Storyline
An in-depth look at the life and work of avant-garde musician, Frank Zappa.
Cast: Frank Zappa -
Himself
(archive footage)
Country: France, Germany
Language: English
Release Date: 3 Jan 2016
Technical Specs
Runtime:
User Review
Author:
Rating: 8/10
EAT THAT QUESTION: FRANK ZAPPA IN HIS OWN WORDS documentary is unique
and eye-opening, one of the best docus I've seen all year. Those of us
who are familiar with his legacy would respect him even more from
watching this and those of us who may not have heard of Zappa, would
see this film, and instantly become his newest fan.
To be honest, I didn't grow up listening to Frank Zappa's music and
this documentary reminds me why that is. It's because Zappa's music is
an acquired taste, if you will. His music is extremely unconventional,
he would arrange complex bands and combine all kinds instruments and
and styles and orchestra to perform his composition that more than
often would have average listeners scratch their heads. I wonder if his
music would have a place in today's short attention span social
media/internet generation where everything has to be catchy and instant
every single minute.
But I'm a fan of Zappa the person, the artist, who doesn't give flying
two-cents whether or not his music can be played on the radio or if
it's commercially viable in the ears of records studios that only think
of the bottomline.
The title wasn't joking when it said 'In His Own Words,' this docu is
as unique as it gets because director Thorsten Schutte completely
throws the book out the window and instead of going with the usual
talking heads or interviewing loved ones remembering about Zappa,
Schutte goes straight to the source. By using archival footage of old
interviews with Zappa, his TV appearances, concert recordings, 'EAT
THAT QUESTION' brings Zappa to us, as if his timeless words of wisdom
have been resurrected once more and it feels all the more impactful
hearing it straight from the man himself. This docu doesn't only
celebrate Zappa but it also gives him a fresh look. Who knew that the
man whose hippie appearance was striking and memorable was actually a
family man who believed in anti-drug use. His protest against
censorship is probably my most favorite part of this docu, it reminds
us that time and time again there will be forces from the narrow-minded
right wing who'll try to take our freedom of speech away, so it's
important for today's generation to learn from Zappa's legacy and his
fight to stay true to his art and ideas.
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