Beware of Mr. Baker
Beware of Mr. Baker

Movie spotlight

Beware of Mr. Baker

2012
Movie
100 min
English

Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies. This documentary includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users87%
Director: Jay BulgerGenres: Documentary, Biography, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the tumultuous life of Ginger Baker, the legendary and notoriously cantankerous drummer for Cream and Blind Faith. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the film explores his prodigious musical talent, his battles with addiction, and his complex personal relationships. It offers a raw and unflating portrait of a true rock icon.

Critical Reception

Beware of Mr. Baker received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its unflinching portrayal of Ginger Baker's personality and its deep dive into his musical legacy. Critics lauded director Jay Bulger for his ability to capture the essence of the legendary drummer, despite his often difficult nature.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling and often uncomfortable portrait of a musical genius.

  • Jay Bulger masterfully captures the raw, uncompromising spirit of Ginger Baker.

  • The documentary succeeds in humanizing a legend while acknowledging his flaws.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's honest portrayal of Ginger Baker, praising its depth and willingness to explore the drummer's controversial personality alongside his musical contributions. Many found it a fascinating and well-made documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at the SXSW Film Festival (2012).

Fun Fact

During the filming of the documentary, Ginger Baker famously threatened director Jay Bulger with a machete, a moment captured in the film.

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TMDB Reviews

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CRCulver

CRCulver

This is a 2012 documentary of Ginger Baker by Jay Bulger, a journalist who wrote a Rolling Stone article of the legendary English rock drummer and later was able to interview him at length on his South African estate. Centered around Baker'...