The Fearless Freaks (2005)
Equal parts punk and psychedelia, the Flaming Lips emerged from Oklahoma City as one of the most bracing bands of the late 1980s. The Fearless Freaks documents their rise from Butthole Surfers-imitating noisemakers to grand poobahs of orchestral pop masterpieces. Filmmaker Bradley Beesely had the good fortune of living in the same neighborhood as lead Lip Wayne Coyne, who quickly enlisted his buddy to document his band's many concerts and assorted exploits. The early footage is a riot, with tragic hair styles on proud display as the boys attempt to cover up their lack of natural talent with sheer volume. During one show, they even have a friend bring a motorcycle on stage, which is then miked for sound and revved throughout the performance, clearing the club with toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Great punk rock stuff. Interspersed among the live bits are interviews with the band's family and friends, revealing the often tragic circumstances of their childhoods and early career.
Director: Bradley Beesley
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Wayne Coyne as Self |
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Steven Drozd as Self |
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Kliph Scurlock as Self |
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Michael Ivins as Self |
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Beck as Self |
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Bradley Beesley as Narrator |
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Steve Burns as Self |
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Dolly Coyne as Self |
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Kenny Coyne as Self |
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Marty Coyne as Self |
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Tommy Coyne as Self |
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Jonathan Donahue as Self |
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James Drozd as Self |
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Gibby Haynes as Self |
| Directing | Bradley Beesley | Director |
| Editing | JoLynn Garnes | Editor |
| Camera | Alan Novey | Camera Operator |
| Production | Rick Fuller | Producer |
| Editing | Andrew Mayer | Editor |
| Production | Damon Cook | Producer |
| Production | Ryan Dolan | Executive Producer |
| Sound | Benjamin Lowry | Sound mixer |
| Production | Scott Booker | Producer |
| Production | Dan Jacunich | Executive Producer |
