It worked on young me back in the day. I became obsessed with The Doors and listened to this soundtrack incessantly. I used to think this movie was a masterpiece (It’s a very exciting for a young kid. Lots of sex and rock). However, I’m not so sure if it holds up. Funny how Kathleen Quinlan went from being so hot and sexy in this movie to a being a total mom in Apollo 13 just a few years later. Also, this made me believe Morrison was a huge druggie when in reality he apparently more of a drunk that a drug user
Him being a recovering alcoholic wouldn’t have influenced his decision on liking the movie. Ebert didn’t discredit the film all together either, liking the performances, and storyline sure but not connecting with the film as a viewer. Ebert had always shared his honest opinions with each film he reviews, and I believe he was more sensitive to certain topics and this film was one of those experiences.
@@yungalucard9139 Ebert had a bias against films that appear to glorify drug or alcohol abuse. See his reaction to the documentary Overnight where Ebert lectures Troy Duffy about his drinking, for example. Siskel had a bias as a parent where he would kneejerk give thumbs down to many movies that depict children in danger, such as Aliens.
Funny how often Ebert would praise a movie then give it a thumbs-down. This movie being an example. He literally said that Dumber and Dumber made him laugh so hard at one point that he “almost had to be hospitalized” but gave it a thumbs-down. He admitted to laughing throughout Hot Shots and praised how sharp some of the parody was...but gave it a thumbs-down bc it “wasn’t as good as Naked Gun 2 1/2”. Baffling.
Anytime Ebert gets this rattled by a film-- that he knows is a good film-- but he's emotionally obligated to give it thumbs down, it's probably destined to be a classic. Might even be as great as Blue Velvet.
I think your right. I enjoy this film more today than I did in the 90's, maybe it's because it now in HD or perhaps I'm just more mature. I'll do Blue Velvet after my Oliver Stone Series.
I remember seeing this movie (as a teenager) at the theatre, loved The Doors, back in highschool when I saw this movie, and then got the soundtrack. over time, like maybe about a few years ago, I watched the movie again, and fell even MORE in love with Jim Morrison, as one of the best writers in music, especially immensely, very passionate singing voice. after that, in a very short time, Jim Morrison and The Doors became one of my all-time favorites in music. as I usually listen to more extreme music, like Black Metal, and alot of Dark Ambient music... The Doors is one of the very few bands from the past that still gives me immense pleasure to listen to. without this movie The Doors, and me seeing it when I did, maybe I'd still eventually know about them, but I got to give credit to the movie for bringing in a new fan, and appreciating and respecting his passionate style. I watch this movie so much now, like in the past 2 weeks for example, I've watched it like 5 times. I watch this often, and love it even more than the time before, when I do. my favorite biopic of all-time, and a movie that's in my Top 5 movies of all-time. and, even more epic how Val Kilmer brings Jim Morrison to life, as he does in this movie. you'd almost think it was Jim. and, Val Kilmer actually singing, such a "Chef's kiss" perfect fit. truly one of the best movies ever made, of all-time.
I agree with both critics, however I agree with Ebert more, if you have ever read a biography on Morrison, it is deeply depressing, His story is that of Greek tragedy, Frederick Neitzche, if you’re going to take the blue bus, stare into the abyss, you will die like them. However your life turns into legend.
I won free tickets to this one by answering a few Doors trivia questions that were incredibly simple. I really enjoyed the movie the first time, even though I left the theater quite bit more stressed out than when the movie started. It was quite an ordeal. I've had it on VHS, and then DVD, for a few decades but I don't think I've watched it in full again even 2 times, although I still love the Doors' music and listen to the albums quite often.
This review is the PERFECT example of how such a film (i.e. a biography artfully manipulated to show the worst of an artist, at the cost of inventing it!) Is harmful because it irreversibly alters the perception we have of man and his work as a whole. This film tells nothing of Jim Morrison, it leaves the viewer depressed and sad without having learned anything. And it's not enough to be a good director to make a well-made biopic. But Stone declared more or less openly that he wanted to bring people to the cinema, not tell who James Douglas Morrison REALLY was. And what's better than the banal (but still valid) cocktail of sex, drugs and death? Here the only thing that can be saved is the music, but that's the Doors, not Oliver Stone ...
