Watch Beware Of Mr Baker

Beware Of Mr. Baker is a 2012 documentary film directed by Jay Bulger. It tells the story of legendary rock drummer Ginger Baker, known for his work with Cream, Blind Faith, and other prominent bands of the 1960s and '70s. The film begins in present-day South Africa, where Baker now lives in a remote compound with his fourth wife and a group of local musicians. The filmmaker manages to gain access to Baker and conducts a series of interviews with him, as well as with other musicians who have worked with him over the years.

Through these interviews, we get a closer look at Baker's life and career, from his childhood in London, where he first became interested in drumming, to his early gigs with jazz bands in the 1950s. We learn how Baker became fascinated with African music and how this influenced his style of drumming. We also get a glimpse into his turbulent personal life, including his struggles with addiction and his contentious relationships with fellow musicians.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is the footage of Baker's drumming from various stages of his career. The documentary features a number of concert performances and studio recordings, showing Baker's incredible skill and innovation on the drums. We see how he pioneered the use of two bass drums, which became a hallmark of his style, and how he incorporated elements of jazz, rock, and African music in his playing.

Baker's story is also set against the backdrop of the history of rock music in the '60s and '70s. We see how he played with some of the biggest names in the business, including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Steve Winwood, and how he became a central figure in the psychedelic and progressive rock scenes of the era. The film also touches on the cultural and political contexts of the time, including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of counterculture.

Despite being a musical genius, Baker is portrayed as a deeply flawed and troubled individual. He is shown to be temperamental, irascible, and frequently at odds with his bandmates and collaborators. The film suggests that his difficult personality and his addictions contributed to the downfall of many of his musical projects, including Cream and Blind Faith.

Throughout the film, Baker comes across as a complex and fascinating character. On the one hand, he is clearly a musical visionary, pushing boundaries and breaking rules in his drumming. On the other hand, he is prone to self-destructive behavior and seems unable to sustain long-term relationships with anyone, whether romantic partners or bandmates.

Overall, Beware Of Mr. Baker is a captivating and insightful documentary that offers a unique perspective on one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of rock music. It provides a rich and nuanced portrait of Ginger Baker, warts and all, and sheds light on the creative and personal forces that drove him throughout his career. Whether you're a fan of Baker's music or just interested in the history of rock, this film is well worth watching.