New York Doll (2005)

Watching New York Doll, we see a man who was once a real rock n roller, a member of one of the pioneering punk rock bands, that quickly fizzled after a few years of cult success, and how he turned to drugs soon afterward and instead of simple rehab and reunion with the band went to religion. Mormonism can't be completely explained in one film, especially one as short as 75 minutes, but what the filmmakers faithfully (no pun intended) capture is the transformation of Kane into someone who was happy to be himself, and not strung out on addiction and a lack of a solid career in music. It may even be touching for the die-hard NY Dolls fans who are glad to see "Killer" Kane in anything- he was kicked out of the band originally- and to see other rockers like Morrissey, Bob Geldoff and critics talking very fondly of the Dolls.But it's just as affecting for those who don't know Kane much at all, as it's a tale of self-redemption (albeit by a usually kooky sect like those with Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), and a rehabilitation that's not to be taken lightly for Kane. Without this he would've been dead much sooner, and yet he remained the second-to-last surviving member of the Dolls before his death in 2004; seeing the quasi-reformed Dolls perform with their original footage spliced in is really amazing. The only drawback I would say is that the filmmakers aren't the greatest at projecting an effective style all the time (though there are remarkable moments, like Kane playing a harmonica, and the voice-overs saying how he started to "have a cold" and went to the ER).

First, I confess that I never "got" The New York Dolls.Second, this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen.The film is a bittersweet, understated but fascinating portrayal of Arthur Kane, the one-time degenerate New York Doll bass player turned Mormon, as he prepares for a reunion concert with his former band mates, and, as it turns out, a far more important gig. The filmmaker treats all of the subjects(including Morrissey, David Johanssen, numerous LDS members, the LDS Church itself, and most of all, Kane) with dignity and respect, and without judgment. The film's unstated message of tolerance and understanding makes this worth watching by all.

"New York Doll" is an true-life story of humanity, rock & roll, and redemption. Fueled by a propulsive soundtrack, Greg Whitely uses a light touch in his directorial debut. The result is a moving independent film; spare, authentic, and emotional.This is no "Behind The Music", but a reason to love rock & roll for all it is; both good and bad. Arthur "Killer" Kane achieved quick success in the early 70s with The New York Dolls. Infused with part Ramones, Ziggy Stardust, and Sex Pistols, The Dolls were avante garde rebels in an era when rock & roll fans were looking for a new direction.Commentary by Morrisey, Iggy Pop, and Sir Bob Geldof paint the backdrop. Greg Whitely's genealogical timeline takes us through the tragic fall and slow path towards redemption, culminating with a re-union concert in London.Stay tuned through the credits for a special arrangement of a hymn, arranged and performed by Johansen and Sylvain. The bluesy acoustics, Johansen's raspy lyrical pathos, and plaintive harmonica brought a tear to my eye.

Wow...what a movie. Here's a guy that has been to hell and back and lived through it! Arthur Kane is warm, sensitive individual who pulled himself up from the bootstraps and was a rock and roll survivor. This movie is like a Rock And Roll Forrest Gump. I can't wait to purchase the movie when its out on the market. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't much on the other New York Dolls until the movie progressed and I fell in love with Arthur. And I know a lot about Jerry Nolan, Thunders, Johannsen and Sylvain, but Arthur was one of the Dolls I didn't know anything about. Don't walk to go see this movie, but run. Bring a friend and a tissue, and say a prayer after you see this movie for the NY Dolls.