The Clash treads hallowed rock and roll ground. This is one of the few bands that not only inspire progression, but outright thievery. Rock bands have been ripping of the Clash – badly- for 30 years now. The Future is Unwritten is Julian Temple's excellent documentary on the band's iconic catalyst Joe Strummer.This film is not a giant leap in the genre of rock star bios but the combination of a powerful subject in Strummer, the artistic vision of Temple and the support of many talking heads makes this one of the better rock documentaries.
Temple filmed the interviews by a campfire. The campfire could have been a gimmick gone wrong but it adds an intimacy that would otherwise be gone in a studio. It also allows the interview subjects – everyone from Strummer's childhood friends to Johnny Depp – to relax and reflect, rather than remember and regurgitate.
One drawback to the campfire scenes is Temple does not include the name of whoever may be speaking. Old punks do not look the same they did in '77. While there are several instantly recognizable faces, not everyone in the film has had the luxury of starring in blockbuster movies or fronting world famous rock bands. The problem is that the people you recognize have the least to say. Those closest to Strummer, and his own interviews over the years, reveal far more about the man as a person rather than the punk rock warlord. It is wonderful to see these people say what a lousy guy he could be and that his actions pissed them off. It made him human, and even more remarkable for what he achieved.
There seems to be a common thread of influence that runs through many of England's greatest rock musicians. Strummer, like many well to do future musicians, attended art school. Basic rock and roll combined with a healthy dose of artsy pretension seems to be a great combination. Maybe this lends itself to a worldview that most people do not have. It also explains the visual element in Strummer's work. Not only was he a remarkable lyricist he was a tireless artist. Sketching, painting, taking endless notes and constantly creating. The film pulls in many of his notes, sketches and paintings into the visual element of the film. Temple adds animation to the sketches to a great effect. This aspect of the film adds a frenetic punk energy while the campfire interviews add the quiet intimacy.
Critics heaped praise on this film as it hit festivals, and rightfully so, it is a very good film. The Future is Unwritten tunes into the energy of Joe Strummer, and stands as a fitting tribute to its protagonist.
