What it’s about
In 1969, so-called “progressive rock” was launched with King Crimson, a band that never attained the widespread fame of Led Zeppelin, but still attracted fans with an almost cult-like passion for their music. “Court” follows the current iteration of the band on their fiftieth anniversary tour just before Co-vid, while revisiting, via interviews and period footage, the tumultuous five decades of King Crimson. We learn the band experienced an almost-constant turn-over of members, largely due to the exacting expectations of Robert Fripp, the only original member left standing.
Why we love it
Irreverent, loopy, consistently fascinating doc is reminiscent of Rob Reiner’s “This is Spinal Tap,” but played straight. It’s incredibly funny, revealing, even moving. Fripp, who today looks like a square bank manager from the Midlands, is blunt, brilliant, and more than a bit eccentric; it’s easy to see why so many musicians would chafe under his leadership. The focus on drummer Rieflin, still touring while battling terminal cancer, adds an element of pathos. A profile in courage, his abiding love of music and performing shine through. You don’t need to be a fan of King Crimson to love this film.