Beware of Mr. Baker, directed by Jay Bulger
Ginger Baker, cemented in rock history as one of its greatest drummers ever, gets irritated a lot while being interviewed in this film. Some viewers will too. Journalist-turned-director Jay Bulger often seems to steer the conversation toward the sentimental or humorous, trying often to get Mr. Baker's goat, when the now-aged drummer's tough patter needs no prompting. The archival footage is wonderful; the musicians who have known Mr. Baker (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce etc.) give terrific insights; the drummer's itinerant life is ideal documentary material. Yet given the violent confrontation that opens the film (Mr. Baker jabs at the director's nose with his walking stick), it's easy to understand Mr. Baker's annoyance.
Sept. 28, 3:20 p.m. Granville 5; Oct. 2, 9:30 p.m. Granville 1, Oct. 6, 3 p.m. Granville 1