We Are Twisted Sister!

We Are Twisted Sister! is an enthralling documentary that chronicles the formative years and emergence of the iconic rock band Twisted Sister. Directed by Andrew Horn, this 135-minute long documentary is neither a concert film nor a trashy 'rock and roll all night and party every day' story; instead, it provides an insightful portrayal of the 10-year long struggle before the band reached stardom. Released in 2014, the film features prominent band members Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Dee Snider, Mark Mendoza, and AJ Pero, and takes the audience on a wild journey that mirrors the band's roller coaster career in the music industry.

The film opens with a focus on the band’s guitarist and manager, Jay Jay French, and the narrative is largely driven by his perspective. French's relentless pursuit of success and resilience in the face of frequent lineup changes forms the backbone of the story. The close-ups and interviews of other band members like Eddie Ojeda, Dee Snider, Mark Mendoza, and AJ Pero are also interspersed, providing different viewpoints to the narrative. Dee Snider, the band's charismatic frontman, is another central character of the narrative, and his powerful stage presence is palpable even in the interviews.

We Are Twisted Sister! offers a deep dive into the band’s grassroots. It depicts their debut in the world of rock, performing in suburban clubs to barely existing crowds, changing band members like a revolving door to find the perfect chemistry, and their transformation from a glam rock style to the heavy metal genre for which they became known. It lays out how they relentlessly played six nights a week to develop a die-hard fan base, living off nothing but their aspiration to conquer the rock world – a testament to the means they were willing to utilize to fulfill their dreams.

The film portrays the grit and determination of a bunch of misfits and rebels who were willing to go against the grain to create music that they believed in. It documents the trials and tribulations of the band's journey and the inspiration behind some of the band's most iconic songs. The documentary also shows some unseen footage from their early years, providing a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans and a history lesson for younger viewers. Instead of jumping directly to their overnight success with the triple-platinum album 'Stay Hungry,' the documentary chose to tackle their less glamorous days preceding the fame.

Given that the band had a profound influence on the heavy metal genre, the documentary bears a large responsibility of presenting this side of their story. We Are Twisted Sister! succeeds in this aspect by showcasing the band's unique and revolutionary music style that coupled hard-edged metal with unapologetic glamour and theatrics. Interviews with various industry insiders and journalists accentuate the band’s impact on the music scene and its counterculture status during its ascent.

The stylistic choices made in the making of this film are worth mentioning as well. Instead of opting for a traditional, chronological order of storytelling, the film builds its narrative through juxtapositions of present-day interviews and archival footage - a distillation of hundreds of hours of videos, photographs, and recordings. As such, the audience can witness the stark difference between the band's humble beginnings and their eventual rise to fame. The editing style, aided by the musical score, creates a lively pace that keeps the viewers engaged throughout.

We Are Twisted Sister! is more than just a documentary about a rock band - it is a story of perseverance, passion, and misfit musicians’ unyielding determination to create something spectacularly different. By providing an intimate look into Twisted Sister's early days and their arduous journey, coupled with the band’s own members guiding us through the tale, the documentary captures the raw spirit of one of the most unforgettable bands in the history of heavy metal.

This film appeals to a wide range of audiences - from Twisted Sister’s dedicated fan base to those interested in the complex landscape of the music industry. It offers valuable lessons about resilience, belief, and the unglamorous side of fame, making it a compelling watch for anyone who appreciates an underdog story. As such, We Are Twisted Sister! is not just about the band's evolution; it also stands as a testament to dedication, tenacity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.