EAT THAT QUESTION: FRANK ZAPPA IN HIS OWN WORDS (2016) ** ½
There are a lot of words to describe Frank Zappa. Genius. Madman. Anarchist. None of those labels really do him justice. He was a man of enormous talent, and as this documentary points out; many contradictions.
I can't say I've ever been a big fan of his music, but I certainly admire the weird, offbeat way he approached it. (I actually think I like his ‘80s output more than I like the old Mothers of Invention stuff.) One fan in this film calls his work “Anti-Music” and that’s pretty much the definitive term for it. Although I like the fact that he pushed the idea of what music could be, I can honestly say that it’s not something I could really listen to over and over again.
Zappa was always a fascinating person, especially when he was being interviewed. The strength of the documentary is that much of it is just Zappa talking. Those looking to hear a lot of his music will get a taste of it, although the best stuff isn’t always used. The pacing of the movie is a bit dull as its interview/concert footage/interview rhythm gets a bit monotonous. On the plus side, it does get better as it goes along, especially once Zappa defends his work on Capitol Hill in front of a bunch of politicians who want to censor his music.
Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words probably won't win him any new fans. The die-hards will probably walk away pleased though. It’s not bad or anything. It’s just lacking the anarchistic spirit that made the man a legend.
AKA: Frank Zappa.