Beware of Mr. Baker

Seventy-three year old Ginger Baker is a true drum legend. He became famous as the drummer for Cream and Blind Faith, and is viewed as the inventor of heavy metal. Widely praised as a musician, his character is unfortunately as legendary as his talent. Baker is a notorious drug addict and ego tripper, and he seems to have fought or argued with just about everyone. That much is clear right from the first scene, when Baker throws a huge fit and attacks the director with his walking stick. The result is both a bloody nose and a compelling introduction to the fiery subject of the film: nobody messes with Mr. Baker. Director Jay Bulger goes about his first documentary on a grand scale. In addition to interviewing Baker countless times, he also gives many musicians who have played with him a chance to speak, including Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Carlos Santana. The wealth of archive footage makes it crystal clear just how great Baker's role in the music world has been, but also how impossible it must have been to work or live with the man. Once again, virtuosity and insanity turn out to be separated by a very thin line.