Hendrix

Hendrix is a biographical drama film that profiles the life and career of the legendary guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. The movie stars Wood Harris as the title character, and features supporting performances from Billy Zane and Dorian Harewood.

The story follows Hendrix from his early days playing the chitlin' circuit in the United States, to his rise to fame as a guitar virtuoso and cultural icon in London. Along the way, the movie explores Hendrix's personal relationships, including his tumultuous romance with model Kathy Etchingham (played by Imogen Stubbs), and his collaborations with fellow musicians like Eric Clapton and George Harrison.

One of the key themes of the movie is the racial tension that Hendrix faced throughout his career. As a black man playing rock music in the 1960s, Hendrix faced significant discrimination and prejudice, both in the United States and abroad. The movie does not shy away from these issues, and portrays Hendrix as a complex figure who was both deeply affected by his experiences of racism, and determined to overcome them through his music.

The musical performances in the movie are a highlight, with Harris doing an impressive job of channeling Hendrix's distinctive guitar style and stage presence. The movie features performances of classic Hendrix songs like "Purple Haze" and "Hey Joe," as well as lesser-known tracks like "Bleeding Heart" and "Machine Gun."

The supporting cast is also strong, with Zane turning in a memorable performance as Hendrix's flamboyant manager, Michael Jeffrey. Harewood, meanwhile, plays Hendrix's father, who was largely absent from his life but whose influence loomed large over his son's career.

In addition to its portrayal of Hendrix himself, the movie does a good job of capturing the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The fashion, music, and political climate of the era are all on display, and the movie's visual style has an appropriately psychedelic feel.

Overall, Hendrix is an engaging and entertaining biopic that will appeal to fans of the guitarist's music, as well as those with an interest in the cultural history of the 1960s. The movie is not without its flaws – some of the dialogue can be clunky, and the pacing is occasionally uneven – but these issues are outweighed by the strength of the performances and the powerful story at the heart of the film.