Z-Machine Tackles Jim Morrison With 'Before the End' Documentary

Z-Machine is taking on one of the most enigmatic figures in rock 'n' roll history. The company has begun production on Before the End: Jim Morrison Comes of Age.

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With a focus on bringing the legend down to earth, the indie documentary feature follows the trajectory of Morrison’s development, before his rock superstardom. The film will feature interviews with family and friends, many of whom are speaking about Morrison for the first time, as well as never-before-seen home movies and photographs from his formative years.

The Doors frontman accomplished much in his brief life beyond music, including three self-published books of poetry and an experimental film. He received numerous accolades on his way to achieving fabled status, but over the past four decades, persistent rumors and myths have distorted the truth. When Morrison died in July 1971, he left a controversial legacy riddled with unanswered questions and misinterpretations. Before the End: Jim Morrison Comes of Age aims to shed new light on the artist’s early life and his mysterious death at age 27.

Among the interviewees are Jim’s brother Andy Morrison, Florida State University roommate Bryan Gates, Morrison’s UCLA film instructor Bill Adams and Doors roadie Gareth Blyth.

Z-Machine is run by filmmakers Jeff Finn and Jess Finn, whose work includes the indie doc Strange Septembers: The Hill Abduction & The Exeter Encounter.

Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27