New York Dolls - All Dolled Up

New York Dolls - All Dolled Up, released in 2005, is a riveting documentary that dives deep into the world of punk rock, offering viewers a rare look at the New York Dolls, one of the most influential bands in the genre. An engaging watch for die-hard fans and newcomers alike, it captures the chaotic, untamed essence of punk rock that existed long before the music genre and subculture became mainstream.

Prominently featured in the film are David Johansen, Arthur Kane, and Jerry Nolan, key figures in the band's journey. The film not only exhibits their collective talent but also excellently highlights each member's unique personality and contributions, offering an intimate look at the individuals behind the iconic punk rock personas. The dynamic between these band members is brilliantly captured, effortlessly shedding light on the ups and downs they shared, their unity, disagreements, camaraderie, and the sheer creativity that underpinned every high and low in their tumultuous journey.

The raw footage, shot on 16mm and 8mm film, has a granular texture that fits spectacularly with the punk aesthetic of the New York Dolls. The film takes the audience on a wild ride, capturing the unadulterated, sometimes gritty, spirit that defined the era and the band. The film's narrative presents a powerful visual odyssey from the band's early years in the ‘70s to their resurgence in the new millennium, courting success, facing obscurity, and fighting personal battles along the way.

David Johansen, the band's charismatic lead singer, is the documentary's most fascinating subject. His potent mix of raw talent, flamboyance, and notorious unpredictability is an embodiment of the band's ethos. Arthur Kane, the band's tall, silent bassist is portrayed as a calming influence, his stoic demeanor contrasting Johansen's raw energy. Lastly, Jerry Nolan, the band's drummer, rounds out the trio with his unique style and quiet determination.

The film is composed of a collection of footage shot by Bob Gruen and his then wife Nadya, two pioneering rock photographers who had the remarkable foresight to document the Dolls over several years as their careers prospered and waned. The result is a collage of captivating moments, punctuated by high-energy performances, candid interviews, and backstage antics, unfolding an au naturel portrait of the band. Also included in the mix are insights from music industry stalwarts who crossed paths with the band, adding further layers to this fascinating celluloid tapestry.

Beyond just the performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film captures the revolutionary spirit of the mid-70s, showcasing the cultural and musical movement that the New York Dolls helped ignite. Renowned for their flamboyant, cross-dressing style and raw, thrashing sound, New York Dolls - All Dolled Up adeptly presents how the band defied societal norms and challenged the status quo in the rock ‘n’ roll scene. The film spotlights the band's path-breaking contribution to the punk movement, emphasizing how their pioneering sounds and styles paved the way for many major punk bands that followed.

New York Dolls - All Dolled Up is nothing short of a treasure trove for punk rock enthusiasts, offering rare, intimate glimpses into the Dolls' public and professional lives. The concert footage is electrifying and raw, and viewers are treated to classic New York Dolls hits like 'Personality Crisis' and 'Looking For A Kiss'.

By placing the band’s journey against a broader canvas of a rapidly changing cultural scene, the film not only becomes a telling chronicle about a vital band but also a significant document of an era where music was becoming a tool to question and shatter established norms. While replete with elements to thrill punk music enthusiasts, the movie engages viewers beyond its music, through its depiction of a band’s struggle and evolution amid cultural shifts.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of the New York Dolls or freshly discovering the genre, this film provides a fascinating and earnest perspective on one of the most polarizing bands in history. Balancing a raw and authentic depiction of the band with a larger narrative about a transformative epoch in music, New York Dolls - All Dolled Up packs a punch that will resonate long after you've finished watching.