 Break on Through to the Other Side
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived a King who had everything a
mortal could wish for. His appearance was as breathtaking as a Greek God. His rebellious
attitude influenced masses of "lost" juveniles, and his messages transcended
time and space: "between the known and the unknown" he said, "there remains
a door. I'm here to open it." This King was Jim Morrison, and though his story was
told by many, no one has captured his true essence as director Oliver Stone did in his
masterpiece “The Doors.”
The story of the legend opens with the brilliant song, “Riders on the Storm.” It is at
this point that you find yourself standing on the threshold of a half-opened door, trying
to decide what to do. The conflict renders you senseless. You can either stick with your
old, safe life, filled with suspicions about what's behind that door; or enter a new
existence which may include euphoria and luck. Before you can decide, Stone takes your
hand and leads you on a journey with Jim. You join a ritual with natives and dance with
the souls of shamans, lose yourself in intoxication, get your heart broken by a beloved's
betrayal and fill the deep holes with the poems of Arthur Rimbaud. In each and every
scene, your soul gets sucked in by the aura of a most unique man. The description, the
storyline, and the music - every single detail seems so perfect and harmonious, that you
may almost feel like you had died and ascended to heaven. Its surprising how one movie can
mess up your static feelings so easily. This bio-pic of the 'Lizard King' is more than an
ordinary film; it recreates an influential life.
Val Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison (not only in terms of his appearance, but also in
his ability to convey his life style and philosophies), and the constant innocent look on
Pamela Courson's face (played by Meg Ryan) proves how simple and childish some things
remained, despite their utterly chaotic existence. Furthermore, the combination of songs
fits in perfectly with the scenes; and the scenario is beyond fabulous. Yet, the thing
that captured me the most was Jim Morrison's efforts to open the doors of perception
through a combination of art, primitive rituals and psychedelic experience. This is part
of what made Morrison a legend and what makes this movie worth watching - and living.
"This is the end, my friend," Jim's voice echoes in your ears with the final
scene. You find yourself standing on the threshold again, this time a little more aware of
what to do. I believe Aldous Huxley has been wrong the entire time - the doors of
perception are not opened by psychedelic experience, as he suggested, but by the music and
lyrics of Jim Morrison. With the opening of this door you hear a voice ask: "Are you
in? The ceremony is about to begin."
Işıl Kutluay (ECON/II)
i_kutluay@ug.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr
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