Customer Reviews

If I Should Fall from Grace - The Shane MacGowan Story

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If I Should Fall From Grace is a great in-depth look at a man with the beautiful soul of an Irish poet combined with the arrested development of a London punk. We are of course, speaking of the one and only Shane Macgowan. Through much of the documentary it is quite obvious that our subject is teetering on the edge of passing out, but that doesn't prevent him from some brilliant moments of clarity and poetic commentary.

The documentary takes us through Shane's early days as a troublemaker at school, abusing pain pills, and eventually dropping out to later form the Nips (shortened from their true name so as not to appear sexist) where he fist began performing in England. Next we move on to the earliest days of the pogues and the real meat & potatoes of their repetoire. Shane and the other commentators give insight to how the songs came about, their production, and the eventual toll touring took on the band's health.

Next we move onto the Pogues at their peak, the "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" era, which is treated just as so in the film. Then begins the rapid decline of Shane's health, the band breaks up, yadda-yadda-yadda. Differing viewpoints are given, but nevertheless, Shane was put out to pasture.

While the film is chock full of great music videos and live performances with and without the Pogues, I feel that the director did not give any time to Shane's new band, the Popes. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform at Guinness Fleadh '98, and they are an equally vibrant band that seems to fit well with Shane's continuing self-abuse through chemistry. Perhaps their inclusion would have merely reinforced Shane's continued debauchery, but interviewing ex-Pogues, and none of the current line-up makes the film feel somewhat incomplete.

Nick Cave's commentary throughout the film was probably the most brilliant of all offerings, especially as we see Shane skipping lines and even nearly whole songs altogether (in bits & pieces) in the latter quarter of the film.

Interspliced throughout the film are bits of "Shane about town". Some scenes are very moving, in that he hasn't forgotten the down-and-out, or his family. Still, the film, especially the end, plays like a reason not to abuse substances.

All-in-all, I highly recommend this film. The good, the bad, and certainly the ugly are all rolled into one. If you're a lover of all things Irish, the story of Shane Macgowan is not one to be missed.

This is a vast improvement over the BBC's doc, THE GREAT HUNGER a few years back. The film makers here aren't rubbernecking nor deifying their dentally challanged subject. On the contrary, they succeed in giving you some insight into MacGowan's resiliant & unrepenting character. Sure, they talk about the booze & drugs. & Yes, MacGowan is suitibly lit up like a X-Mas tree in July throughout. But though his speech is garbled through booze, accent & lack of 2 front teeth, he is remarkably lucid behind the seeming haze. One of the more poignant moments comes when he hands all his cash to a homeless geezer, gently gesturing for the camera man to stop filming. They don't. He gets his revenge later when he playfully pokes the camera with a stick swiped from the Irish countryside. This is must have for fans due to the live footage alone. "Waxie's Dargle" captures the band in all their glory, while "The Irish Rover" shows MacGowan at his stately best. Among the interviews, Philp Chevron's are the most revealing, especially in regards to Shane's leaving of the band. While they wanted to branch out beyond Irish music, MacGowan wanted to stick to his guns. Ofcourse, the booze & dope were part of it as well, but that's nothing new. Nick Cave pretty much sums up the p.o.v. of this film when he says, "I have no right to admonish anyone for their drug intake". Rather than moralizing, this doc does it's candid best to reveal the man behind the drunken legend & pretty much succeeds. So hopefully, you'll walk away with a sense of respect, rather than tragedy. Rock's answer to Brendan Behan he may very well be, but the story's far from over.

This may be the best rock documentary ever made. If it isn't, it's certainly in the top 3. "If I Should Fall from Grace," is an excellent introduction to McGowan and the Pogues. It also cements in the viewer's mind the group's importance. I use the term "group" pretty generously. This was MacGowan's group, and he was the engine, as much as the other members thought it some sort of democracy (and there does seem to be bitterness between McGowan and the group).

"If I Should Fall from Grace" is also a sad affair. McGowan is a waste case, and in a shocking way. The only time he really lights up, shows there's still a brain left in that stew, is when he talks, quite intellegently, about the importance of the Sex Pistols, and the whole music scene of that time. Another interesting aside, is how McGowan views "Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash," which is a favorite album of mine. He's very so-so on it. Elvis Costello produced it, and McGowan essentially overprodued it. But you wonder if this is sour grapes, since Costello would take away the Pogue's bass player, Cait O'Riorden, and marry her. The rest of the present time in the documentary McGowan shuffles along, a lot like Ozzy Osbourne, mumbling, drinking, laughing like Aqualung on a park bench, with bottle nearby. McGowan's mate, Victoria Clark, seems less a lover now, and more a nursemaid. In contrast, interviews with Nick Cave, an admiring friend and contemporary of McGowan's, who was also a bad boy rocker, shows who made the right choice regarding drugs and booze. McGowan choice will probably send him to an early grave. It's impossible to imagine he has any music left in him. The video probably should had an R rating due to the awful state of McGowan's teeth, which seem to be rotting out of his head. But despite all of that, the great music clips from the past show the Music, the Man, and the Time, and this is director Sarah Share's triumph, and despite McGowan's current state, also his.

