MY GENERATION
2000

August 18, 2001
Starz

Documentary about the three Woodstock Music Festivals and their few similarities and many differences between a ‘free’ festival in 1969, and the completely corporate sponsored ones in 1994 and 1999.

-->Directed…..Barbara Kopple [Harlan County, USA; American Dream; MichaelVox’ Top TV Drama Homicide: Life On The Street; Wild Man Blues; Cinema Verite: Defining The Moment]

Ironic and interesting story of corporate America co-opting the Woodstock “brand name”. We see the boardroom dealings of Polygram and the different sponsors. Ben & Jerry wanted no part and their decision proved to be the smart one in hindsight. We see a Polygram suit say ‘Ben & Jerrys is becoming Ben & Jerk’s Ice Cream’ after they declined participation. Perry Farrell is seen lamenting the ‘smell of money’ at the 1994 Woodstock, then a graphic tells us that PORNO FOR PYROS was paid $150,000 for 50 minutes of work. The crowds at all three festivals are seen tearing up fences and sleeping in mud. “That sounds miserable, I’ll be at the Sheraton”—Henry Rollins. The first ‘free’ Woodstock is juxtaposed with the 1994 ($135) and 1999 ($150) concerts. Pepsi paid $5, Hagen Daz and The Wiz paid $2 million a piece. We are given a funny tour of temporary Wiz store built at Woodstock by a cynical Gen-Xer. Great camera work and as you would expect excellent music from all three festivals.