Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7757 in VHS
• Released on: 1993-03-17
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 99 minutes

Customer Reviews

An unforgettable viewing experience...
First of all, the one thing that a lot of people miss about Zappa was that he was a master "resource" utilizer. - - He knew what he wanted his projects to look and sound like, and was great enough of an artist/producer to find/discipline people capable of delivering his vision - - So the big question : Despite his notorious reputation for his mixture of music and oddball stage antics, given a REAL big budget to make a real big motion picture, could he pull something off ? - - The answer... UNBELIEVABLY FRIGGIN' YES ! ! ! - - The film captures the MOTHERS in their prime circa the antics of FLO & EDDIE... the bizarre stage routines of his group are MELTED together by a great theme... that TOURING can make you crazy... though surreal, beyond the paranoia and psychadelic wierdness, the backstage politics of a band touring on the road, the stresses between the leader and bandmembers... and yes, the neverending quest for the ultimate BJ come through in the form of a BRILLIANT opera, featuring a full symphonic orchestra and some surprizing guest appearences... including Ringo Starr as frank zappa. - - The music is great... the images are great... and the performances (musical, now and then sexual, and stagewise) are a brilliant and mindtripping experience... This film is DEFINITELY something to watch over and over into and really get into... especially (of course) if you're a Zappa nut - - just don't get too psyched, otherwise you might find yourself singing the words to LONESOME COWBOY BURT outloud on the bus on the way to wherever...

touring can make you crazy [apparently]
Frank Zappa himself does not say/sing a word in 200 Motels, though he is often seen on screen. The starring roles are taken by Flo & Eddie, Jimmy Carl Black, Ringo Starr, Miss Lucy & Miss Pamela, & more Mothers & their friends. If you expecting a straightforward plot or a 'proper' film this isn't it, but if you want pioneering experimentalism, many subplots, a lot of bizarre humour & music, this is the place. Set in the typical American town of Centerville [despite being filmed mostly live to videotape in England], on a seemingly endless tour, the title referring to approximately how many places the real life Mothers of Invention had stayed over the previous 6 years, complete w/ "vile foamy liquids" & groupies galore [listen to the Fillmore East lp of the same year as this film as that is about 1/2 of the lyrical content]. Reality & fiction merge, cameras are openly visible, breaking all the rules of Hollywood which we don't really need anyway. The special effects & psychedelia take their toll, as the 1st time I saw this my head was spinning after. It does help to be somewhat familiar w/ Zappa mythology to get what's going on & all the obscure references, for instance, Cal Schenkel's animated sequence Dental Hygiene Dilemma is based on a band member Jeff Simmons who had recently quit the "comedy group" to get his own band together & be really "heavy", while Donovan acts as his conscience & spiritual guide. In another scene Jim Black becomes Lonesome Cowboy Burt, who frequents the redneck bar & likes to aim his rifle @ an image of a hippie on a dartboard, whilst serenading the waitresses. There are numerous other things to mention, but I think everyone should see this, it's one of my favourites definitely. I'd better finish off this review because "they're gonna clear out the studio!!!"

Cult Classic Shines Bright!
I first saw this movie back in the 80's and fell in love with it immediately. I am a Zappa fan and own the entire Zappa music catalog on CD. Why this movie is still so great to me many years later is that it so well documents the lifestyle of rock musicians in the early 70's. And, it's fun!!! And funny!!!

I would recommend it most for people who are fans of both Classical and Rock music, because there is a lot of both in the movie. Zappa didn't see any difference in the two forms of music beyond technical issues. Further, the accomanying imagery blends concert footage, social commentary, and some wonderful animations, dance, and abstract visuals.

This movie is both fun and sophisticated. It's silly, so don't expect something deep. But it does have it's intellectual side as well, so don't expect MTV. And be prepared to laugh at quite a few sacred cows. Nothing is sacred in this film.

I recommend watching it with friends who are in a mood to party and discuss the meaning of life all at once. You can either sit and watch it or just let it play in the background as your party goes on. If you like to relax and keep it light and loose, this movie is definitely an excellent ingredient towards that process.