SHOT!: The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra Of Rock

SHOT!: The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra Of Rock is an intriguing and intoxicating dive into the photographic and rock worlds that thrived in the 1970s and beyond. Focused on the life and work of living legend, Mick Rock, this 2016 visual and auditory treat is directed by Barnaby Clay and stars Mick Rock as himself along with appearances from an array of influential musical figures like TV on the Radio and Karen O.

Stepping away from the typical, conventional style of documentary storytelling, SHOT! uses a bold and vibrant approach. It presents an exquisitely crafted exploration of Rock’s life before he was known as "The Man Who Shot the Seventies", to his explosion onto the music scene, and his eventual downfall. The rock-n-roll odyssey is set against the accompaniment of some of Rock's most iconic and provocative images, weaving together a tapestry of cultural history.

The movie opens with Mick Rock explaining the period in the 1970s when he was a fixture in the London music scene, a psychedelic journeyman intoxicated by the waves of cultural revolution. This was the time when Mick Rock began networking himself into the very fibre of the rock 'n' roll scene. What sets SHOT! apart from other biographical documentaries is this raw and disturbing insight into the high stakes world of music, as seen through the lens of one of its most influential photographers.

Mick Rock saw the world through the lens of his camera and captured it in a way that rebelled against societal norms, insisting on a particular perspective that was both radical and raw. His iconic images include that of musicians like David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Queen, who moved the world with their music. His work extended to album covers and defined the visual iconography of the rock era, making him an active participant in the construction of their public images.

The storytelling in the movie is powerfully executed with the blend of archival footage, animation, face-to-face interviews and personal retrospection by Mick Rock himself. The narrative unfolds using Mick’s own "psycho-spiritual" mantra: "I'm still in awe of the power of the camera and its magical reflections. That's why I view my favorite shots as if in the throes of a deep psychedelic experience.”

The film takes a turn when it explores the disturbing cycle of drug addiction and the toll this hedonistic lifestyle took on Mick Rock. Psychological consequences and physical struggles become part of his journey. His acceptance of these issues, resilience in overcoming them, and the commitment to continue his passion for music photography make for dramatic viewing.

Mick Rock's interactions with musicians showcased throughout the film, including contemporary artists like Karen O and TV on the Radio, reveal how universally respected and influential he is. These conversations provide a fascinating peek into the creative dynamics between a photographer and musicians and how these relationships have shaped Rock’s work, as well as the artists' identities.

The pacing of the movie is such that it maintains the audience’s attention throughout. The masterful use of Rock's photographic work, particularly his iconic images, sets the tone and provides the visual context for the era and the musicians being discussed. The soundtrack, a superb companion to the visuals, includes both original compositions and tracks by the artists Rock captured during his peak.

SHOT!: The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock doesn’t just tell Mick Rock’s story; it immerses viewers in it. The film is an ode to Rock's perseverance and creativity as he captured the spirit of the times. It is equally a commentary on the rock 'n' roll counterculture, delving into the aspects of addiction, excess, and creativity that all too often go hand in hand.

In conclusion, SHOT!: The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock is an alluring documentary exploring the triumphs and trials of one of the most revered rock photographers. It reveals the mythical and the real sides of the man behind the camera, painting an intimate portrait of a true rock ‘n’ roll survivor. It's a must-watch for not only music enthusiasts but also those interested in biographical and culturally historical documentaries.