It's So Easy And Other Lies

It's So Easy And Other Lies is a 2015 autobiographical music documentary that offers an intimate portrait of the life of bass guitarist Duff McKagan, best known for his time with rock bands Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and Loaded. Directed by Christopher Duddy, the movie features an impressive roster of rock music legends including Slash, Nikki Sixx, and Benny Urquidez, who contribute their personal insights and recounts of McKagan's journey.

The title of the film is borrowed from McKagan's autobiography of the same name. The documentary intriguingly showcases McKagan's rise to becoming one of the most acclaimed and recognizable bass musicians in the history of rock n' roll. McKagan's story is laid bare, alongside the tumultuous journey of the rock music world in the 1980s and 1990s – an era defined by excess, indulgence, struggle, and triumph.

The documentary is a hard hitting, deeply personal, and touching cinematic rendition that takes viewers on a visceral journey through the extremes of McKagan's life. Through reveal of a masterful storytelling, it expertly delves into tender moments of his early upbringing in Seattle, his rocket ride to stardom with Guns N' Roses, the downfall into debilitating addiction, and eventual resurrection through his sobriety, spiritual awakening, and reintegration into the music world with newfound vigour and purpose.

One of the main highlights of It's so Easy and Other Lies is the clever use of animated sequences to bring life to the photographs and memorabilia from McKagan's past. The animations thrive in tandem with captivating interviews from band members, friends, peers, and family, providing an authentic emotional depth to the narrative.

Slash, a fellow Guns N' Roses alumni, and Nikki Sixx, known for his work with Mötley Crüe, appear frequently throughout the documentary, providing their perspective on the rise and fall - and rise again - of their friend and band member. Their insightful interviews and personal accounts give a unique perspective into the events that shaped McKagan’s life, offering an inside look into the cutthroat intensity and camaraderie of the rock music world.

Adding another perspective is Benny Urquidez, a world champion kickboxer who mentored Mckagan during his recovery and introduced him to martial arts as a means of discipline and control. His appearance lends a distinct dynamic to the film, indicating the unique blend of influences that helped Duff reclaim his life.

Unlike many rock music documentaries, It's so Easy and Other Lies subverts the glorification of the self-destructive rock star trope and confronts the dark weight of addiction head-on. It poses a narrative of defiance and survival, a testament to McKagan's resilience and determination to overcome adversity and make peace with his tumultuous past.

The work also distinguishes itself with Howe Gelb's score that faithfully echoes the documentary's themes and Mckagan’s nuanced recitations of passages from his autobiography. It also pulls the veil back on the process of crafting his memoir, while elegantly interweaving snapshots of his promotional book readings and Q&A sessions with chunks of live performances.

A rich creative palette of archival footage, animated sequences, original performances, compelling interviews, and candid ephemera make It's So Easy And Other Lies a poignant rumination on the struggle, triumph, and transformation of one individual's journey through life and music. An inspiring narrative of redemption and survival envelops the audience, ensuring that Duff McKagan is forever etched into their minds - not just as a musician, but also as a survivor.

Whether you're a diehard fan of Duff McKagan, Guns N' Roses, or hard rock music in general, or if you're merely intrigued by the timeless themes of struggle and redemption, It's so Easy and Other Lies is a must-watch, offering a deeply emotional, real, and resonant examination of a life lived in the fast lane and a human spirit triumphant in the face of adversity.