Upcoming Movie About Jani Lane?
The last few days there has been a lot of talk regarding an upcoming film about the life of Jani Lane. Paparazzi Daily reported that Jeff Dandurand, a radio personality and comedian, will portray Jani and also direct the film. He says he want people to know how serious Lane was as a songwriter, but also how out of control he was when he used alcohol and drugs. Cherry Pie Guy is supposed to take its start when Jani arrived to Hollywood in 1985. Dandurand also says that the movie will treat our beloved era of the late 80’s and early 90’s with respect.
"Artists like Lane were treated like scum and paid a terrible price for their fame. Cherry Pie Guy will astonish those who can’t see beyond cliché hair-metal nostalgia and open their eyes to an amazing songwriter and frontman."
My own thoughts are somehow mixed at the moment. At first I got excited and thought it was a great idea, a movie I would really want to see. Then I googled a picture of Jeff Dandurand and got a bit doubtful... But I guess if you’re a good actor, it doesn’t matter whether you actually look like the person you’re trying to portray or not. And the fact that someone recognizes that the 80’s always is being ridiculed made me hopeful – maybe he is the right man to do this movie after all?
Later on I came across this piece from MetalSucks and even though I don’t agree with most of what is said, it got me thinking. There’s also a clip available on Youtube (below) where Jeff Dandurand himself talks about the film. First thing that hit me was the part where he speaks about Jani Lane’s family. It’s only been a year – is it already time to make a movie? For his nearest it could very well be way to early to even be talking about a film, which of course should be respected. I get that you could do a movie “loosely based” on Jani Lane, just to get around all the legal issues, but is that really the way to go?
Also, the title! Cherry Pie Guy, really? If you want to make a movie that’s both respectful towards Jani and shows how serious he was as a songwriter – don’t use that title!
That’s as far as I’ve come. The film is supposedly said to be done sometime next year, and regardless of what I think right now I would probably go see it – if it’s actually happening. How about you guys? What do you think of all this?