| MAYOR OF THE SUNSET STRIP |
 2003 - USADirector: George Hickenlooper - Reviewed by Vickie
Directed by George Hickenlooper (The Man From Elysian Fields), the film chronicles Rodney’s rise to fame, from his days as an autograph-seeking teen to his work as a stand-in for Davy Jones to his multi-decade job on the air at K-ROQ in Los Angeles. Dozens and dozens of famous folk are interviewed alongside hundreds of photos and film clips documenting all the celebrities Rodney knows. He was The Man to countless artists from the 1960s through present day, and has led a star-studded life that many crave but few will ever know. At the same time, and poignantly juxtaposed with his life in the Hollywood fast lane, Rodney is a man who remains an island. Alone. Some of the most moving portions of the film are the interviews with Rodney’s family and friends, all of whom seem to have a somewhat distant relationship with him and don’t seem to realize the impact of the detached tone they use when discussing him. Combined with the downright depressing sequences involving the death of Rodney’s mother and his scattering of her ashes, I was pretty weepy throughout. Filled with wall-to-wall musicians’ testimonials, Mayor is not only the story of Rodney Bingenheimer, but a telling look at the nature of celebrity. Is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Is it really all that it *appears* to be? Ask Rodney, who—despite all his connections and his plethora of famous pals—still lives a modest life in a cluttered apartment and who’s watching as his time in the spotlight slowly begins to fade to black. Bring Kleenex, but be prepared for a great movie. |
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Much like the man of few words at its core, there’s not a lot to say
about this stellar, and surprisingly heartbreaking, documentary about
the life and times of famed L.A. disc jockey Rodney Bingenheimer.
Except, of course, that it’s a fantastic film that presents a
fascinating look at the life of a quiet, somewhat mousy, little guy who
just loves music and the people who make it.
