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200 Motels

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From the liner notes

Rock & roll legend Frank Zappa teamed with Tony Palmer to direct 200 Motels, a cult classic musical comedy about a touring rock band in a small town. With appearances by Ringo Starr, supergroupie Pamela Des Barres, Keith Moon as a nun, hot groupie chicks and more, 200 Motels is an absolute must-have for fans of Zappa, rock movies and cult movies.

Available for the first time on DVD, Frank Zappa's 200 Motels is a cult classic. The story, scattered with performances by the Mothers of Invention and the Royal Symphony Orchestra, is a plotless tale of life on the road for touring musicians. Originally shot on video and restored here, 200 Motels is a surrealistic nonstop visual extravaganza starring Frank Zappa and the Mothers, Ringo Starr and Who drummer Keith Moon. Includes bonus commentary from director and script writer Tony Palmer.

3 Reasons To buy this film

Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention are pretty much the coolest, craziest collection of musical badasses, like, ever.
Seriously, have you listened to Hot Rats, that album fucking rules.
Ringo Starr as a dwarf! Keith Moon as a nun! And groupies!

Review

Keith Moon dressed in drag as a creepy nun. A magic potion. The sex-crazed, groupies-lovin’, hard partying Mothers of Invention. Ringo Starr subbing for Frank Zappa as Larry the Dwarf. A cartoon vignette starring a demented Donald Duck look a like. Yeah that’s about all I can tell you upon finishing my viewing of Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels. The film opens with Zappa and the Mothers arriving at the next stop on the never ending tour, the town of Centerville. Once they arrive, the Mothers set out to find themselves some groupies and a couple extra bucks. This should come as no surprise to anyone as the Mothers were infamous for their love of groupies (if you think the Zeppelin snapper story is crazy you should read up on some of the rumors surrounding the Mothers fun times with groupies). While the Mothers take center stage throughout the movie, Frank is never seen in the film except for a brief shot playing the drums during the “Lonsome Cowboy Burt” musical number and a cardboard cut out of himself sitting amongst the band.

I’ll be honest and say that 200 Motels confused the shit out of me. Not only does the movie completely abandon all narrative structure or story, it feels like a stream of consciousness directly from Frank’s mind onto the screen without any regard to linear storytelling. However, I’m not here to knock on the film. In fact I thought the movie was equally clever and interesting even if it is a bit confusing in some parts. 200 Motels is not unlike Frank’s music: just when you think you have a grasp of where it’s going your senses are immediately sent into overload. The only conclusion I can take from the movie is the idea that touring can make you crazy. Beyond that I am completely speechless.

The main reason everyone should watch this movie is for the musical numbers. Frank and the Mothers completely destroy the barn-burner “Do You Like My New Car?” If you ever were suspect of Frank’s guitar skills this version will have you eating your words with a side of lumpy gravy (see what I did there?). The Mothers shred through the psychedelic insanity of “Shove it Right In” while a topless groupie dances around in a small bathroom. If I have one complaint it is that there weren’t enough songs throughout the movie but its tough to complain when you’re watching one of the tightest, psychotic rock bands to ever grace this Earth. Eat it up, kiddies; there will never be another band like this ever again.

-- Mike Quinn