We've been hearing about a number of Jimi Hendrix biopics over the years, yet none seemed to have a snowball's chance of getting made. Paul Greengrass(Green Zone) was attempting one, but the one that sounded most interesting would feature Outkast's Andre Benjamin(Andre 3000) in the role of the legendary rocker. I just sort of assumed it was dead like most biopics end up, until last year when Hayley Atwell(Captain America: The First Avenger) said she was up for a role. Now it appears the film has finally received the green light from the Hendrix estate, as production is set to begin in just three weeks.
John Ridley(Red Tails, Three Kings) will be writing and directing, his first feature gig behind the camera since 1997's Cold Around the Heart(featuring a gorgeous Stacey Dash!). Titled All is By My Side, the film will take place around 1966-1967, when Hendrix was first discovered by Keith Richards' girlfriend and introduced to the manager of The Rolling Stones. From there he soon went to London and recorded the seminal album, 'Are You Experienced', and began his road to rock 'n roll greatness.
Filming is set to take place in Ireland with a six-week production schedule set. Benjamin seems like a good choice to play Hendrix on paper. He has the look and obviously the musical chops for the part, but his acting has been spotty to say the least. If it were up to me it'd be Lenny Kravitz all the way. I'm guessing since this is another "estate approved" biopic(much like the recent Marley documentary), we won't see too much of the many demons that plagued Hendrix throughout his career. I could be wrong, though. We'll just have to wait and see. [IFTN]
