Experience Jimi Hendrix in ‘Jimi: All Is by My Side’

Alexander Volz

“Jimi: All Is by My Side” is the long awaited Jimi Hendrix biopic starring Andre Benjamin aka Andre 3000 of Outkast as Hendrix.

Instead of focusing on Hendrix’s entire life, the film focuses on Hendrix’s time in London and ends with his performance at the Monterey Pop Music Festival. It covers the time period of 1966-67 when Hendrix was an unknown back-up guitarist. This may disappoint some true Hendrix fans, as it is not a biopic but rather an objective view of a potential star on the verge of breaking through.

The limited timeline is said to be due to Hendrix’s estate refusing to support the movie. Director John Ridley is able to pull out and feature some of the long-known complexities of Hendrix creative process and his character.

The backstory is this: Hendrix is a faceless musician trying to eke out a living on the R&B circuit. He is then seen by Linda Keith, girlfriend of Keith Richards, at the Cheetah Club in New York. It is thought that racism could be holding Hendrix back, so Linda Keith offers music industry connections that Hendrix was unable to find on his own. Unfortunately, Ridley was not allowed to use any of Hendrix’s iconic music. So instead, he chose to cover the portion of Hendrix’ life when he was performing mostly cover songs, which allows for some of his music to be featured in the movie.

The film has caused some other controversy. Hendrix’s former girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham (played by Hayley Atwell) called the film mostly fictitious. Etchingham claims there is a scene in the film in which Hendrix beats her, but she has adamantly asserted that Hendrix was never violent with her.

The movie largely focuses on Hendrix’s relationships with Keith and Etchingham, painting Hendrix as an aloof and indifferent man for the most part. “All Is by My Side” also stars Imogen Poots (“28 Weeks Later,” “Filth.”)

Benjamin’s acting is much improved since appearing in “Idlewild,” the 2006 movie-musical he co-starred in with fellow Outkast member Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. Many reviewers have been disappointed with the lack of character development among the women in the movie. They are a mere convenience to the story when the plot needs them, but otherwise fall flat. This is in contrast to their real-life inspirations, who were mostly larger-than-life characters.

This film is not honor-bound to glorifying Hendrix. It feels raw and gritty, with an almost unflattering portrayal of a man who within three years would rise to superstardom and then be lost in death.

Jimi: All Is by My Side opens in select theaters September 26th.