In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50

Ok you need to understand my personal bias . I am a fan for nearly tte entire 50 years. But it was NOT a nostalgic film looking back at the past. It was a film about the present. A snap shot of who they are and where they are at now. That was refreshing. It was done in good humor and revealed an intimate portrait of the Crims and there extended members. The quality of the cinematography and editing is superior and the entire film was assembled thoughtfully producing a genuine portrait of the band at that point in time. You don't need to be a fan to enjoy the film but it helps to understand the characters involved. It's is well worth the time spent watching if only for entertainment but I would suggest you will walk away enriched .

Greetings again from the darkness. King Crimson was founded in 1969 and to this day, no one can properly describe their music. Even co-founder and band leader Robert Fripp avoids labeling the music and instead states, "King Crimson is a way of doing things". Documentarian Toby Amies takes on the challenge of examining the band after 50 years.

While most associate guitarist Fripp as being the face of the band, he himself claims that it's an ensemble and always has been. But then he also describes the years 1969 through 2013 as "wretched", and that only with this most recent iteration has found satisfaction. At a minimum, Fripp is a perfectionist, and it's likely he is also a tortured genius who constantly strives for different, more, and better. He makes for a frustrating interview, and director Armies shows him mostly in various short clips, while letting current and former band members offer their opinions.

Co-founder Ian McDonald's zoom interview is the most touching. Taking place shortly before McDonald's passing in 2022, he breaks down and says, "I'm sorry Robert", for leaving Fripp and King Crimson after only a year. Obviously, there was some bad blood between the two men, even after so many years. McDonald went on to co-found the band Foreigner in the 1970's before taking on a solo career. Fripp remained with King Crimson and pursued his idea of what a band should be.

Former King Crimson bassist Trey Gunn explained being in the band was like "a low-grade infection", while current drummer/keyboardist Bill Rieflin thrived with the band. Rieflin was performing with Stage four colon cancer and countless other health issues, yet viewed making music as what he was meant to do, right up until his passing during filming of this documentary. Numerous other former members are interviewed and the comments range from annoyance to reverence. Current singer/guitarist Jakko is cautious about what he says so as not to cross Fripp. He cracks, "you're irreplaceable ... like the last bloke." It's a unique band playing unique music - a style where each world class musician plays their part based on what fellow band members (usually 8 including 3 drummers) are playing. The result is often a peak experience for the audience, even those who have attended many shows over the years. There is an interesting segment featuring a nun who is also a devoted fan of the band. She compares it to religion, and between the immersive music and Fripp's commentary, we can't help but put this in terms of philosophy, psychology, religion, and even a cult-like atmosphere. Always impeccably dressed like a British gentleman, Fripp's obsessive discipline and demanding ways, leave us with a better feel for the band, while being no closer to offering a label of description. This is not your parents' music documentary ... even if it happens to be your parents' favorite band.

In theaters November 3, 2023 and VOD beginning December 1, 2023.

Honestly, my title says it all. This truly transcends description. It's almost like after seeing this, ANY words just simply are inadequate and anything I try to say about this film and whatever I attempt to articulate would be trite and insufficient.

I know this is a VERY unusual review and not at all like any of the others that I have written. But, as I sit here typing this, I genuinely feel incapable of expressing anything even remotely approaching what I just experienced in watching this.

I rated it a '9' which is extremely rare for me and speaks for itself.

If you like the band (as it was, is, or will be...) then that speaks for itself.

And, I WILL say that if you watch this and you come to the moment where Fripp is telling about his meeting with the man who led a certain retreat, well... let's just say that unless you do not have a pulse, you will find it quite unique and unexpected...

Obviously, most highly recommended...

Reading the reviews I realised that many people who saw this expected it to be your typical film of the bands history, it's ups and lows and tales from the road. If that's what you're looking for, this isn't for you.

If you want to see what it means to be fully committed to your art and vision, you're going to love it. It's hard to watch sometimes and it makes you wonder is this all necessary, it makes you angry at some people and it makes you feel sorry for some. There's also rare kind of beauty in it.

If you already know the bands history and the central members of it but you want to get inside the band, this is for you. If you expect it to be something else, it'll be a letdown.

Unlike most of the intended audience of this doc, I am not a fan. However I have experienced this band live after being given a free ticket. Reading up on the band it seems they have a cult following, particularly from those who were in their teens during the 1970s. They are one of the most well known bands from the Prog Rock era so wonderfully sent up in Brian Pern.

In concert I found them a difficult listen not knowing any of their tracks. Its obvious that some and by this I mean a small minority seem to get something from this band most do not. And that is kind of the problem. I have no difficulty with difficult music as I love artists such as Autechre who would leave your average KC fan in confusion. The problem with this band is it seems to be about reaching a peak experience through virtuoso playing of what are now quite arcane instruments. There is no progress in terms of sonic palate.

This doc aims to shed some light on what goes on behind the scenes in terms of the functioning of the band, the bands relationships, its history and live experience. It manages to explore some of these better than others. What it does not do however is delve particularly deeply into the psychology of Robert Fripp. Using my background however its clear that Fripp displays many traits of obsessive compulsive personality. Which appears to drive his unfulfilled drive towards perfection, his rigid rules and anger when these aims are frustrated. Of course perfection doesn't exist so its always a mission deemed to fail. There is also a need for control over others so its no surprise that relationships with band members have fractured. This doc however does not seem to ask the question of Fripp of whether he is actually aware of his personality flaws or whether he has made any attempts to change these, for the better of his emotional life and those around him. Which was baffling. Particularly when its so obvious what the issues are and that they are easily addressed. It seems this documentary was more keen to maintain the image of Fripp as some type of troubled genius that nobody can fathom. Is that because the film maker is too much of a fan?

If anything its the other band members past and present who make the biggest contribution, although it also seems they do not have a basic grasp of Fripps personality, some appeared damaged as a result.

Thankfully there was not much in the way of music, its a mainly talking heads affair which will suit non-fans more, as the music tends to sound like the soundtrack of a European low budget horror movie. I am thinking Goblin and Suspiria of course.

As for the KC peak experience, I doubt too many will get that watching this doc. While fans may initially warm to it, its actually quite surface level, there aren't many stand out moments, apart from one scene I had to actually check the video I was watching hadn't frozen. This one scene however explains why an in depth or revealing doc about Fripp will never be made. Its because he exerts so much control, particularly over himself, that at no point will he allow others to see below the surface. It would take a doc in which others who know him and free to talk will he be revealed. Talking of which, where was Toyah?