The Death and Resurrection Show

Delving deep into the heart of rock, mysticism, chaos, and enlightenment, "The Death and Resurrection Show" is a captivating feature-length documentary that vividly portrays the fascinating journey of the seminal English post-punk band, Killing Joke. Directed by Shaun Pettigrew and put on-screen in 2013, this sizzling documentary takes the audience on a wild and immersive ride through the history and legacy of one of the most influential bands of their time.

The film primarily follows the principal member of Killing Joke, Jaz Coleman, the fiery frontman, who is known for his vocal intensity, philosophical outlook, and sometimes terrifying onstage persona. Coleman’s poignant journey from Cheltenham, England to becoming the powerful and enigmatic leader of Killing Joke forms the backbone of the documentary.

"The Death and Resurrection Show" center stages the powerful magnetism of the band's music, interspersed with candid revelations of their uniquely chaotic lives. From the band's formation in the late 70s to their influence in the alt-rock movement of the 80s and 90s, to their ongoing relevance, the film is a definitive chronicle of the band's turbulent history and immense cultural impact.

Coupling archive band footage, new interviews with members past and present, and captivating animation, "The Death and Resurrection Show" tells the tale of Coleman's constant struggle to balance his musical career with his insatiable curiosity about the occult. A significant part of the film's allure is Coleman's magnetic personality, which shines through in every chaotic event and foreshadows the anarchic worldview that defines the band.

The documentary also includes rarely seen footage and interviews with Jimmy Page - the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist. Page's admiration for Killing Joke and his deep friendship with Coleman offer a fresh and enlightening perspective on the band's music and mythos.

Moreover, "The Death and Resurrection Show" explores the band's tremendous influence on the contemporary music arena. It addresses how Killing Joke's fierce and raw energy, radical political views, and visceral sound have markedly inspired many well-known bands, such as Nirvana, Metallica, and Soundgarden among others. Their footprint on these popular bands reflects the unwavering legacy of Killing Joke, adding yet another layer of depth to this mesmerizing documentary.

Set against a backdrop of historical world events like the Cold War, nuclear anxieties, punk, post-punk, and the socio-political convolutions of the '70s and '80s, "The Death and Resurrection Show" superbly encapsulates the essence of the band in its chaotic and majestic entirety. However, the movie isn’t only about the band’s music, or the societal issues they tackled, or their memorable performances. It also reveals a tremendously rich, controversial and tumultuous inner-world. It tracks the band members through their multiple break-ups, mental breakdowns, financial troubles, lawsuits, and numerous make-ups, painting a motley canvas of a band that quite honestly lived on the edge.

Coupled with a soundtrack that features an extensive presentation of Killing Joke songs, "The Death and Resurrection Show" encapsulates broader themes of belief, creativity, rebellion, madness, and friendship, all set within a hauntingly beautiful and dark spectacle. It is not merely a film for existing fans of Killing Joke. It's a narrative that explores the relationship between music and chaos, between art and passion, and between life and death, making it a must-watch for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and fans of profound and compelling stories.

In summary, "The Death and Resurrection Show" is a stunning exploration of the often shrouded intersection between music, anarchism, and mysticism as exemplified by one of the most dangerous bands of our times – Killing Joke. With intimate interviews, real-life footage, and the hypnotically compelling music of Killing Joke, this documentary is sure to inspire, disturb, and delve into the psyche of those brave enough to witness it.