MC5: A True Testimonial (2002)

  • NR
  • 02/02/2002 (US)
  • Music, Documentary
  • 2h

Overview

This documentary, made over a period of eight years, tells the remarkable story of an extremely influential rock'n'roll band. Starting from their mid-60's garage band roots (sounding amazingly like the Sonics), the Motor City 5 deveoped into an icon for a brand of loud, crushing music reflecting their industrial roots. Even if you don't care for their music (and you're bound to like even a few of their songs), their story is fascinating. It combines 60's protest, youthful braggadocio, and a style of music that would help carry one to the likes of Iggy and the Stooges (not to mention certain aspects of punk rock). This film is clearly a labor of love, combining extraordinarily rare live shows, still shots, a nearly-continuous backdrop of MC5 tunes, penetrating interviews with the remaining members and their spouses, and even FBI surveillance shots. It's the ultimate testimonial to a band that only gains in stature as time goes on.

David C. Thomas

Director, Writer

Cast

Rob Tyner's headshot

Rob Tyner

Himself
Wayne Kramer's headshot

Wayne Kramer

Himself
Fred 'Sonic' Smith's headshot

Fred 'Sonic' Smith

Himself
Michael Davis's headshot

Michael Davis

Himself
Dennis Thompson's headshot

Dennis Thompson

Himself
John Sinclair's headshot

John Sinclair

Himself

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