Lemmy (2010)

87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(783 ratings)

Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the… More Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age. Shot on a combination of High Definition and Super 16mm film, "Lemmy" includes interviews with friends, family, bandmates past and present and such admirers/peers as Metallica, Slash, Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), actor Billy Bob Thornton, wrestling superstar Triple H, Alice Cooper, Mick Jones of The Clash, and many more. Called "pure gold" by WIRED, "Lemmy" made its world premiere in March 2010 at the South by Southwest Film and Music Festival, and has since collected rave reviews at film festivals around the globe. Variety remarked "'Lemmy' rocks," and The Hollywood Reporter noted, "You don't have to be a metalhead to love 'Lemmy.'" -- (C) Official Site

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 56 min.
Directed By: Greg Olliver, Wes Orshoski
Written By: Dave Brock, Phil Campbell
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Jan 28, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Feb 15, 2011

Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
This parade of admiration is almost as exhausting as the experience of a Motörhead concert
Andy Webster, New York Times
A diverting if hagiographic documentary with an unprintable subtitle.
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times
Fun for fans and a healthy primer for those previously unaware, the film's overall air of fawning worship makes it feel softer than befits such a gruff, roguish figure.
Ian Buckwalter, NPR
Lemmy gives the filmmakers enough time and candid access to create a profile of the man that goes deeper than just the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll - even though in Lemmy's case, there's enough of a surplus of all three to power multiple documentaries.
Matt Pais, Metromix.com
A bitchingly awesome doc that suggests its fantastic title isn't even true.
Ted Fry, Seattle Times
This 65-year-old gentleman with the distinctive facial hair and penchant for Nazi memorabilia is not only a certifiable rock god, he's also one of the most thoughtful fellas you'll ever find grinding our mega-decibels on a bass guitar.
Mark Keizer, Boxoffice Magazine
For the most part, Olliver and Orshoski are smart enough to allow Lemmy's unique personality to come to them, as opposed to pushing a case for it.
Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
It's a quietly witty film, much like the dude himself.
Prairie Miller, NewsBlaze
Irony rears its head offstage in this wag the dog approach to reverential moviemaking. And for those who aren't into Lemmy or haven't a clue, there's a very different movie, however unintentional, to peculiarly savor.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
One of the most thorough and entertaining rock & roll documentaries since Ondi Timoner's Dig!
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
Devotees of Lemmy Kilmister will be in heaven watching this gushing love letter to the man who straddles rock subgenres, but anyone who's not already a fan will cry for mercy long before the nearly two-hour film ends.
Jason Zingale, Bullz-Eye.com
Most rock stars probably wouldn't appreciate a documentary that exploits their personality for laughs, but the great thing about Lemmy is that he's in on the joke.
, Radio Times
An entertaining portrait of a seemingly indestructible figure (he was born in 1945) still treading the boards night after night.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Enjoyable documentary that should appeal to metalheads and non-metalheads alike, with Lemmy proving an engaging and likeable subject...
Graham Young, Birmingham Post
Stuffed to the brim with compliments from tattooed rock stars as well as fascinating insights into musical technique and even how boots are made from his own designs...

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

I didn't learn that much from this documentary about Lemmy but I still found it very entertaining. Lemmy is so unbelievably cool that he is just very easy to watch. Best line: "When the Apocalypse comes, the only things left will be Cockroaches and Lemmy". No nonsense,… More
I didn't learn that much from this documentary about Lemmy but I still found it very entertaining. Lemmy is so unbelievably cool that he is just very easy to watch. Best line: "When the Apocalypse comes, the only things left will be Cockroaches and Lemmy". No nonsense, funny and the music is great. Me and my beloved wanted to drink JD & coke and go to a gig after watching it but it was 11.30pm so we couldn't but I will be seeing Motorhead next time they're in town, that's for sure!
Jeff "

Being a fan of Motorhead, I very much enjoyed this portrait of the legendary frontman Lemmy Kilimister, quite possibly the most bad assed rock n roller that has ever lived. Not to mention that he also possesses the nastiest, dirtiest voice in rock n roll history. Lemmy is the film… More
Being a fan of Motorhead, I very much enjoyed this portrait of the legendary frontman Lemmy Kilimister, quite possibly the most bad assed rock n roller that has ever lived. Not to mention that he also possesses the nastiest, dirtiest voice in rock n roll history. Lemmy is the film that goes behind the scenes. A phenomenal film documenting the life of the legendary frontman. This film covers all sorts of areas and is a must see for all Motorhead fans and rock fans in general. The film features awesome interviews by some of the iconic musicians of rock and heavy metal music. Plus we get the scoop by the man himself. Lemmy is a well assembled documentary about one of the most beloved rock musicians. For the Motorhead, Lemmy is the most thorough documentary on Lemmy that I have seen. Any fans of the band oir the genre should check this film out. The film has many interviews with respected musicians, actors and previous band members that Lemmy has shared the stage with. I recommend this documentary to everyone who is a Motorhead fan and want to get a glimpse of its legendary frontman. Lemmy is a good place to start and is a must see for fans everywhere. A terrific and insightful documentary, given time, this film will be seen as as a documentary classic of rock music and quite the possibly the seminal film on Lemmy kilmister. I've seen plenty of documentaries on the band and Lemmy, but none of them are better assembled than this one. Lemmy is The best film on the legendary frontman, where TV documentaries have failed, this one succeeds.
Adam M

Brilliant documentary about the Motorhead legend. If you're a fan of the rock/metal scene in any way then you will have heard of Motorhead. Most probably through their classic hit Ace of Spades. This documentry focuses on their infamous frontman Lemmy and his rock n' Roll… More
Brilliant documentary about the Motorhead legend. If you're a fan of the rock/metal scene in any way then you will have heard of Motorhead. Most probably through their classic hit Ace of Spades. This documentry focuses on their infamous frontman Lemmy and his rock n' Roll lifestyle from being a roadie for Jim Hendrix and seeing the Beatles at The Cavern Club in Liverpool through to the Motorizer album and tour cycle from a couple of years back. Theres plenty of contributions from celebrity fans and friends including Slash, Ozzy, Alice Cooper, Dave Grohl, Joan Jett and more telling stories of how they met and got to know Lemmy and the influence he and his band have had on them and the rock scene since the early-mid 70's. There's some rare photo's, interviews and live footage from his Hawkwind and early Motorhead days. There's also some rare sights including the inside of Lemmys messy LA apartment where we see him making chips amongst other things as well as him drinking at his second home, the infamous Rainbow Bar and Grill. A highlight is Lemmy rehearsing then playing Damage Case live on stage with Metallica. Life doesn't get much more metal than that! The second disc on the DVD is great to. Offering over 3 hours of extras including extended scenes, mini documentrys on the other members of the band, a piece about some of the diehard fans, the all important roadcrew and more. A must see for rock/metal fans everywhere.
Wu C

Intriguing doc that follows the life and career of the godfather of heavy metal, Lemmy.