Jim Morrison has been a rock icon for over five decades, mostly known as the Doors’ lead vocalist. He led The Doors to success with such classics as “Light My Fire”, “Riders on the Storm”, and “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” thanks to poetic lyrics, commanding stage presence, and a bad-boy reputation.
His rock and counterculture legacy cannot be questioned, but unfortunately, he passed away in 1971 at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery. A new documentary now attempts to unravel one of the biggest conspiracy theories of rock history.
What is the new Jim Morrison documentary about?
Before The End investigates the controversial theory that Morrison didn’t pass away in 1971 but faked his death to begin a new life. The film examines claims that a “Frank” or “Frank X,” who performed maintenance work in Syracuse, New York, is actually Morrison. “Frank” was caught on camera with Doors drummer John Densmore in 2013 and has numerous interests in common with Morrison, which has fueled the theory.
Director Jeff Finn has devoted nearly 40 years to researching Morrison’s life and death. While he acknowledges that “Frank” could be a superfan with an eerie resemblance to the rock star, the film presents the theories of fans and experts who believe there is more to the story.
How did Jim Morrison die?
Morrison’s death has been speculated about for years. Officially, he was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment by his girlfriend, Pamela Courson, around 6:00 a.m. His death was attributed to heart failure. Some of the musicians who were with Morrison that night, however, reported that he had overdosed on heroin provided by a dealer named Jean de Breteuil.
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Complicating the story was also Sam Bernett, the owner of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus club, who insisted that Morrison actually overdosed in the club’s bathroom at approximately 2:00 a.m. and that two men, reportedly drug dealers, pulled his body out of the club and eventually placed him in the bathtub of his apartment.