Julien Temple, one of the early documentarians of the London punk scene and director of the 2000 Sex Pistols film The Filth and the Fury, turns his attention now to that other seminal British band: The Clash--or more accurately, to the band's co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer, Joe Strummer. The Future is Unwritten is more than just a biography of Strummer; it is a tribute and exploration of a musician, artist and devoted humanist. Though Temple respects and admires Strummer (his influence is exalted by close friends, peers and fans like Bono and John Cusack), he doesn't romanticize this larger-than-life personality and presents Strummer honestly and not always in flattering light, though the director's fondness for his subject is constant. Most movingly, Strummer himself provides the narration via reassembled excerpts from a variety of interviews and the BBC radio show he hosted during the nineties. In the wrong hands, this could be contrived, but in this masterful documentary it serves as a testament to not just Joe Strummer the myth, but Joe Strummer the man, telling us his story in vivid detail. The Future is Unwritten is a moving and personal portrait of a musician who helped shaped not just punk, but modern music as a whole. --Kira CannyCustomer Review: Amazing movie about a rock legend
There have been several movies made about Joe Strummer but Julien Temple's is unique in its personal touch. Temple was a friend of Strummer's for many years and so had insight into the man behind the music that many people did not have. The movie consists of Joe's life story as told by many friends, acquaintances, fellow artists and others who knew him or were influenced by him over the years. Amazing music, very well put-together, and just a great story about a man who was a huge influence on rock & roll and politics during his time on this earth. Joe was taken from the world too early when he died unexpectedly in December 2002 and after watching this movie one can only wonder what more he would have accomplished. The opening scene of Joe singing "White Riot" a capella in the studio is complemented by the closing scene of Joe and Mick Jones reuniting on stage 20+ years later to perform the same song...even though they were old (and Mick a little bald!) they still ROCKED. If you like the Clash, you must see this movie!!
It surprises us when this type of thing is said and revealed but it happens more often than we sometimes realise.
Spiritual inspirational leadership which is vibrant genuine and sincere is so needed.
King Solomon, with all his wisdom, fame, wealth, popularity and business acumen, became bored.
Do you ever hear people say that today? "Oh, I am bored. I have nothing to do. There is nowhere to go!"
People need God to give shape and purpose for their lives. It was only when Solomon turned away from Almighty God that he became increasingly dissatisfied.
The issues Solomon dared to write about are the same basic issues which bother many people today. Solomon's writings are highly relevant.
He has big important significant questions. Routine bored him. The sun rose and set every day. It never seemed to change. That is not monotony. That is order.
This man who had known such wisdom was baffled, and he began to find life wearisome.
That happens when you marginalise God.
When a man turns from God it is more serious than simple boredom and weariness. When a nation turns from the ways of God, it gets into a terrible tangle. How many nations are in just this very confusion and disarray in these present days?
Solomon decided to become involved in more things. That is not the answer either.
Surely our lives will suddenly change if we have more television, more radio, more travel, more music, more entertainment!
Solomon landed up in a sorry state. It was as though he was just going round in circles and getting nowhere.
He had wandered far and it showed. In his search for satisfaction he explored so many avenues.
If only, at that point, he could have heard these words of Jesus which Peter heard, "Follow Me and I will make you", and if he had responded as Peter responded what a transformation there would have been.
There is one thing you can be sure of - if you follow Jesus Christ you will never be bored!
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com
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