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Mayor of the Sunset Strip

Play trailer Poster for Mayor of the Sunset Strip R 2003 1h 34m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
87% Tomatometer 75 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This documentary traces Rodney Bingenheimer's journey from a hard-luck childhood to a successful career as a disc jockey. Involved in the Los Angeles rock 'n' roll scene since the 1960s, the omnipresent Bingenheimer has seen his fair share of both triumphs and hardships during his time as a musical taste-maker. Featuring interviews with rock legends like David Bowie, Brian Wilson and Beck all chiming in on Bingenheimer, the film also underlines the consequences of romanticizing fame.
Mayor of the Sunset Strip

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A fascinating, poignant look at the cult of celebrity.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times 02/10/2020
This engrossing work, at once compassionate and rigorous, comprehensive and succinct, would be the centerpiece of any festival for the way it illuminates the life and times of the enigmatic, diminutive Bingenheimer... Go to Full Review Michael Rechtshaffen The Hollywood Reporter 08/10/2004
Has a commercial reach that goes beyond local hero worship thanks in part to an all-star lineup of interviewees, including Cher, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Gwen Stefani and Courtney Love, to name just a few confirmed Rod-heads. Go to Full Review David Edelstein Slate 05/06/2004
Creepily entertaining. Go to Full Review Josh Ralske All Movie Guide 10/26/2007
5/10
A film that critiques our obsession with celebrity while simultaneously exploiting it. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts 06/21/2007
A-
Wisely switching from film to DV when the setting demands a more subtle camera situation, it's a mature documentary from a veteran of the form. Go to Full Review Collin Souter eFilmCritic.com 01/15/2006
3/4
By the end, I felt neither happy nor sad for Rodney. I enjoyed being in his presence for 90 minutes, but I can't exactly agree that he has a magnetic personality. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chinu D 08/09/2024 Its a greatest movie. See more Geke g 08/03/2024 As an enjoyer of indie. This would be recommended to everyone See more Munkhchimeg T 08/03/2024 I would recommended this movie. Very enthusiastic to show the music industry specialty. See more Bulgantamir B 07/29/2024 visually pleasing and not boring See more Munkhjargal A 07/29/2024 The documentary follows Bingenheimer's journey from an unfortunate childhood to a successful career as a disc jockey, and highlights the ramifications of romanticizing fame, including interviews with rock legends David Bowie, Brian Wilson and Beck. See more Bahad j 07/28/2024 I felt like the characters in this movie could feel the happiness and difficulties that they faced in real life. See more Read all reviews
Mayor of the Sunset Strip

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Cast & Crew

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George Hickenlooper

Director

Rodney Bingenheimer

Self

Cher

Self

Courtney Love

Self

David Bowie

Self

Brian Wilson

Self

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Mayor of the Sunset Strip

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Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary traces Rodney Bingenheimer's journey from a hard-luck childhood to a successful career as a disc jockey. Involved in the Los Angeles rock 'n' roll scene since the 1960s, the omnipresent Bingenheimer has seen his fair share of both triumphs and hardships during his time as a musical taste-maker. Featuring interviews with rock legends like David Bowie, Brian Wilson and Beck all chiming in on Bingenheimer, the film also underlines the consequences of romanticizing fame.
Director
George Hickenlooper
Producer
Christopher Paul Carter, Julie Janata
Screenwriter
George Hickenlooper
Distributor
Overseas FilmGroup, First Look, Lakeshore Entertainment
Production Co
Question Mark Productions, Kino-Eye American, Caldera Productions, Perna Productions
Rating
R (Some Drug References|Language|Sexual Content|Nudity)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 17, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 31, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$257.3K
Runtime
1h 34m