AMBITION WITHDRAW
PLOT-A documentary profiling the genisis and exploits of underground rock band The Unsatisfied.
VIOLENCE-Many surreal and horrific sequences are interlaced with the documentary footage, featuring the band in zombie makeup ripping skin off their faces.
SEX/NUDITY-None that I recall seeing.
WHY I WATCHED IT-Not only was the concept of "documentary as horror movie" appealing to me, but the subject of the film itself is a band I crossed paths with during the last stretch of my own 10-year experience as a musician in the southeast rock scene. I couldn't wait to see what AMBITION WITHDRAW was all about.
THE DOPE-Fittingly, this is an unconventional film about an unconventional band. It's a documentary for people who don't like documentaries. Far more imaginative than VH-1 BEHIND THE MUSIC, and edgier than AMERICAN MOVIE, AMBITION WITHDRAW is a feast for the eyes, ears, soul, and even the funny bone (not the one between your legs, you preeeverts!). The movie opens with creepy host Dr. Gangrene, who introduces the film as if we're about to watch some kind of late-night creature feature. Cut to a roaring crowd as The Unsatisfied rip the place apart with their intense stage show, fueled by the unquestionably fierce stage presence of lead singer Eric Scealf. Like I said, definitely not your average rockumentary. The following two hours chronicle the past 15 years in the life of the band, from its very beginnings in the garage to its current infamy as one of the rowdiest bands in the southeast. But this is not a fluff piece, it's the real deal. In the words of producer/director Jason Eustice, AMBITION WITHDRAW is not about "the rock" as much as it is about the dream. If you're wondering why The Unsatisfied have been kicking around for 15 years and yet you've never heard of them, well, the film will answer that question. Amongst the numerous transgressive-style music video segments, sometimes hilarious interview bits, and rocking concert footage are moments that go straight for your heart, regardless if you're a musician or not. Anyone with a drive and passion for anything can relate to The Unstatisfied's singer Eric Scealf's undying need to create. His relentless pursuit of the dream is both inspiring and depressing at the same time, as you watch years go by and the band go through many ups, downs and lineup changes. I went through several different emotions watching the film, and despite my personal feelings about rock music and the "club scene", I must say I respect the dedication that AMBITION WITHDRAW exhibits, because the movie itself is just as incredible as the struggling band it chronicles, and the filmmaker is clearly possessed of the same kind of talent and drive. The greatest thing about this flick is how intense and engaging it is, while being completely humble and unpretentious at the same time. Definitely a soild achievement.
MEMORABLE SCENES-As a bass player, I have to give props to The Unstatisfied's bassist and his hilarious dialogue about how each member of the band is gay. I laughed a hell of a lot at his dry, deadpan delivery of this joke. Very clever and funny as shit.
NOTES-Get your ass over to NEW PLANET PICTURES for more info about how you can catch a screening of this film.
(April 2003)