Rollins
Talking from the Box (1992)
I don't have talent... So I get up earlier."
- Henry Rollins on "Dennis Miller Live"
Henry Rollins is the true post-nuclear Renaissance
man. Musician, singer, writer, actor, publisher, auteur,
and performer, the man's talents seem limitless. After
fronting the pioneer American hardcore punk band Black
Flag for several years, he branched out to solo stature
with his own Rollins Band in the 90's. He also began
writing more and publishing much of his written work
(and that of others) utilizing his own company 2.13.61
Publishing (his birthdate). Soon, he also started doing
what was coined "Spoken Word" performances, a sort of
stand up comedy, philosophy, storytelling act. "Talking
from the Box" is a videotaped performance of one of
these concerts.
Rollins starts with a cute intro about concerts before
moving into a segment on the L.A. riots. He then moves
on to stories about his teenage years when he worked
in a pet store and amuses us with some seemingly pointless
anecdotes about his co-workers, his boss' daughter,
and their odd customers. Then, after a brief sidestep
about relationships, Rollins launches into his devastating
finale. Continuing in the tradition of the rambling
yet slightly interesting talk he has been giving up
to this point, Rollins begins another humorous riff
about two simpatico friends that seems a bit more well-formed.
The story really begins to delight us. In the midst
of it, he does an impersonation of Sylvester Stallone
that is as amusing as it is accurate. But the story
takes on a personal tone when the climax comes and Rollins
takes us into a tale that literally knocks us off our
feet. He switches tone so rapidly here that we are knocked
silly. He takes on such a poignant and deeply personal
presence that we cannot help but be moved by him. This
is a striking blow compared to the throwaway fluff we've
gotten up to this point. It ends the film on a pointed
note.
Producer/Director Modi doesn't utilize too many visual
tricks or editing gimmicks. This is basically just Rollins
on stage rapping. There is no music, no real set, and
no audience patter, just Rollins doing his thing with
a brief backstage visit before and after the show. It's
a very simple presentation that serves the performer
well. After the credits, Rollins returns to give us
an address for his newsletter and then we fade on a
poignant still photo that recalls Rollins' last piece.
"Rollins Talking from the Box" may seem almost ineffective
for the first 40 minutes, his rambling monologues often
go nowhere. Of course, one has to believe that he is
speaking fairly extemporaneously. But during his finale,
Rollins will touch you. Even the most weary viewer,
put of by his foul language, his cynicism and his pumped-up
presence, will not be able to dismiss the man after
this ending.
Note:
All material written by Rollins. Director of Photography
is Bill Megalos.
Musicians mentioned in the piece in order: The Ramones;
Paula Abdul; Bono; Morrissey; Frank Marino and Mahogany
Rush; Stevie Wonder; Earth Wind and Fire; ELO; Ted Nugent;
Miles Davis; Ronnie James Dio; Black Sabbath; Ozzy ;Morrison;
Hendrix ; Exene Cervenka (thanked in end credits)
People mentioned in the piece in order: Daryl Gates;
Ray Kroc; Martin Luther King; Hubert Humphrey; Mia Farrow;
Nancy Reagan; Sylvester Stallone; Ulyses; Mel (Gibson)
Filmed in the Henry Fonda Theater on 5/28/92.
The piece is dedicated to Joe Cole 4.10.61 - 12.19.91
Rollins gives this address: P.O Box 1910. Los Angeles,
Ca. 90078.
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