Six takeaways from The Dirt: Netflix’s new Mötley Crüe’s biopic
Mötley Crüe’s long-awaited biopic The Dirt is now on Netflix. Inspired by the tell-all book of the same name, it’s safe to say The Dirt is one of the most outrageous biopics ever filmed, and does much to cement Mötley Crüe’s legacy as the patron saints of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll.
Before you get stuck in to the hedonism-fuelled madness of ’80s hair metal, here’s what you need to know about the movie. Pro-tip: It’s not for the easily offended.
As you might expect from the self-proclaimed World’s Most Notorious Band, The Dirt is full of everything you’ve ever marked as NSFW. Drugs, nudity, death, nudity, more drugs, more nudity, sex, even more drugs, more sex, bodily fluids and a smattering of violence. The opening scene really sets the tone for the rest of the movie, taking place at one of Crüe’s legendary parties, with Tommy Lee and one of his female friends taking centre stage.
Speaking of Tommy Lee, Machine Gun Kelly (or Richard Colson Baker as he is credited) does a great imitation of Mötley Crüe’s sticksman. The constant grinning, his babyfaced charm and his ability to fit into women’s skinny jeans are just some similarities he brings to the inky drummer. Running amok in hotel corridors and partying harder than Andrew WK on the Fourth Of July, we’re not sure how different MGK’s own touring shenanigans are to the notorious Mr Lee. Plus, his ability to mime drumming on Tommy’s legendary rollercoaster drum kit is seriously impressive – including signature spinning of the sticks.
There’s more to the Mötley Crüe story than being borderline sex addicts, and the majority of it is tackled head-on – most notably the death of Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle. It could be more gruesome, and with Jeff Tremaine at the helm we’re kinda surprised it’s not a gorefest, but you might wince a little. Elsewhere, we see Nikki Sixx’s (who is the main focal point of the movie) heroin addiction explored, but again, it’s not a gritty Trainspotting homage. The reality of Crüe’s situation was undoubtedly much more grim than shown onscreen, and for those fans who’ve read the book, are keen to see in full Technicolor.
In one particular scene by a hotel swimming pool, we’re introduced to Ozzy Osbourne at the height of his crazy train. Staggering around in a dress, he offers an elderly couples some money from his bottom, before getting involved in the infamous battle of depravity with Nikki Sixx. You know the one. Snorting ants, licking up piss, licking up other people’s piss… just the usual morning for The Prince Of Darkness, expertly played by Tony Cavalero.
Despite not going whole-hog into graphic, R-rated chaos, it looks excellent. Director Jeff Tremaine is obviously a fan of the band, and the reenactments of their old Sunset Strip shows, music videos and arena tours are painstakingly recreated, right down to the hair flicks and cheeky looks to camera. The cast themselves look the part, no doubt going to great lengths studying the Saints Of Los Angeles. Shout out Iwan Rheon for his no bullshit portrayal of Mick Mars.
Abruptly ending before having to tackle the Pamela Anderson sex tape scandal, The Dirt ends on a high note with Vince Neil rejoining the ranks for a big ol’ arena tour (before releasing the dud-note album of Generation Swine in 1997). It’s a shame it doesn’t continue to present day, showing the band going out on their own terms as one of the all-time best greatest hits acts. The book itself was released in 2001, so that’s at least five years of pre-written material completely ignored. Maybe there’ll be a sequel? The Dirt 2: Dirt Harder.
The Dirt is out now on Netflix.
