Mayor of the Sunset Strip Review
by Robin Clifford (robin AT reelingreviews DOT com)May 6th, 2004
"Mayor of the Sunset Strip"
Rodney Bingenheimer. He knew Elvis, fed the Beatles shrimp, launched the career of David Bowie, was the double for Davy Jones on "The Monkeys" TV show, had a long-running early Sunday morning radio program at LA's KROQ and played the Sex Pistols when no one else would. The life of this odd little man who helped shape the music scene in southern California for decades comes under the microscopic lens of documentary filmmaker George Hickenlooper. Rodney may be almost, but not quite, famous but he has certainly earned his title, "Mayor of the Sunset Strip."
"Mayor" is a rather remarkable little docu in that its title subject, Rodney Bingenheimer, is a diminutive, unassuming guy who, as his story unfolds, accomplished some truly amazing things for others in the music biz. His was the face that launched a thousand careers as Rodney's membership in the LA in-crowd gave credence to many future stars from Bowie to Courtney Love to Debbie Harry to The Sex Pistols to Coldplay. Bingenheimer's support for many young musicians was often enough to get their demo records heard and their rise in musicdom set into motion.
Hickenlooper chronicles Rodney's life from his time as a boy when his father moved the family to LA to become a movie star. Dad didn't make it into movies, though, and settled for filming celebrities, primarily pro golf stars. Rodney's mother became the consummate autograph hound and set into motion a lifestyle for her son that he would follow all of his life. As Rodney got older he became a fixture in the LA music scene and, because of his small stature (5'3") and amiable, helpful nature, was accepted on all levels of the business. The roster of stars, soon-to-be stars and wannabe stars that the documentary maker lists for us is impressive, if not astounding.
Vintage film footage and current interviews abound through "Mayor of the Sunset Strip," with such music biz notables as Mick Jagger, Joan Jett, Joey Ramone, Paul McCartney, Nancy Sinatra, Phil Spectre, Pete Townsend, Brian Wilson, Neil Young, Sonny and Cher - the list goes on and on - all singing the praises for their friend Rodney.
But, celebrity is a fickle thing and, as the years passed, Bingenheimer's fame did not keep pace with the many that he helped to stardom. As Hickenlooper's camera follows Rodney in his day to day life he shows us that the man has not capitalized on the friends he helped make famous. He lives in a small apartment stuffed to the rafters with music memorabilia he has collected over some 40 years. He has a collection of autographs, letters and photos of the rich and famous that would impress the most aggressive celebrity hound. He also has a mountain of other memorabilia including a shirt worn by one of the Monkees on their hit 60's TV show and a driver's license given to him personally by Elvis. This list of items, like the list of musicians he helped, goes on ad infinitum and is astounding. Rodney may be struggling to survive, but if he liquidated his collection (as if he would) he would be a wealthy man indeed. But that simply is not Rodney Bingenheimer's way.
When Hickenlooper recently asked Rodney if he would change his life if given the chance Bingenheimer replies in the affirmative. But, as we look back over his illustrious, near famous life, it makes one wonder if he really would. "Mayor of the Sunset Strip," if you are interested in the celebrity scene, will make your jaw drop. I give it a B+.
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