For some time now, PBS pledge drives have become excuses for golden-oldies reviews and baby-boomer nostalgia. And some of their more serious programming has followed suit. Actor Johnny Depp narrates the “American Masters” presentation “The Doors: When You’re Strange” (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings).
Fans of the dark and eccentric psychedelic band should enjoy the wealth of rare period footage of The Doors from their formation in 1965 to lead singer Jim Morrison’s death in 1971.
But as documentaries go, this film does not live up to “American Masters” standards. Driven by footage and Depp’s laudatory narration, “Strange” lacks interviews with key figures, including other members of The Doors – drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek.
Like too many films and “True Hollywood Story” installments, the story careens from early promise, instant success and the drug and alcohol-fueled excesses of the doomed Morrison. And like far too many documentaries about the 1960s, it tries a tad too hard to explain away acts of self-indulgence and self-destruction as symbols of revolution and liberation.
To be fair, the film makes clear that Morrison’s fellow Doors were frequently exasperated and disappointed by his inebriation. And by the end of “Strange,” some viewers will feel that way, too.