Synopsis
Documentary about rock pioneer Roky Erickson, detailing his rise as a psychedelic hero, his lengthy institutionalization, his descent into poverty and filth, and his brother's struggle with their religious mother to improve Roky's care.
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Cast
- Roky EricksonSelf
- Byron ColeySelf
- Evelyn EricksonSelf
- Sumner EricksonSelf
- Billy GibbonsSelf
- Clementine HallSelf
- Gibby HaynesSelf
- Chet HelmsSelf
- Kurt LoderSelf
- Thurston MooreSelf
Recommendations
- 88
TV Guide Magazine
Remarkable and evenhanded film. - 78
Austin Chronicle
The opening and closing courtroom scenes, in which brother Sumner is granted legal guardianship, show a family in need of healing, mentally and spiritually. - 75
Christian Science Monitor
Complexly intriguing documentary about psychedelic rock icon Roky Erickson. - 75
Portland Oregonian
Like "Crumb" or "The Devil and Daniel Johnston," it's remarkably close-up moviemaking, with family secrets laid bare for all the world to see. - 70
The New York Times
Luckily, the director Keven McAlester keeps Mr. Erickson's humanity front and center. He lets music critics and musicians praise Mr. Erickson's smiling banshee voice (which influenced Janis Joplin) and pioneering use of feedback, but he doesn't insist on his subject's genius or oversell his importance. - 60
Chicago Reader
I came to this expecting a standard rock doc, but its cobwebbed tale of an aged parent and grown child's debilitating relationship seems closer to "Grey Gardens." - 60
Film Threat
A great meld of rock history, the sociological and familial impacts of mental disability and some courtroom intrigue. - 50
Village Voice
Director Keven McAlester's film is entertaining. But with battered archival footage and celebrity worship, McAlester skimps on perspective and complexity.
