Gimme Danger review: This documentary charting the success of The Stooges is a tribute to true outsiders
Jim Jarmusch directs this portrait of The Stooges, told through animated archive footage and interviews with the remaining members. It explores the notorious live gigs, frontman Iggy Pop’s counter-culture mystique, and their eventual acceptance as music pioneers.
Rockumentaries tread a thin line between celebration and investigation; too critical, and you risk losing the fan base that will surely be your target audience, too reverent, and it becomes an extended awards ceremony montage. And while there’s plenty here for fans to get excited about, Jarmusch’s film is too affectionate to be vital. It’s still a hell of a ride, though. The live footage is thrilling, illustrating why The Stooges are still revered, and better still are the interviews with Mr Pop, which deserve a film to themselves. Iggy serves as the film’s narrator and the best example of why this all matters. A slightly corny ending takes some of the shine off the rebellious message, but Gimme Danger is nonetheless a solid tribute to true outsiders.