Shane MacGowan is the stuff that legends are made of, a cockroach surviving his own torment, and letting souls such as myself, an alien to his world get an inside view. I was turned on to the Pogues in graduate school, and instantly fell in love. Shaney Mac's growling gravel voice has gone from somewhat clear to grunting, but I still love him. He can carry a tune like no other, his Irish is unique and haunting. Not always embraced, but easy to be around, scarry at times, but that's the attraction, isn't it. This dvd is an awesome journey into Shane's world, you get background life story, music, and coming full circle you see what the man has become, and wish that he had taken better care of himself, because you mourn for all that could be. I don't know how long we will have Mr. MacGowan, but as a fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd, and would reccomend it without hesitation. Just make sure you are ready to be entertained, and please, do not moan about his voice or his life as I have heard so many others do, just enjoy it for what it is. If you're not a fan of his music, you might not get him. If you are, you're in for a treat. There was a great BBC special done on Shane called The Great Hunger, if you get the chance to view, I highly reccomend it. This dvd goes into much more detail and background, more interviews. Shane MacGowan is a cult classic. I am hoping they will release the BBC interview on dvd some day.

OK, let's start with the gossip. Shane has this reputation as Ireland's greatest alcoholic artist since Brendan Beehan. When the film started i thought 'damn, can't understand a word the guy's saying! he's drunk all the time!' then you realize A)his teeth are all screwed up and B)he has a heavy accent so even stone cold sober you probably can't understand half of what he says till you're used to it!

As for the GREAT DEBATE - did he quit the Pogues or was he thrown out? - who cares? every divorce has two conflicting stories. And besides, the Pogues reunited this year for a tour.

Now to the meat. While no documentary can function as a definitive picture of an individual, this one gives a us a solid view of shane's early years and family life. I remember some people slagging him off as 'not really Irish' because he grew up in London as a teenager. That's a ridiculous statement and the proof of it is that you can't find Londoners sitting around the kitchen table of the family cottage in Co. Tipperary with three generations all hugging and talking and laughing. The scenes of Shane back home are truly touching and blow away the public personna of the wreckless alcoholic.

Just watching Shane as he ambles through his day, writes a song at home, poses for pictures with fans, etc. is worth the price of admission because there is absolutely NO pretense with this guy. What you see is what you get. What you get isn't always pretty, but it's honest.

Good insights into who and what the Pogues were from guitarist Phil Chevron, nice comments from Shane's dad and altogether worthwhile. And what a crazy laugh the guy has! The good news is he HASN'T fallen from Grace with God.

I came upon this documentary totally by accident. After 10 mins I thought I made a big mistake. First, I could hardly understand him. Second, he is drunk most of the film. I confess knowing little about Shane and the Pogues history, so this caught me by surprise. To his fans, this is no biggee. But I gradually got pulled into the story - both his life and his music. By end of film I was sold. A great story & facinating man. Just when you think all his brain cells are gone, he says or does something that surprises you. And the music is fun too. I'm now buying his old albums (best of) and a solo effort (the snake), and many of the songs are featured on this dvd. As I have told many friends, Shane is a combination of Keith Richards, Tom Waits, and Ozzy Osborne, all rolled into one. No kidding. Bottom line, you'll either love it or scratch your head and say "who the hell is this sorry bastard! Most of the interviews drunk and chain smoking (note the yellow fingers). And a laugh that sounds like a tire going flat....but all I can say is I started out rating it one star, and ended up giving it four. After a few whiskeys I give it a 5. Check it out!

This is a harrowing and disturbing movie, particularly if, like me, you were a fan of the Pogues, whose best stuff (their first three LP's) is arguably as good as anything anyone has released in the last 30 years.

Unfortunately, the stereotypical tormented drunken Irish poet, the object of romantic fascination in his youth, whose talent inspires awe and envy, almost invariably becomes, if he lives long enough and learns little or nothing, an old, drunken, bloated, tedious, annoying, former poet, who hasn't written anything worth reading (or singing or hearing) in years. He may become the subject of a "whatever became of" DVD.

At this point, Shane MacGowan is probably an object of pity among many of his fans from his glory days, if they've noticed his current condition, which may inspire an uncomfortable guilt among many of them. They may believe they owe him allegiance because his self-destructiveness was an integral element of his performance, and to "abandon" him (as if someone is keeping score) would be wrong.

The younger fans who weren't around when he was compelling, and who refuse to let him go gently into that good night because they didn't get their fill, attend his performances, and cheer this shadow of his former self (check the age of the fans at what was then a fairly recent show that opened the movie). Had Shane MacGowan's reputation not elevated him to icon status, the younger fans probably would have seen him for what he was - a dissipated wreck who had lost his voice and his talent (the fact his front teeth are also, finally, completely gone probably also affects his ability to enunciate).

Note to self-destructive, tormented drunken Irish poets, and similar performers: When you intend to live fast, be bad, and leave a beautiful corpse, make sure you leave a beautiful corpse. Otherwise, you may become Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop or...Shane MacGowan, or one of the other relics who haunts us with memories of what they were, and what we were, 10-20 (or 30-35) years ago.

