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      In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50

      Released Nov 3, 2023 1 hr. 26 min. Documentary Music TRAILER for In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50: Trailer 1 List
      95% 21 Reviews Tomatometer 90% Fewer than 50 Ratings Audience Score King Crimson is a band that people literally are dying to be in. In the Court of the Crimson King is a dark, comic film for anyone who wonders whether it is worth sacrificing everything for just a single moment of transcendence. For over 50 years Robert Fripp, also famous for his work with David Bowie and Brian Eno, has overseen a unique creative environment in which freedom and responsibility conspire to place extraordinary demands on the band's members -- only alleviated by the applause of an audience whose adoration threatens to make their lives even harder. It's a rewarding and perilous space in which the extraordinary is possible, nothing is certain, and not everyone survives intact. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      phill l An intriguing documentary about life in one of the most demanding and committed bands, and their demanding and committed fans. It's not a straightforward historical documentary of the various lineups that were each at the cutting edge of music at their time, continually morphing. It's more an examination of what's always been at the heart of this band. It was filmed as the final lineup of the band was on its "Completion Tour" and has interviews with many past and present members. Toby Amies is to be congratulated for putting together a fascinatingly honest and inspiring film that doesn't shy away from difficulties. The band "leader" Fripp chose Toby for his idiosyncratic approach to documentaries and left all filming and editing decisions to him which was brave. Fripp comes over as being brutally honest with himself and others but also with a very dry wit which seems to be shared with other band members. There might not be enough music in it for some fans, but there's plenty of recorded material anyway. This is something completely different Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/08/24 Full Review biloute l not kind what I was expecting. listening to an old guy whining all the time isnt very pleasant Rated 1 out of 5 stars 12/18/23 Full Review Tony E An intimate, at times painful portrait of a group of men who settle for nothing other than perfection, and are cursed with the self-awareness to know no such things exist. This is a film about what makes the people tick. Fripp, whose tinpot dictator routine hides a deeply sensitive and thoughtful man, carries on his traditional role of "not leading" the band, but is its core. It's hard at times to believe this playful chap created some of the darkest guitar lines in history, and at times not. The same could also be said of their first dummer, Mike Giles, who manages to be both a god of thunder and quintessential English gentleman. Some of the reflections are pained - the path to perfection will always claim some roadkill - but their complaints are put into perspective by Bill Rieflin. How much does this music really mean? His resolve and dignity answer that question better than any histrionics. The film also features a variety of very serious fans who go to KC shows expecting the best night of their lives, and quite often get it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/13/23 Full Review Antonino S Brilliant and introspective. Insightful journey through the folds of the Crimson King's mantle. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/05/23 Full Review Christopher E What an extraordinarily good documentary. It's a great watch whether or not you are/were a fan of the band. A study in obsession, skill & passion. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/09/23 Full Review Aldis H The most entertaining music documentary I've ever seen. Robert Fripp is a creator unparalleled, not in that he writes most of the songs (a goodly portion of King Crimson songs are co-written or written by members other than Fripp), but in the way he has ruled King Crimson to make them into something not experienced before. Think of him what you will, but he and his revolving cast of mates offer another reality, and you have to have a king to keep the castle standing. It IS unquestionably a reality, and Robert is its king. He is the Crimson King, and he seems to have striven to do right by his subjects, be they band members or listeners, and he is the main reason every single person I've ever known would buy a King Crimson ticket in a millisecond. Long like the King! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/01/24 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50

      In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50: Trailer 1 In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50: Trailer 1 1:43 View more videos

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      Critics Reviews

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      Ty Burr Ty Burr's Watch List A paean to the pains and ecstasies of extreme music-making. Rated: 3/4 Dec 1, 2023 Full Review Glenn Kenny New York Times Part road chronicle and part retrospective, and captures King Crimson, the adventurous British rock ensemble, at what may be the end of its existence. Nov 2, 2023 Full Review Leslie Felperin Guardian There’s nothing sentimental about this documentary, which looks at people with the clear, unflinching gaze of a portraitist. Rated: 4/5 Oct 19, 2022 Full Review Josiah Teal Film Threat In the Court of King Crimson: King Crimson at 50 is not an exploration of what was or who the band used to be, but rather a voyage into their present and future. Rated: 8.5/10 Dec 14, 2023 Full Review Karen Gordon Original Cin Amies has packed a lot into the doc’s lean 86-minutes. As they prepped for a European tour, there are spikey exchanges. There are also emotional moments, including original member Ian McDonald apologizing to Fripp for past friction and hurt. Rated: A-minus Dec 4, 2023 Full Review James Verniere Boston Herald Fripp's dyspepsia spoils the experience. That and the lack of King Crimson music. Rated: C+ Nov 17, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis King Crimson is a band that people literally are dying to be in. In the Court of the Crimson King is a dark, comic film for anyone who wonders whether it is worth sacrificing everything for just a single moment of transcendence. For over 50 years Robert Fripp, also famous for his work with David Bowie and Brian Eno, has overseen a unique creative environment in which freedom and responsibility conspire to place extraordinary demands on the band's members -- only alleviated by the applause of an audience whose adoration threatens to make their lives even harder. It's a rewarding and perilous space in which the extraordinary is possible, nothing is certain, and not everyone survives intact.
      Director
      Toby Amies
      Executive Producer
      David Singleton, Kat Mansoor
      Distributor
      Monoduo Films
      Production Co
      DGM Live, Succulent Pictures
      Genre
      Documentary, Music
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Nov 3, 2023, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Dec 1, 2023