Watch Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten is a 2007 documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Joe Strummer, lead singer of the legendary punk rock band The Clash. The film was directed by Julien Temple and includes interviews with Strummer's closest friends and fellow musicians, as well as archival footage and recordings of Strummer himself.

The movie is divided into several segments, each focusing on a different aspect of Strummer's life. The first segment, entitled "Origins," explores Strummer's early years, growing up in a comfortable middle-class home in London and attending a private school. However, Strummer rebelled against his privileged upbringing and ended up living on the streets for a period of time.

The next section, "Milestones," examines Strummer's early career as a musician, including his time as the lead singer of the pub rock band The 101ers. It was during this period that Strummer developed his political and social consciousness, which he would later channel into The Clash's music.

The heart of the film is its extensive coverage of The Clash's rise to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Through interviews with Steve Jones, Mick Jones, and other members of The Clash's inner circle, as well as concert footage and recordings, viewers get a glimpse into the band's creative process and the social and political issues that inspired their music.

The film also delves into the various controversies and tensions that surrounded The Clash during their heyday, including their ill-fated collaboration with producer Bernie Rhodes, which led to the departure of drummer Topper Headon, and the strained relationship between Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones, which eventually led to Jones' departure from the band.

Beyond his work with The Clash, the film explores Strummer's later years, when he formed the band The Mescaleros and continued to create music that was rooted in his political ideals and desire for social change. The film also examines his personal life, including his marriage and his relationship with his children.

What makes Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten so compelling is its focus on Strummer's personal and philosophical beliefs, which were just as important to him as his music. Throughout the film, we see Strummer's belief in the power of community, his passion for anti-racism and anti-fascism, and his unwavering commitment to fighting for social justice.

Ultimately, the film is a powerful tribute to a musical icon who inspired generations of musicians and fans alike. Its mix of archival footage, interviews, and Strummer's own words and music come together to provide a rich portrait of a complex and fascinating artist, one whose impact on music and culture will continue to be felt for years to come.

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten is a must-see for anyone who loves music, politics, and the power of art to inspire change. Through Strummer's story, we are reminded of the possibilities that exist when we use our voices and our creativity to fight for a better world.

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten is a 2006 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 79.