Review of The Doors (1991) by Jayden C — 23 May 2013
Jim Morrison was the epitome of excess. His legend will live forever in rock history and it's the myth of the man that this film celebrates. A nostalgic look back at the legend of Jim Morrison, it almost celebrates it.
Jim Morrison was by no means a great man, a great poet sure but a complete waster. Val Kilmer delivers his best performance of his career and is perfect for the role. He pours every bit of his talents into this portrayal of the myth (he was so convincing he was offered a chance to tour with the real Doors band).
The script is all media soundibtes taken from his life and it takes away the subtlety of what is transpiring on the screen (for example you don't need to quote Jim's 15 minutes of fame from some dude in the background when he's meeting Andy Warhol).
Although, what Oliver Stone does GET is the mindset of Morrison, the shifts in mood, his psyche. He's had his third mind eye opened and follows a dream like logic. You can follow what Oliver Stone is trying to get at and that is where the film gets a bit muddled.
It lacks subtlety but also, paradoxically, doesn't tell the story in a straightforward, implicit way. It's vague but it's a bit too obvious. As a complete fanboy of The Doors I'll have to give this film 5 stars.
This review of The Doors (1991) was written by Jayden C on 23 May 2013.
The Doors has generally received positive reviews.
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