“This film is about Ginger Baker, a man who stands for something in life that probably most of you do not. Love and appreciate—no matter how awkward this character may appear to you.”
From the opening scenes of the film, Johnny Rotten, the infamous Sex Pistols lead singer, cautions viewers about the brilliant but self-destructive force of nature they are about to witness. Jay Bulger’s immensely entertaining ‘rockumentary,’ Beware of Mr. Baker, chronicles the prolific life and career of legendary British rock drummer Ginger Baker, most commonly known as a member of the ’60s blues rock supergroups Cream and Blind Faith.
From an early age Baker realized that he had been blessed with the rare gift of natural time. Though he started out as a jazz drummer, Beware of Mr. Baker documents Baker’s career progression from jazz, to rock, to African rhythms, in an endless quest to follow “the groove.”
This rhythmic journey spans over five decades and takes him across the world, leaving England for Hawaii, Jamaica, Nigeria, Italy, the U.S., and South Africa. Along the way he collaborates with talented and influential people, including Fela Kuti, the revolutionary Nigerian musician and activist.
So, why beware of this Mr. Baker? Baker’s drug abuse, penchant for violence, excessive and compulsive behaviour, terrible attitude, and skewed moral compass garner him a long list of enemies, ruined relationships (including four wives, each younger than the last), deportation from multiple countries, and an equal proportion of highs as lows.
In the film Baker—now 73, and appearing to have mellowed with age—calmly recounts incidents, such as when he pulled a knife out on his fellow band member Jack Bruce during a live performance, or when he offered a line of coke to his then 15 year-old son, Kofi.
Ginger Baker’s life story is riveting, and Beware of Mr. Baker tells it through the use of various interviews, concert clips, animations, old footage, and an amazing soundtrack intercut with thunderous drum solos that would get any music lover’s heart pumping. Bulger succeeds in providing a convincing portrait of Baker as an unrivalled pioneer of rock music, and the best drummer of all time.
Throughout the movie viewers sense that the director and a majority of the interviewees are closeted Ginger Baker fanboys, all impressive names in their own right: Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones), Eric Clapton, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Carlos Santana, Neil Peart (Rush), Lars Ulrich (Metallica), and Stewart Copeland (The Police), amongst others. They acknowledge Baker’s plethora of faults, but in the end are willing to overlook them in light of his aweinspiring talent and rhythmic genius.
However, one gets the impression that none of the interviewees truly knew the real Ginger Baker, and no genuine attempt was made to delve further into his psyche. This is partly perpetuated by Baker himself, who tries to keep the audience at arm’s length. When asked whether he would consider himself a tragic hero, Baker curtly tells the documentarian to “stop trying to be an intellectual dickhead.”
Ultimately, Johnny Rotten says it the best: “How can you question it, when the end results are that perfect?”
Beware of Mr. Baker opens Feb. 8 at Cinema du Parc (3575 Avenue du Parc). Under 25 tickets $8.50.
