Watch Beware Of Mr. Baker

Beware of Mr. Baker is a documentary film that explores the life and music of Ginger Baker, the legendary drummer of Cream and Blind Faith. Directed by Jay Bulger, the film takes an honest look at the turbulent life of one of rock and roll's most enigmatic figures, from his early years in London to his current home in South Africa. The film opens with a scene of Ginger Baker attacking the filmmaker with his walking stick. It sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is not your typical rockumentary. Baker is a complex character, known for his musical genius as well as his erratic behavior, and the film doesn't shy away from exploring both.

Through a series of interviews with Baker, his family, friends, and fellow musicians, we get a sense of the man behind the music. Baker speaks candidly about his troubled childhood, his love of jazz, and his early years with Cream. He is also frank about his struggles with drugs and the many conflicts he has had with other musicians over the years.

One of the film's strengths is its use of archival footage and photographs to tell Baker's story. We see rare footage of Cream performing on stage, as well as photos of Baker's time in Africa, where he became interested in the rhythms and music of the continent. These visuals help to bring Baker's story to life in a way that words alone could not.

The film also features interviews with some of Baker's musical contemporaries, including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Steve Winwood. They offer their own insights into Baker's talent and personality, as well as their own experiences working with him. Their stories help to paint a picture of the music scene in the 1960s and 70s, and the role that Baker played in shaping it.

Another highlight of the film is its exploration of Baker's time in Africa. After leaving Cream, Baker became fascinated with the music of Nigeria and moved to Lagos in the 1970s. There, he befriended Fela Kuti, the founder of Afrobeat, and became deeply involved in the country's music scene. The film features incredible footage of Baker performing with African musicians, and shows how this experience influenced his later work.

Overall, Beware of Mr. Baker is a fascinating portrait of a complex and talented musician. It doesn't shy away from the less flattering aspects of Baker's personality, but it also celebrates his incredible musical legacy. Whether you're a fan of Cream and Blind Faith, or just interested in the history of rock and roll, this film is a must-see.

Beware Of Mr. Baker is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 78.