Review of Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten (2007) by Fred T — 18 Feb 2009

Julien Temple is not a director who evokes excitement; naff 80's pop promos and 'Absolute Beginners' being synonymous with his name. 'The Future is Unwritten' though does use interesting narrative devices, especially Joe's radio voice over and the campfire setting for the interviews, as well as providing a concise illustration of the rise and fall of 'The Clash'.

However the documentary seemed to stretch the material and I found Strummer's philosophies obvious and his personal story tragic, but typical.