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D.I.Y. or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist (2002)
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Overview
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Fiercely independent and mostly starving artists unite! moreCast
(Credited cast) | Ron Asheton | ... | Interviewee |
| Lynn Breedlove | ... | Interviewee |
| Richard Kern | ... | Interviewee |
| Beth Lisick | ... | Interviewee |
| Lydia Lunch | ... | Interviewee |
| Ian MacKaye | ... | Interviewee |
| Lil Mike Martzke | ... | Himself - Interviewee |
| Jim Rose | ... | Interviewee |
| Madigan Shive | ... | Interviewee |
| Mike Watt | ... | Interviewee |
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The director took the film on a self-booked tour of the US and Europe. The director wrote the book, "$30 Film School". moreFAQ
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This is an interesting documentary about the independent arts movement across America. While a few of those interviewed are immensely financially successful, the people interviewed all share a common thread of independence--doing art for themselves and a lack of regard for external validation. Simply put, they do what they do because it's compulsion that they love. Sometimes this produces really unique and ground-breaking work--other times, it's not! But what is fascinating is that most of these artists just don't care--it's their vision. So most barely make ends meet but are basically happy being themselves.
The style of this documentary is to mostly let the various artists just talk and explain what their art means to them, why they do it, what they consider success and their struggles to make it. A fascinating and rough glimpse into the world of fringe music, art, photography, film production writing, etc.. I don't always agree with the people and think some need to think about jobs (especially since my parents were artists and I teach at an art school--I just know way too many starving artists), but I sure have to admire their drives and idealism.
Oddly, this movie actually reminded me of an old Robert Montgomery film, LIVE LOVE AND LEARN (1937) as there are many, many parallels in the stories. Montgomery, too, is a struggling artist who is a Bohemian who could care less about financial success. When he loses sight of this ideal, his life spirals downward, as does his art.
FYI--The film makers really put their money where their mouth is, so to speak, as this film is totally free--region-free, copyright-free and freely distributed.