The Holy Modal Rounders: Bound to Lose (2005)

100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(287 ratings)

Filmmakers Paul Lovelace and Sam Wainwright Douglas invite viewers to follow the tale of two true American originals in this documentary detailing the collaboration between fiddler Pete Stampfel and guitarist Steve Weber -- aka the Holy Modal Rounders. It was during "The Great Folk Scare" of the… More Filmmakers Paul Lovelace and Sam Wainwright Douglas invite viewers to follow the tale of two true American originals in this documentary detailing the collaboration between fiddler Pete Stampfel and guitarist Steve Weber -- aka the Holy Modal Rounders. It was during "The Great Folk Scare" of the early 1960s that these two eccentric souls collided in New York's Greenwich Village, and their partnership was soon solidified thanks to a mutual appreciation for American roots music and early psychedelia. But this was only the beginning, because over the course of the next four decades Stampfel and Douglas would exist on the fringes of the music industry while gaining a steady cult following. From their work on the Easy Rider soundtrack to the lost years and ultimately a shot at redemption in the form of a 40th anniversary concert in Portland, OR, this is the story of the American outlaw subculture at its most volatile and luminous. Special appearances by Dennis Hopper, Sam Shepard, Loudon Wainwright III, John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful, and Peter Tork of the Monkees give testament to the endless influence of a duo that beat the odds to endure for four decades and counting. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Paul C. Lovelace, Sam Wainwright Douglas
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Jan 23, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Nov 4, 2008

Critic Reviews

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
As much the chronicle of an era as of a band, The Holy Modal Rounders ... Bound to Lose casts an affectionate eye on the kind of hedonism no one is meant to survive.
Jim Ridley, Village Voice
They [Rounders] stand as perhaps the truest heirs to the Harry Smith Anthology's wild and woolly Americanaâ"a point Sam Wainwright Douglas and Paul C. Lovelace's affectionate doc makes with a minimum of fuss and lots of bawdy hilarity.
Joe Leydon, Variety
Charged with alternating currents of affection, exuberance and ineffable melancholy, The Holy Modal Rounders ... Bound to Lose offers an intriguing overview of the cult-fave combo.
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
The humor and eccentricity of the band members should prevent a "Who cares?" response, and the twist that occurs in the final section of the piece will keep every viewer mesmerized.
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Another "what ever happened to" type documentary. Always fascinating to see how personal flaws and the corrupt star-making machinery of the capitalist entertainment industry present obstacles to fame and fortune.
Bill Weber, Slant Magazine
Among the recent wave of music documentaries on the marginally infamous, this video history gets its juice from a love-hate affair with the vibe of a graying boho remake of The Sunshine Boys.
Ted Fry, Seattle Times
A truly mad tale of a band that began as a loose amalgamation out of the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early '60s and managed to keep getting back together for reunions and revivals until 2005.
Bill White, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
It might be the first movie about the psychedelic generation told from the point of view of the doddering seniors they have become.

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Mark A

I suppose as a definitive history of the band, this fails on several levels. But, as a portrait of where the members of the band are now, and as a small tribute to their talent and influence, this is as good as it gets. I remember just about wearing out an early copy of the Moray Eels… More
I suppose as a definitive history of the band, this fails on several levels. But, as a portrait of where the members of the band are now, and as a small tribute to their talent and influence, this is as good as it gets. I remember just about wearing out an early copy of the Moray Eels Eat the Holy Modal Rounders back in the day, and it was fun seeing who was responsible for that wonderful piece of subversive electrified psychedelic folk-rock mayhem. Even as decrepit as Steve Weber appears, the man can still pick a mean guitar and chew through the intricate lyrics of some real Rounder chestnuts. This was fun. They can't sing, they're not very good looking, but man can they put a smile on the face! If you aren't familiar with their music, or that of their earlier band, The Fugs, you might not find this as rewarding as this viewer did, but I would encourage anyone who appreciates old-time country and counter-culture folk to give them a listen, and a look-see. The bonus material was terrific. Nearly an hour of mostly live performances, with a little commentary thrown in. Artistes to you, you punk chumps!

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The Holy Modal Rounders: Bound to Lose (2005)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Mark A

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