As I watched this movie I wondered, what happens when the cameras are off? Does he ever stop drinking? Does he ever become coherent? Do these people still tolerate him? Does he remember the lyrics to "Kitty" without pausing to search his memory?

The only time I've seen eyes as vacant as Shane MacGowan's (at the time this movie was made) are among stroke victims, punch-drunk former fighters, and victims of Alzheimer's Disease. He was in his early 40's then. What a harrowing lesson concerning the dangers of alcoholism and drug abuse. I shudder to think what the several years since this movie was made have done to him. What will the rest of his life be like?

Fifteen to 20 years ago I think I'd have enjoyed spending time with him (although this may be nothing more than embarrassing and frustrating celebrity worship). I wondered then and wonder now how someone so outlandish and self-destructive could write such beautiful and haunting lyrics, or even such enjoyably uproarious odes to drinking, bad women, and sea faring. Perhaps self-destruction is an element of all beautiful or entertaining art or entertainment.

Unfortunately, as the preacher said, when you're 20, you send boats out to sea. When you're 40, you go to the dock and unload them. Be careful what cargo you put on them. Youth covers up a lot of sins. One's "youth" (in that sense) is gone by 40.

At this point, I'm not sure I could spend more than 5 minutes with Shane MacGowan (at least as he appeared in the "current" portions of this movie). Beyond that, I don't think I'd have the patience to tolerate the tediousness of a self-absorbed drunk.

If you're a Pogues fan, you may enjoy this movie for the videos and/or concert film. Songs include "If I Should Fall From Grace With God," "Waxie's Dargle," "Streams of Whiskey," "Dirty Old Town," "The Irish Rover," "Fiesta," "Fairytale of New York," and "White City," as well as a couple of Popes songs from the mid-90's - "That Woman's Got Me Drinking" (with Johnny Depp, and some incredibly beautiful voluptuous women) and "Haunted" (featuring a duet with the remarkably lovely Sinead O'Connor with hair). I have no idea whether any of those videos or film clips were shown on MTV or anywhere other than in Europe, but they're worth the price of the DVD if you're a fan.

The Pogues songs were recorded 15-20 years ago, and the Popes songs about 10 years ago. If you watch this movie, you'll know why Shane MacGowan hasn't released anything worth hearing since. A sad waste of a once great talent.

This is an excellent documentary of the Pogues' former frontman. Arranged in such a way that Shane's story is told through interviews with family members, past and present acquaintances and the man himself, it is neither preachy nor tear jerking.

MacGowan shares several similarities with Ozzy Osbourne:
- he has lost the ability to talk in complete sentences or hold a single thought for more than a few seconds
- he has a very strong female figure in his life, Victoria
- his family is quirky and interesting
- through what can only be the result of a pact with Satan, he is still alive.

He has bonus features as well:
- his snake-like laugh
- he continues to drink incessantly despite impending death
- his mouth has rotted to something more disgusting than a Ren & Stimpy-scape

Seamlessly mixed into the story are many classic Pogues videos and live performances. Additionally, a classic Nipple Erectors performance and MacGowan solo videos and performances are included. The production quality is superb--even the old footage has been cleaned-up well.

This documentary is a must for fans of Shane MacGowan. One tip for maximum enjoyment - engage the English subtitles or Closed Captioning on your tv; this is as essential for understanding Shane's slurred garble as the Ozzy translator on the Osbournes DVD!! By the way MacGowan's Reality Show would put the Osbournes to shame - hear that MTV?? Witness Shane as he empties his wallet for a homeless guy, or doing his satanic impression of "The so obviously Irish, Johnny Rotten" singing "God Save The Queen". Listen to him defend his right to be a junky against Sinead O'Connor's public accusations. Features interviews with former Pogues members and road manager, Shane's squeeze - Victoria Clarke, his parents and grandmother, Nick Cave, plenty with Shane MacGowan, and more - interspursed with live and music video footage of Pogues, Popes, and MacGowan in various duets. Much talk on the subject of drinking... DVD extras are to include a "Sing-Along" feature, plus more interviews with MacGowan and Cave, as well as Paul Simenon of The Clash, and Philip Chevron...By the way this has recently aired on Sundance Channel with the DVD extras shown after the film; keep an eye out for a possible rebroadcast. This documentary is a testament to the true genius of Shane MacGowan - and a very funny film to boot.

This is a must-have for fans of Shane and/or the Pogues, if for no other reason than the performance & video clips, which range from the fantastic (Shane and the Pogues backing a classic Irish singer on "Irish Rover," the Top-of-the-Pops performance of "Fairytale of New York") to the awful (the videos from "Love and Hate"-era Pogues) to the both fantasic AND awful ("Summer in Siam," "That Woman's Got Me Drinkin.'")

As for the film itself, well, it proves that Shane MacGowan is today's Brendan Behan. Whether you interpret that as the highest possible praise, the most dangerous possible warning, or a good dose of both (or if you respond by saying, "Who is Brendan Behan?") says a lot about whether or not you'll enjoy this disc.