Watch Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is a documentary film that tells the life story of Jason Becker, an incredibly talented guitarist, composer and musician, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) at the age of 20, just as his career was starting to take off. The film begins with a brief look into Jason's childhood and his early musical aspirations. We see footage of him playing guitar at a very young age, already showing remarkable skill for someone so young. Jason's true breakthrough moment came when he was just 16, joining David Lee Roth’s band, and soon after that he joined Cacophony with fellow guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman. The band gained a cult following and both guitarists were in demand as solo artists. However, it was when he recorded his first solo album "Perpetual Burn" in 1988 that Jason truly established himself as a rising star in the world of music.

It is around this time that Jason starts to experience some unusual symptoms, such as weakness in his legs and difficulty playing guitar. The film takes an emotional turn as we learn that Jason's diagnosis with ALS, a disease for which there is no cure, hits him and his family hard. The film doesn't shy away from the seriousness of the disease, but also shows Jason's determination to continue making music, even in the face of a debilitating illness.

The documentary shows Jason with his family, struggling with the disease, but he remains determined to continue making music, and even creates some of his best work while in a wheelchair. Despite his condition, Jason still writes music and communicates through his eyes with the use of the Tobii Eye Gaze computer. Music becomes his solace, and the film shows how he continues to pour his soul into his music even as his physical abilities deteriorate.

One of the most touching aspects of the film is the music itself. There are several musical interludes scattered throughout the documentary, showcasing Jason's incredible work. The film also features interviews with several musicians who are inspired by Jason, including Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Tesco of the Dead Kennedys, Guthrie Govan, Ritchie Kotzen, Michael Lee Firkins, and more. Jason’s friends and former bandmates also share their stories and hilarious anecdotes.

The documentary does an excellent job of showing how Jason and his family have managed to find ways to cope with the impact of ALS on their lives. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak or move the majority of his body, Jason remains determined to make the most of every moment he has left. It is truly inspirational to see how he continues to bring joy to others, and to himself, through his music and sense of humor.

Overall, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is a moving and inspiring documentary that highlights the importance of creativity, perseverance, and love in the face of adversity. Jason’s story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, and the film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of his journey. The documentary is not just about music, but about life itself, and how one can still find ways to be passionate and fulfilled, even when faced with unimaginable challenges.

In conclusion, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is a powerful documentary that will appeal to music fans and anyone who is inspired by stories of perseverance and resilience. It offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable musician and human being, and serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 70.