Watch The Doors: The Doors

The Doors: The Doors (Classic Albums) (1997) is a documentary film directed by Bob Smeaton that takes an inside look at the making of The Doors' self-titled debut album. The film features interviews with Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore, the four members of the band that gained international success in the 1960s.

Through archive footage, rare performances, and interviews with the band members themselves and those who knew them best, the film traces the origins of The Doors and their music, as well as the impact that they had on music and culture at the time. We see how The Doors were a product of the revolutionary atmosphere of the 1960s, reflecting and shaping the attitudes and movements of the era.

The film goes on to explore the making of the album, The Doors, drawing on interviews with the band members and producer Paul Rothchild. We learn about the challenges they faced while recording, including Morrison's tendency to come to the studio late and drunk, and how their unique sound was developed by experimenting with different recording techniques.

The film also delves into the themes explored on the album, including Morrison's fascination with death, spirituality, and the human condition, as well as the band's love of classic literature and poetry. Through interviews and footage of their live performances, we see how these themes were brought to life on stage, with Morrison's intense presence and the band's tight musicianship.

As well as focusing on the music itself, the film explores the cultural impact of The Doors, with interviews with fans and critics alike. It shows how the band's music and image challenged and inspired the counterculture of the time, with their combination of rock and roll, poetic lyrics, and Morrison's charismatic stage presence.

The Doors: The Doors (Classic Albums) provides a fascinating insight into the making of one of the most iconic albums of the 1960s, and the band that created it. It offers a glimpse into the world of Morrison, Krieger, Manzarek, and Densmore, and the creative process that produced their groundbreaking music. Fans of The Doors will find much to enjoy in this in-depth look at their first album, and those unfamiliar with the band will come away with a newfound appreciation for their legacy.

The Doors: The Doors is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.