Emphasizing the art at the core of the musical act puts Gwar’s contribution to Western Civilization in a whole new light, one that doesn’t issue judgment over how pornographic or juvenile the content is. Not that the director hides the extremities of Gwar’s work. This is Gwar is filled with tons of gore-soaked live show footage with some of the darnedest things you will ever see. Also, get your hankies handy, as the human element and emotional gut punches run higher than expected. This is a beautiful, passionate portrait of artists with the temperament running as high as the other mediums. Instead of painters fighting in the press, we have musicians ripping each other to pieces on stage and meaning it.
I am glad Gwar’s efforts to improve their song work were emphasized, as I have always thought their songs were insanely catchy despite the gross lyrics. Unfortunately, even running almost two hours, there is so much material to cover that not all questions on Gwar can be answered. Those of us who for years wanted documentation that Gwar got their name from Alan Moore’s Watchmen comic will be confounded. Not only do we see the group’s original name was Gwarghh, but we also see the famous Gay Women Against Rape (GWAR) sign being waved onstage at a concert, so nothing is confirmed.
“…a beautiful, passionate portrait of artists…”
Also, I was hoping for more details on Brockie’s unraveling of hard drugs, as he is one of the only celebrities who would talk publicly to the press about his crack use. Because he was always in character and costume, it was allowed as everyone assumed it was part of the act. However, it wasn’t, as the man was unfortunately addicted to drugs. It is shown in a decent clip from Fox News, and that’s it. This is probably for the best, as it would have sucked the air out of the emphasis on everyone’s contributions.
This is Gwar shows that the Gwar project is much bigger than its demonic lead singer and his actual demons. It is a magnificent documentary on art and how artists interact with the world. In this case, the art, instead of paintings in a gallery, is ingesting the jet-black sperm of vengeance at a music recital of blood.
This is Gwar is a 2023 Award This! Music Documentary nominee.
"…the Gwar project is much bigger than its demonic lead singer and his actual demons."
