Oliver Stone captures flawed genius with flawed film

Rating: 8/10 (25 October 2005)

Having just watched The Doors again for the first time in a few years and seeing it for the first time without student pretentiousness blinkering my already frazzled brain, I found that Oliver Stone's film was fragmented on a few levels. Rather than spoil the film, this led to a better realisation of the troubled life of Jim Morrison. Sure, some of the Native American symbolism of Stone was forced on the viewer rather than allowed to be absorbed but this is no surprise to anyone who has ever seen one of his films. This is surely an underlying theme of Oliver Stone's films so it is easy to allow him these indulgences, especially with the strength of the visuals on display in this film.
The point of this film was to chronicle the life of what many people refer to as a troubled genius. It is clear right from the start that Morrison is battling his own demons. Becoming a spokesperson for the American Left, which was also trying to find its own voice in sixties, clearly left it's toll on someone who frankly relished the opportunity.
Although the film is adequate in telling the life of Morrison in the early days, it is his descent as always, that is fascinating. From his troubled affair with a journalist who became besotted by his presence, to his oblivion through drink and drug's, it is clear that this is where Stone becomes intrigued by his subject. Who could blame him, this is surely the time when most doors fans themselves were wondering if the man was for real. And, unfortunately for most people who did believe in the hype of Jim Morrison, he delivered.
Dying when he did, in a bathtub in Paris, left Stone with an unimaginably poignant ending. Here was a man so involved with his own self who embraced the rock and roll lifestyle so completely, that this was the only ending that fitted. Who would hold the man in such high regard today if he was not dead? Look at the Rolling Stones, even Paul McCartney nowadays. Nobody could ever accuse Morrison of selling out. He never had a chance. He lived the life, he suffered for the life. Rightly or wrongly, this is why Jim Morrison will always have people admiring him. It leads to magnificent speculation of his life.
In 'The Doors' I feel there is a film even he would admire and say 'That was me.'