By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: Ethan Silverman
Year: 2025
Running time: 99
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799714
Julie says: “‘Angelheaded hipster’ is a phrase that refers to the countercultural, nonconformist individuals celebrated in Allen Ginsberg’s famous Beat Generation poem ‘Howl’. It describes figures, like the character based on Jack Kerouac in On the Road, who pursue a rebellious, spiritually focused life outside the mainstream of 1950s America.
“The phrase has also been used as the title for a documentary and a tribute album celebrating the life and music of glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan of T. Rex.
“I loved this documentary about Marc Bolan of T.Rex and his music. I knew little about him before other than I always loved his songs (that is the songs I was able to hear…there were not many on U.S. airwaves so it seemed, especially not in San Antonio Texas when he was creating and playing music in the 70’s).
“He had an amazing range of styles, was a fantastic guitar player and song writer. I loved the mix of instruments often found in one song.
“The movie documents the recording of the album of the same name where various artists cover (their choice of ) Marc Bolan’s songs and a documentary of his life is intertwined! There are many film clips of him being interviewed or performing. They get some great moments from him, and I have to say he was funny as well with great timing in some of his responses, very dry at times I found. What is cool is that his musical genius can be interpreted in so many ways as shown by the various artists. At one point there is an intertwining of two different artists playing the same song with their own twist… that was super cool and genius editing!
“If you’re a music lover you can’t not love this film. I was so touched by Borns’ performance who channeled the poetic sensitive side of Bolan so well. I don’t think it was an accident his was one of the last performances shown.
“Of note I’ve seen three 2025 eligible band docs now being: ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO, SIMPLE MINDS: EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE and this one was by far my favorite. Ironically or maybe not so ironically Allen Ginsberg is in the other two and I believe this one as well, but if nothing else he is linked by the name.
“I’m buying this movie and will check if I’m imagining he was also alluded to/included in the doc itself. I believe he was!
A few fave songs and perfs:
Nic Cave’s interpretation of Cosmic Dancer (from the movie & album)
Marc Bolan Cosmic Dancer –
Marc Bolan 20th Century Boy
Borns’ interpretation Dawn Storm (he sounds a lot like Jeff Buckley in the produced cut here)