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70% Critic Match
The Fearless Freaks
“The life and times of an American invention??”
7.0 / 10• 2005• 1h 40m•NR• English
MusicDocumentary
Storyline
Equal parts punk and psychedelia, the Flaming Lips emerged from Oklahoma City as one of the most bracing bands of the late 1980s. The Fearless Freaks documents their rise from Butthole Surfers-imitating noisemakers to grand poobahs of orchestral pop masterpieces. Filmmaker Bradley Beesely had the good fortune of living in the same neighborhood as lead Lip Wayne Coyne, who quickly enlisted his buddy to document his band's many concerts and assorted exploits. The early footage is a riot, with tragic hair styles on proud display as the boys attempt to cover up their lack of natural talent with sheer volume. During one show, they even have a friend bring a motorcycle on stage, which is then miked for sound and revved throughout the performance, clearing the club with toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Great punk rock stuff. Interspersed among the live bits are interviews with the band's family and friends, revealing the often tragic circumstances of their childhoods and early career.
Cast & Crew
Wayne Coyne
Self
Lead
Steven Drozd
Self
KS
Kliph Scurlock
Self
Michael Ivins
Self
Beck
Self
BB
Bradley Beesley
Narrator
Steve Burns
Self
DC
Dolly Coyne
Self
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Bradley Beesley's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Fearless Freaks is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
