You should understand when going into this 2 hours plus movie, that it isn't merely a biography of one NYC personality, but rather a documentary about New York itself. Through the eyes and words of legendary club promoter/celebutante Michael Alig, and the countless amazing personalities that knew him and were in that scene, the viewer is given a very in-depth tour of NYC then, and the NYC of today, which is barely recognizable as the same place. The incredible thing about this film, is that it spends so much time focusing on how everything began, and all that is so fascinating, that when they finally get to the famous murder, we have forgotten all about it. And when it comes, it is a real jolt, almost like we are seeing it all unfold in real-time.
Someone put a staggering amount of time and thought into this production. Everyone who was there in any way, is interviewed in depth, as we get to know this collection of very talented people of all ages and backgrounds. And we don't just get to hear from the club people, we also get interviews with New York detectives, journalists, Alig's family members, as well as people who weren't even around at the time, but whos lives were somehow inspired or changed by the mere legend of 80's/90's NYC club life. We even get a good background on Angel Melendez, who was at the center of this incredible drama, but has always been sadly overlooked in other documentaries and news stories about the murder. He was the victim, and this movie finally gives him the recognition that he deserves. Anyone who was there at that time, such as myself, (a regular patron of Limelight's "Disco 2000" Wednesdays,) or for anyone interested in art, or film, or music, needs to see this amazing film. I believe it is the most complete and in depth documentary ever. There isn't a boring second, or boring person from the first frame to the last. And those many scenes of the "Golden Days" of New York City, will fill you with a sense of amazement and bittersweet nostalgia. You might find yourself saying, "wow, was it really that incredible..." and you know that it was.
