Review of Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten (2007) by Andrew L — 18 Sep 2007

Although The Clash aren't in my favourite list of bands, I was enamoured with this film. Temple's different approach by the inclusion of very clever narrative devices, such as Strummer's voiceover, pieces of art from Strummer while at art school and pages of lyrics made the film all the more interesting.

I would have liked to learn more about his non-band related relationships, but can understand why this wasn't a focus. It would've made for an even more lengthy film. The struggle Strummer had reconciling his middle class upbringing with the punk ethos was captured well and there were some fantastic bits of the usual type of never-seen-before behind-the-scenes band footage.

All in all, a clever, intelligent and captivating music doco that's worth the effort.