Beware of Mr. Baker
Seen it?2012 | 100 min | Documentary, Music
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. If you loved The Last Waltz or Miss Americana, start here.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies. This documentary includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$114K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 11K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Last Waltz
Saturday SpecialAlso stars Eric Clapton, in another documentary.
The Greatest Night in Pop Sunday Safe BetAnother documentary, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Miss Americana Saturday SpecialAnother documentary that's easy to miss.
Moonage Daydream
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jay Bulger
- Ginger BakerSelf
- Jay BulgerSelf
- Eric ClaptonSelf
- Jack BruceSelf
- Tony AllenSelf
- Bob AdcockSelf
- Carmine AppiceSelf
- Brian AugerSelf
- Ginette BakerSelf
- Kofi BakerSelf