When You're Strange

When You're Strange is a 2009 music documentary film about the American rock band the Doors. It was written and directed by Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp. The film begins with the band's formation in 1965, its development over the next two years, the release of their debut album and subsequent albums, and Jim Morrison's extensive use of alcohol and drugs which subsequently led to his death in Paris in July 1971. The film features archival footage of rehearsals, TV broadcasts and concert performances, private cine-film and the background to Morrison's arrest at a 1969 Miami concert and later trial. It also includes the first public release of material from Morrison's 1969 short film HWY: An American Pastoral. Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarek who was not pleased with the 1991 biopic film, stated prior to the film's release that "This will be the true story of the Doors," and that the film will be "the anti-Oliver Stone." Cast Jim Morrison as himself (archive footage) – vocalist of the Doors Ray Manzarek as himself (archive footage) – keyboardist of the Doors John Densmore as himself (archive footage) – percussionist of the Doors Robby Krieger as himself (archive footage) – guitarist of the Doors Paul A. Rothchild as himself (archive footage) – producer (first five albums) Bruce Botnick as himself (archive footage) – sound engineer (on all studio albums) and co-producer for L.A. Woman Jim Ladd as himself – radio announcer Johnny Depp – narrator Production When the film entered production, the surviving members of the band decided not to be too involved in the project to try to obtain the right neutral balance that an outsider would try to achieve.