127. In The Court Of The Crimson King; movie review

 

IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Cert 15

86 mins

BBFC advice: Contains very strong language

Robert Fripp must be most famous nowadays for his saucy Sunday lunches with his wife, Toyah Wilcox.

Their version of Enter The Sandman with Toyah braless on a cross-trainer has garnered 8.2 million views on YouTube.

Fripp accompanies her in his usual suit and waistcoat, playing to perfection - and I suspect nobody even notices him.

There is, however, a follow-up video where they answer 'burning questions' when he does let his hair down - or rather up because it is shaped like a Mohican's.

At home with Toyah, Fripp is clearly less guarded than during In The Court Of The Crimson King - Toby Amies' intense and occasionally fawning documentary about the band he has led for 50 years.

Fripp comes across as a tetchy headmaster who has undergone an unsuccessful lifelong struggle to find musicians with the same dedication as him.

He snarls at the interviewer when he believes his questions are stupid and is met with a cowering response.

Meanwhile, current band members hold off being too candid about him for fear or annoying teacher.

However, the real insight comes from former King Crimsonites who have left because they couldn't take the pressure or departed because Fripp elbowed them out.

Interestingly, they all hold him in high regard and, in some cases are still friends, despite highlighting his idiosyncrasies.

Much of the film takes place in and around concert halls with devotees lapping up King Crimson's unique sound. However, only segments of tunes are ever heard.

The most poignant element is that drummer Bill Rieflin is terminally ill throughout filming. His interviews are touching and even amusing.

The movie, which fans of the band will lap up, is dedicated to him.

Reasons to watch: Insight into one of the longest-lasting bands in history

Reasons to avoid: It feels micro-managed.

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? King Crimson were formed in 1968 by Robert Fripp, Michael Giles, Greg Lake, Ian McDonald and lyricist Peter Sinfield. Their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King remains their most commercially successful and influential release.

The final word. Trey Gunn: "Being in Crimson is a little bit like having a low-grade infection. You’re not really sick, but you don’t feel well either.”

Share this post