Scott Walker: 30th Century Man is a rare glimpse into the creative world of the most enigmatic figure in rock history, and will trace the undeniable impact he has had on popular music through casual interviews with some of his biggest, highest profile fans.
We explore his fascinating trajectory, from jobbing bass player on LA’s Sunset Strip, to his domination of the British pop scene that began in the swinging summer of 1965, to his transformation into a composer of true genius; an uncompromising and serious musician working at the peak of his powers.
At age 63, over the course of 2005, he went into the studio again, working on what could be his greatest artistic statement yet – and we were invited to document part of this process – a privilege no filmmaker has ever been granted. –Oscilloscope
30 Century Man may not portray Scott Walker as some unquestionably great musician and poet, but it comes damn near close to that kind of hero worship. Considering Walker's vast musical evolution from Beatles-boy-band to experimental enigma, the material here contains its share of diamonds, but much of these 95 minutes feel strangely empty and uninformative. One is left to wonder if more digging couldn't be done.
Strange and compelling, and perhaps nothing at first, until you realize you can't stop thinking about having watched it.
I think my rating is more for the music and the man rather than the film, but in this situation I don't care
Film itself is lacking - panning across still images and photograph slideshows - but the music is so compelling it wins out. Nice to have a context.