I somewhat agree with Ebert on this one. What bothered me is something Ebert didn’t hit on, basically Oliver Stone CHOOSING to concentrate on Morrison’s drinking and drug abuse exclusively, specially that last hour. If Morrison was as bad as he is portrayed in this film, he would have been dead in a matter of weeks, not years. He is shown doing multiple drugs at the same time then chasing them with straight whiskey, day in and day out. Oliver Stone has a bad reputation with historical accuracy. People who were there have disputed his portrayal of Morrison. One little incident illustrates how bad Oliver Stone is in regards to this. When the Doors went on the Ed Sullivan Show, Jim Morrison didn’t yell the word “higher” to the camera (or emphasized it in any way) as it is portrayed in the movie. There is tape of this actual event!! You can find it on RUclips. Oliver Stone changed history to fit his narrative. And that was just a small thing that can easily be disproved. Imagine what else he changed.
Im sorry to say this, but Jim morrison would not Agree to the he was actually protrayed in this story, and he Would not wanted to be protrayed like that, he Would be angry to see the way he was protrayed in this movie
This film is either you love it or hate. There's no middle ground. I love the music of The Doors. I love Val Kilmer performance. However it is a very depressing story of Jim Morrison life. Meg Ryan is good here in her performance. The rest cast is great in there performances. But it's exhausting journey though Morrison life that leave you sad for him. Another tragic story of wasted youth. So much talent all gone. Val Kilmer performance is spectacular as Jim Morrison and Oliver Stone directing is terrific. But I don't know if I really like this movie? It leaves you empty in side. I guess that's what Oliver Stone wanted for his audience.
Ebert was wrong. Most of us got that the film depicts Morrison's downward spiral, but also his appeal to music fans past and present. This is my favorite music film of all time. I was already a Doors fan, long before. Val Kilmer Will always be associated with this role.
When I was a teenager I was already a big fan of Val Kilmer (because of Batman) and of the Doors (my mother had tapes and memorabilia). So, that movie should supposedly be my heaven. I sat down to watch it on a friends house that owned it on vhs, and after the first half asked her to turn it off because it gave me a headache😅. I felt like I was on a bad trip, so I get what Ebert is saying. Of course growing up I watched it probably 100 times and now is one of my favourite movies. Makes me wish I lived in the 60s.
Just the quality alone of the moviemaking in this case is enough to put this movie over the top. What befalls the characters in the course of the story...well that's life. Gene got it right.
The movie did that by itself. The Doors 1991 is a wholly inaccurate embellishment of Jim Morrison, the documentary When You're Strange is much better and more accurate.
The Doors are my FAVORITE band! But this movie didn’t do Jim (Or the others, really .) justice. I can see why people who knew Jim didn’t like it . The music and direction were good, though . As was Val.
My mind was in a blank state watching this movie. It was the most weirdest experience I’ve ever had it like I liked the movie a lot but didn’t at the same time.
I saw this in the 90's. It got me in to listening to the Doors which I think are still my favorite band. I don't own much music but I do own all the Doors albums. This film is well worth a watch even just to know the history of the band and the era it's set in.
Another visual masterpiece from the daddy Oliver Stone. No matter what you think of this film it gained the Doors another generation of fans.
Yes, but for the wrong reasons!
It worked on young me back in the day. I became obsessed with The Doors and listened to this soundtrack incessantly. I used to think this movie was a masterpiece (It’s a very exciting for a young kid. Lots of sex and rock). However, I’m not so sure if it holds up.
Funny how Kathleen Quinlan went from being so hot and sexy in this movie to a being a total mom in Apollo 13 just a few years later.
Also, this made me believe Morrison was a huge druggie when in reality he apparently more of a drunk that a drug user
I agree
I became a doors fan when I saw the movie
The movie is a masterpiece! My favorite film about musician. Val Kilmer was genius in the part! It's his best performance!!!
