Mayor of the Sunset Strip

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Mayor of the Sunset Strip

R

2003

1h 34m

Documentary

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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.

Critics Consensus

A fascinating, poignant look at the cult of celebrity.

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

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...

Feb 10, 2020

Full Review

Michael Rechtshaffen

The Hollywood Reporter

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.

Aug 10, 2004

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David Edelstein

Slate

Creepily entertaining.

May 6, 2004

Full Review

Josh Ralske

All Movie Guide

A film that critiques our obsession with celebrity while simultaneously exploiting it.

Rated: 5/10

Oct 26, 2007

Full Review

Jason Gorber

Film Scouts

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.

Rated: A-

Jun 21, 2007

Full Review

Collin Souter

eFilmCritic.com

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.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 15, 2006

Full Review

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Chinu D

Its a greatest movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/09/24

Full Review

Geke g

As an enjoyer of indie. This would be recommended to everyone

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/24

Full Review

Munkhchimeg T

I would recommended this movie. Very enthusiastic to show the music industry specialty.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/24

Full Review

Bulgantamir B

visually pleasing and not boring

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/24

Full Review

Munkhjargal A

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/24

Full Review

Bahad j

I felt like the characters in this movie could feel the happiness and difficulties that they faced in real life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

Full Review

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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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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