Imagine creating Jimi Hendrix's biopic, a man so notoriously focused on his music, without actually using any original tracks. It sounds virtually impossible, but then again, when you have John Ridley (the screenwriter for 12 Years A Slave) as writer and director, there is a way.
That way is by reflecting back to 1966 and 1967, years before his monumental Woodstock performance, and the relationships he forged on his way to the top. André Benjamin, aka André 3000, reportedly practiced guitar for six hours a day to prepare for his starring role in Jimi: All Is By My Side. As far as the soundtrack goes, André seems to do an incredible job covering Hendrix's early hits. The story opens up with Hendrix's performance at New York's Cheetah Club, where he meets 20-year-old model and girlfriend to Keith Richards, Linda Keith, played by Imogen Poots. She would go on to foster his career in more ways than one, most historically by introducing him to Tim Rose and The Animals' Chas Chandler. The film then follows Hendrix as he ventures to London, where his career really kicks off. Sex, drugs, and rock & roll ensue.
The hyped-up film opens in theatres September 26. In the meantime, check out the trailer below and let us know if you think the movie will exceed or fall short of expectations.