Keep in mind that Ebert was a recovering alcoholic and was more sensitive to depictions of substance abuse.
Him being a recovering alcoholic wouldn’t have influenced his decision on liking the movie. Ebert didn’t discredit the film all together either, liking the performances, and storyline sure but not connecting with the film as a viewer. Ebert had always shared his honest opinions with each film he reviews, and I believe he was more sensitive to certain topics and this film was one of those experiences.
@@yungalucard9139 Ebert had a bias against films that appear to glorify drug or alcohol abuse. See his reaction to the documentary Overnight where Ebert lectures Troy Duffy about his drinking, for example. Siskel had a bias as a parent where he would kneejerk give thumbs down to many movies that depict children in danger, such as Aliens.
Funny how often Ebert would praise a movie then give it a thumbs-down. This movie being an example. He literally said that Dumber and Dumber made him laugh so hard at one point that he “almost had to be hospitalized” but gave it a thumbs-down. He admitted to laughing throughout Hot Shots and praised how sharp some of the parody was...but gave it a thumbs-down bc it “wasn’t as good as Naked Gun 2 1/2”. Baffling.
It makes perfect sense from a marketing sense honestly, as their controversial opinions and disagreements was what drove their ratings.
Anytime Ebert gets this rattled by a film-- that he knows is a good film-- but he's emotionally obligated to give it thumbs down, it's probably destined to be a classic. Might even be as great as Blue Velvet.
I think your right. I enjoy this film more today than I did in the 90's, maybe it's because it now in HD or perhaps I'm just more mature. I'll do Blue Velvet after my Oliver Stone Series.
Siskel was so right on this!!!
I remember seeing this movie (as a teenager) at the theatre, loved The Doors, back in highschool when I saw this movie, and then got the soundtrack. over time, like maybe about a few years ago, I watched the movie again, and fell even MORE in love with Jim Morrison, as one of the best writers in music, especially immensely, very passionate singing voice. after that, in a very short time, Jim Morrison and The Doors became one of my all-time favorites in music. as I usually listen to more extreme music, like Black Metal, and alot of Dark Ambient music... The Doors is one of the very few bands from the past that still gives me immense pleasure to listen to. without this movie The Doors, and me seeing it when I did, maybe I'd still eventually know about them, but I got to give credit to the movie for bringing in a new fan, and appreciating and respecting his passionate style. I watch this movie so much now, like in the past 2 weeks for example, I've watched it like 5 times. I watch this often, and love it even more than the time before, when I do. my favorite biopic of all-time, and a movie that's in my Top 5 movies of all-time. and, even more epic how Val Kilmer brings Jim Morrison to life, as he does in this movie. you'd almost think it was Jim. and, Val Kilmer actually singing, such a "Chef's kiss" perfect fit. truly one of the best movies ever made, of all-time.
I agree with both critics, however I agree with Ebert more, if you have ever read a biography on Morrison, it is deeply depressing, His story is that of Greek tragedy, Frederick Neitzche, if you’re going to take the blue bus, stare into the abyss, you will die like them. However your life turns into legend.
I won free tickets to this one by answering a few Doors trivia questions that were incredibly simple. I really enjoyed the movie the first time, even though I left the theater quite bit more stressed out than when the movie started. It was quite an ordeal. I've had it on VHS, and then DVD, for a few decades but I don't think I've watched it in full again even 2 times, although I still love the Doors' music and listen to the albums quite often.
This review is the PERFECT example of how such a film (i.e. a biography artfully manipulated to show the worst of an artist, at the cost of inventing it!) Is harmful because it irreversibly alters the perception we have of man and his work as a whole. This film tells nothing of Jim Morrison, it leaves the viewer depressed and sad without having learned anything. And it's not enough to be a good director to make a well-made biopic. But Stone declared more or less openly that he wanted to bring people to the cinema, not tell who James Douglas Morrison REALLY was. And what's better than the banal (but still valid) cocktail of sex, drugs and death? Here the only thing that can be saved is the music, but that's the Doors, not Oliver Stone ...
This movie is crazy but worth it.
