Fallen Angel: The Outlaw Larry Norman
by Ealasaid Haas • March 1, 2009 • Cinequest 19, Documentary
Remaining screenings: March 4, 9:30 PM (Cam 12); March 6, 4:30 PM (Cam 12)
Larry Norman was one of the earliest Christian rockers. He got his start in the San Jose music scene of the seventies as lead singer of People before going solo and focusing on his religious experiences as the source of his music. While his music was filled with faith and the preaching of the gospel, his personal and professional conduct created controversy and alienated those closest to him. “Fallen Angel” traces his career with a blend of interviews (mostly of his friends and associates; Norman himself refused to be involved and only stock interview footage of him is included) and video and audio footage of his performances. The pacing fails a little toward the end of the film, but the story is an intriguing one, and “Fallen Angel” is worth seeing if you are interested in Christian music or in the career arcs of musicians like Norman.