When I tell people what the documentary is about, I usually get one of two reactions. Either it’s “Oh wow, their music and songwriting is, like, so amazing! They really touch me, right here,” or it’s, “Oh jeez, John is such an insufferable bastard, why would you want to make a movie about him?”
It’s this contradiction that was the inspiration for the film.I was full of questions: What is it that makes someone want to walk from Amsterdam to Istanbul? What kind of personality drives band members away so often? Do you have to be sensitive to write sensitive songs? Is the music an attempt at reaching out, or a justification for boorish behavior? Can personal success in music relieve the tensions in the person making that music?
I hope this film satisfies both the fan and foe in presenting an honest look at one of the truly enigmatic characters of indie-rock, and the music of a really great band.
Production-wise, we just shot a solo set in Seattle and a full-band show in Victoria, BC. Coming up, we’ll be adding to our catalog of live shows by shooting more performances in Seattle, and Portland. Betwixt those, more interviews. Shooting should be done before August.
My self-imposed deadline of completion is September, 2006.
Check back here for updates as to how things are progressing.
