Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet UK release date and review



At the outset of Not Dead Yet, Vile presents us with what appears to be family footage of Becker and a friend, jamming a fun version of The Byrds' Mr. Tambourine Man on guitar which is then cut abruptly to footage of the man shredding riffs on a stage. This drastic change speaks volumes about the nature of the man and the abruptness of the transformations that have taken place in his life, whilst also managing to highlight the style of filmmaking chosen by Vile. In addition, he manages to tell the story of Becker's life with an undercurrent of the same optimism as its subject, and for that reason the film has a genuinely uplifting feel, regardless of the sad events it documents.

Vile ensures that Becker's true personality comes through in the film, allowing for funny anecdotes from friends and fellow musicians, and even leaving-in some of the hilarious banter that takes place between him and his father. With Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet, Vile delivers an account of his subject's disease, whilst devoting more time to documenting the amazing story of Becker and the loved ones around him.


Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet is released in UK cinemas on 16 November 2012.

Comments