Dir. Greg Whitely, UK/US, 2005, 78 mins
Cast: Andrew, Jeremy
Review by Will Davis
Arthur ‘killer’ Kane, once the base player in the 70s seminal cross-dressing rock-pioneers The New York Dolls, underwent a complete transformation after the group’s demise. At the age of fifty-five Arthur had become a Mormon working in a Family History Centre library in Los Angeles. However, Arthur never forgot his rock-roots, and held on to the dream of one day regrouping with the remnants of the band and performing once again. New York Doll is the documentary of Arthur, who flew to take part Morrissey’s Meltdown Festival in 2004 in which the Dolls famously performed together for the first time in almost thirty years.
This is a very accessible and well out together documentary. Arthur provides a fantastic subject and director Greg Whitely knows it. The focus of the documentary is largely fascination about Arthur’s dramatic transformation from a rock star to a Mormon and then – briefly - back again. And, considering the absence of any real contention, the fact that the documentary is so engaging is no mean feat. Perhaps this is what it means to be a Mormon in California, but one of the interview subjects from the church express the expected outrage or disappointment at Arthur’s origins – quite the opposite: they raise the money to help him buy back his guitar from the pawnshop. Neither is there any scorn or disdain expressed within the rock community when Arthur flies to London to rehearse with the band. But New York Doll pulls out all the stops to make you understand that none the less this is a life changing matter for Arthur, from an animated time-line to myriad interviews snippets and repeated historical backtracks to the Dolls’ performances and reporting of the rift that separated them from one another. It is perhaps because of this meticulous attention to detail that we build up such a strong and affectionate sense of Arthur’s character, and more importantly are able to note the undertones and conflict in the film’s most crucial scene: the minutes before the performance in the Albert Hall when Arthur is questioned about his religion by Dolls lead-singer David Johansen who he has envied and resented for years following the bands break-up in 1975.
New York Doll is also a very generous documentary, supplying information about the rock scene without ever boring the viewer with unnecessary details of rock history or gratuitous gawping at the various rock-stars who pass before the camera. Indeed, the last word goes to the Mormons, the community Arthur made his home – which is a very gracious and empathetic decision. Ultimately this is a portrait of a unique and fascinating individual. Whitely recognises and understands his protagonist, and has crafted a fine and moving film about him.
Discuss this film here
Optimum Home Entertainment have announced the UK Region 2 DVD release of New York Doll for 7th August 2006 priced at £17.99.
Features include:
- 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
- English Stereo Sound
- Greg Whitely Interview (6mins)
- Morrissey Interview (19mins)
- “Come, come ye saints” musical performance (2mins)
- Trailer
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