interactions.

Music plays an important role in the film, and the piercing, emotional and haunting melodies of Pentagram serve as a poignant soundtrack for the narration. Viewers get to witness the genius of Bobby and the heavy hallucinogenic rock that made Pentagram an underground legend.

The movie excels in maintaining a fine balance between the undeniably emotional aspects and the need to retain the gravity and seriousness of the situation. While being brutally honest about the desolate state of a legendary musician, it also focuses on the glimmers of hope that shine through his attempts to resurrect his career and his personal life.

In conclusion, Last Days Here is not merely a biographical journey of a rockstar but also a stark display of the human-animal's capacity to find redemption. It stands out as a compelling culmination of music, addiction, despair, and hope. Ultimately, the movie embodies a journey that may be uncomfortable to watch but offers profound insights into the highs and lows of life and the indomitable spirit of humanity.