Derailroaded: Inside The Mind Of Larry Wild Man Fischer

Derailroaded: Inside The Mind Of Larry Wild Man Fischer is an in-depth and poignant documentary film that paints a complex picture of an equally complex man - Larry "Wild Man" Fischer. The movie focuses on the life and career of Larry Wild Man Fischer, an idiosyncratic outsider musician regarded by many as an underground legend of Los Angeles. Known for his unpredictable performances and bizarre behavior, Fischer's story is rooted in the darker corners of countercultural obscurity, arguably overshadowed by his ongoing battles with severe mental illness.

Directed by Josh Rubin, the documentary takes the viewer on a journey into the world of Fischer, showcasing his struggle with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and exploring how such struggles influenced his unique brand of music. Notably, the title "Derailroaded" captures Fischer's unusual musical career trajectory, his fluctuations in mental health, and ceaseless battles against personal demons.

The film has been constructed using a balance of contemporary interviews, archival footage, and animations, providing an insightful and comprehensive view of Fischer's life, both onstage and off. The narrative succeeds in weaving a tapestry that encapsulates the wild ride of a life lived in a schism between creativity and madness, between the world of mainstream music and the underbelly of audacious anti-pop sound.

Central to the film is Fischer's career as an unconventional artist. Discovered by Frank Zappa in the mid-1960s, he ascended to cult status in the world of outsider music, marked as much by his unconventional approach to song composition as his intense raw street performances. His two-record album, "An Evening with Wild Man Fischer," released by Zappa's Bizarre/Straight label, laid the foundation for his career. His hit song "Merry-Go-Round" became an underground sensation. However, his unpredictability and often volatile behavior kept him from achieving mainstream success, while simultaneously bolstering his outsider cred.

From interviews with music industry insiders, to close friends and family, to Fischer himself, the film paints a vivid portrait of a troubled man and the world in which he functioned. Derailroaded takes its viewer into the world of outsider art, aiming to challenge our understanding of what it means to be an artist, be creative, and be human. Friends and family provide intimate detail into the trials and tribulations of Larry's life, while commentaries from other musicians and industry players underscored his impact on the music scene.

Appreciated by the likes of Zappa and radio DJ Dr. Demento, yet being a difficult to digest for a wide audience, Fischer’s music was raw, intense, and infused with emotions, often veering off into sometimes jarring, sometimes fragile territories. Poignant interview content features heavily in the documentary to make visible Larry's thoughts, delivering a very raw, personal connection between the audience and the wild man himself.

A particularly affecting strength of the film is the filmmakers' ability to tackle the delicate topic of mental illness in the context of creativity. Fischer's story, while singular in its features, represents a broader dialog about the treatment of mental illness in society, the fine line between creativity and insanity, and the price that artists often pay for their brilliant yet tormented minds. Filmmakers treat Fischer’s illness with respect and a great amount of sensitivity. It’s an integral part of the story, adding a thread of empathy and humanity throughout.

Above all, Derailroaded: Inside The Mind Of Larry Wild Man Fischer is a story about music and the extraordinary lengths one man will go to express himself to the world. It’s a film that captures the life of a man living precariously on the edge between genius and insanity, contributing to the ongoing dialogue around mental health, art, and the blurred lines between them. It is an enveloping profile of a restless soul who found escape in his music, thus making the film not only a powerful homage to a unique music persona but also a potent exploration of mental health seen through the life of a misunderstood icon.