Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix: Is He Experienced?
Rock biopics are a tough row to hoe. In embarking on such an endeavor, a filmmaker and actor take on the legend of a beloved icon and try to replicate their look, style, singing, personality and that non-definable X-factor. Sometimes it works -- as was the case of Joaquin Phoenix's spot-on portrayal of Johnny Cash in the 2005 flick "Walk the Line" -- and other times the results aren't as impressive -- hence the 2013 punk chronicle "CBGB."
"All Is By My Side," a Jimi Hendrix biopic starring OutKast's Andre 3000 (real name Andre Benjamin) as Hendrix, won't have its official premiere until Wednesday (March 12) at the Paramount Theatre in Austin during South by Southwest. So it's too soon to give the final verdict on Andre's portrayal of Hendrix, but some footage from the film has leaked, so we thought it might be interesting to compare it to some actual clips of Hendrix.
However, the scenes are strictly dialogue. And even when you see the whole film, don't expect to hear any of Hendrix's classic originals, since his estate wouldn't give the filmmakers rights to his music. Instead, you'll see Andre as Hendrix cover the Beatles, the Troggs, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and others.
Andre, of course, isn't going at the herculean task of bringing Hendrix to life on the screen alone. "All Is By My Side" is the brainchild of Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave screenwriter John Ridley, who wrote the directed the film. Ridley was inspired to do the film after he heard the Hendrix instrumental rarity "Sending My Love to Linda," about Linda Keith, who was the guitarist's muse. Keith also inspired her former boyfriend, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, to write "Ruby Tuesday."
In this scene, we see Andre as Hendrix with a British accent trying to make moves on Linda Keith (Imogen Poots) by inviting her to the Monterey Pop Festival.
Here's the real Hendrix, interviewed on "The Dick Cavett Show." Keep in mind, this is a few years later in his career than the scene depicted in the film.
In this clip, Andre, as Hendrix, has a conversation about his career and a possible move to London in a restaurant with his future manager Chas Chandler (Andrew Buckley) and a gap pal Linda Keith.
Here's another clip of the real Hendrix being interviewed in September 1968. Once again, this is a few years later than the scenes leaked from the film.
So, what do you think? Is Andre experienced enough to play Hendrix or should he stick to OutKast?