I somewhat agree with Ebert on this one. What bothered me is something Ebert didn’t hit on, basically Oliver Stone CHOOSING to concentrate on Morrison’s drinking and drug abuse exclusively, specially that last hour. If Morrison was as bad as he is portrayed in this film, he would have been dead in a matter of weeks, not years. He is shown doing multiple drugs at the same time then chasing them with straight whiskey, day in and day out. Oliver Stone has a bad reputation with historical accuracy. People who were there have disputed his portrayal of Morrison. One little incident illustrates how bad Oliver Stone is in regards to this. When the Doors went on the Ed Sullivan Show, Jim Morrison didn’t yell the word “higher” to the camera (or emphasized it in any way) as it is portrayed in the movie. There is tape of this actual event!! You can find it on RUclips. Oliver Stone changed history to fit his narrative. And that was just a small thing that can easily be disproved. Imagine what else he changed.
i had friends who never saw the film or heard the music but had the poster next to the che one
Im sorry to say this, but Jim morrison would not Agree to the he was actually protrayed in this story, and he Would not wanted to be protrayed like that, he Would be angry to see the way he was protrayed in this movie
This film is either you love it or hate. There's no middle ground. I love the music of The Doors. I love Val Kilmer performance. However it is a very depressing story of Jim Morrison life. Meg Ryan is good here in her performance. The rest cast is great in there performances. But it's exhausting journey though Morrison life that leave you sad for him. Another tragic story of wasted youth. So much talent all gone. Val Kilmer performance is spectacular as Jim Morrison and Oliver Stone directing is terrific. But I don't know if I really like this movie? It leaves you empty in side. I guess that's what Oliver Stone wanted for his audience.
Long over due for Oliver stone to do a movie about the greatful dead
Wish someone w/a brain would do a film about the Airplane! Long overdue. ✈️🎥
A "documentary from the era" would NOT be THAT clean and polished looking.
Ebert was wrong. Most of us got that the film depicts Morrison's downward spiral, but also his appeal to music fans past and present. This is my favorite music film of all time. I was already a Doors fan, long before. Val Kilmer Will always be associated with this role.
When I was a teenager I was already a big fan of Val Kilmer (because of Batman) and of the Doors (my mother had tapes and memorabilia). So, that movie should supposedly be my heaven. I sat down to watch it on a friends house that owned it on vhs, and after the first half asked her to turn it off because it gave me a headache😅. I felt like I was on a bad trip, so I get what Ebert is saying. Of course growing up I watched it probably 100 times and now is one of my favourite movies. Makes me wish I lived in the 60s.
Great stuff!
Just the quality alone of the moviemaking in this case is enough to put this movie over the top. What befalls the characters in the course of the story...well that's life. Gene got it right.
Oliver Stone should make a sequel to The Doors.
Well, Jim died at the end! What is left to be told.
The windows
What did Eber expect, to change history?
The movie did that by itself. The Doors 1991 is a wholly inaccurate embellishment of Jim Morrison, the documentary When You're Strange is much better and more accurate.
Not only is this review incomplete, (it's over 10 minutes in their show), but playing music while they are talking doesn't make it better.
Yea film was trippy and grim that it gave me a nightmare, but of course nothing like requiem for a dream or the like
The Doors are my FAVORITE band! But this movie didn’t do Jim (Or the others, really .) justice. I can see why people who knew Jim didn’t like it . The music and direction were good, though . As was Val.
3:17
Surprised they didn’t censor that F bomb 😃
My mind was in a blank state watching this movie. It was the most weirdest experience I’ve ever had it like I liked the movie a lot but didn’t at the same time.
I haven't seen this movie.
I saw this in the 90's. It got me in to listening to the Doors which I think are still my favorite band. I don't own much music but I do own all the Doors albums. This film is well worth a watch even just to know the history of the band and the era it's set in.
Well, i have. Val Kilmer nailed his characterization down.
@@hamburgareable That's what I heard.
@@reneedennis2011 Right.
This movie made Morrison look like a jackass.
@jesusislight777 Stating facts, no anger involved, if anything I think its funny. Projection is yours alone.
its a downer thats the point