Retro Film Review: Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003)
The author of this review believes that rock music is one of the most overrated cultural achievements of the 20th century. Many so-called "important" names and pieces of rock music have not stood the test of time, and the term "rock star" often carries connotations of transience. The transience and the idea that the glitz and glamour of rock music often mask emptiness are central themes in Mayor of the Sunset Strip, a 2003 documentary directed by George Hickenlooper.
However, the film does not focus directly on rock musicians or their music. Instead, it centres around Rodney Bingenheimer, a Los Angeles disc jockey at radio station KROQ. While Bingenheimer may seem significant in the rock music industry by conventional standards - having helped many British rock artists break into the American charts through his show - the film portrays him as a quiet, unassuming man who drives an old car and lives in a modest apartment, far removed from the luxury associated with rock stars. It contrasts this everyday reality with the golden age of 1960s rock'n'roll when Rodney transitioned from an ambitious fame-seeker to the beloved "Mayor of Sunset Strip," enjoying a lifestyle akin to rock legends.
The movie is divided into two parts. The first part chronicles Rodney's ascent to fame and nostalgically depicts the early years of modern rock music, where individuals like Rodney could bask in the stars' lifestyle simply by being their friends. Prominent musicians such as David Bowie, Cher, Nancy Sinatra, Debbie Harry, and Mick Jagger share positive anecdotes about Rodney. The second part, focusing on the present, takes a darker turn. It explores the dynamics between the young Bingenheimer and his star acquaintances in the 1960s, mirrored in his relationship with a struggling, untalented homeless musician in the present whom he supports financially. This section delves into Bingenheimer's personal life, unveiling two poignant scenes.
While the emotional impact of these scenes and the archival footage in the film is striking, Mayor of the Sunset Strip falls short in weaving them into a cohesive narrative. It lacks a clear thematic focus, and Rodney Bingenheimer, despite his intriguing life story, fails to embody specific cultural issues or trends that Hickenlooper intended to explore. Although there are snippets about the significance of fame in modern society, mostly through brief interviews, the film misses the mark in illustrating how Bingenheimer intersects with today's hype machinery or how he navigated the hype of the past. It seems that Hickenlooper, despite aiming to capture the mundane reality behind rock history, is overly enamoured with his subject. The result is a film that, while occasionally powerful, at times resembles the typical content found on MTV or VH1. Mayor of the Sunset Strip may appeal primarily to ardent fans of the Los Angeles rock music scene.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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