Watch New York Dolls - All Dolled Up

New York Dolls - All Dolled Up is a 2005 documentary film directed by Greg Whiteley that chronicles the rise, fall, and eventual reunion of the New York Dolls - a seminal glam rock band that formed in 1971 in New York City. The film features rare footage of the band's early performances as well as interviews with surviving members David Johansen, Arthur Kane, and Jerry Nolan, along with other musicians, fans, and industry insiders.

The film explores the cultural landscape of New York City in the early 1970s, a time when rock music was undergoing a transformation from the hippie counterculture of the 1960s to the edgier, more urban sounds of punk and new wave. Against this backdrop, the New York Dolls emerged with their unique blend of rock, punk, and glam, wearing outrageous costumes, heavy makeup, and platform shoes, and spouting raw, sexually charged lyrics that scandalized some and inspired others.

The film follows the band's meteoric rise to fame, their struggles with addiction and personal demons, and their eventual breakup in 1976. We see the band members dealing with the pressures of fame and touring, coping with the tragic death of guitarist Johnny Thunders' girlfriend, and succumbing to drug abuse. The film also delves into the band's cultural significance, exploring their influence on the punk and glam scenes that followed them, and their enduring legacy as a groundbreaking rock band.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the film is its focus on bassist Arthur Kane. After the breakup of the New York Dolls, Kane struggled with alcoholism, poverty, and illness, eventually becoming a born-again Christian and working in a Mormon library in Los Angeles. The film follows Kane as he prepares for the band's reunion show at the 2004 Meltdown Festival in London, a much-anticipated event that would bring him back into the spotlight after years of obscurity.

Throughout the film, we see Kane grappling with his past demons and trying to rebuild his life. He talks candidly about his regret over the band's breakup, his struggles with addiction and relationships, and his newfound faith. We also see the other band members' reactions to Kane's transformation, with some feeling conflicted over his religious beliefs and others applauding his newfound sobriety and dedication.

The film climaxes with the band's reunion show in London, a triumphant return to the stage for a group that had not played together in over 30 years. We see the band members reconnecting, rehearsing, and preparing for the show, with Kane in particular expressing his joy at being able to play music again with his old bandmates. The concert footage is electrifying, with the band's raw energy and iconic sound still intact after all these years.

Overall, New York Dolls - All Dolled Up is a fascinating and poignant look at one of rock music's most influential and enigmatic bands. The film captures the spirit of the New York Dolls' music and their era, offering a window into the changing cultural landscape of the 1970s and the enduring legacy of one of rock's most beloved and notorious groups.

New York Dolls - All Dolled Up is a 2005 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.