Of course, the idea of a biopic of one of rock ‘n roll’s filthiest, most colorful bands of all time, Mötley Crüe, is a great one. But getting it made is a whole other story. “Dirt” has been brewing for years, and at one point was going to be helmed by Larry Charles (“Religulous,” “Borat“). But a variety of factors—the acquisition of MTV Films by Paramount, Charles’s desire to make an appropriately NC-17 movie about the band, his admitted dislike for the group—kiboshed the project and nothing was really heard about it since. But it looks like it’s getting cranked back up to 11 once again.
“Jackass: Bad Grandpa” helmer Jeff Tremaine is now tackling the tale of Vince Neil, Nikki Six, Mick Mars, and Tommy Lee. We’re not even sure where to begin if you know nothing about the band, but their stories of debauchery are the stuff of legend and pretty great material for a movie, and Tremaine is sort of an inspired choice, though it does suggest a movie more leaning toward wild antics than anything else. Here’s the Amazon synopsis of Neil Strauss‘ “The Dirt: Confessions Of The World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” which is serving as the foundation for the movie:
The most influential, enduring, and iconic metal band of the 1980’s reveals everything a tell-all of epic proportions.
This unbelievable autobiography explores the rebellious lives of four of the most influential icons in American rock history.
Motley Crue was the voice of a barely pubescent Generation X, the anointed high priests of backward-masking pentagram rock, pioneers of Hollywood glam, and the creators of MTV’s first “power ballad.” Their sex lives claimed celebrities from Heather Locklear to Pamela Anderson to Donna D’Errico. Their scuffles involved everyone from Axl Rose to 2LiveCrew. Their hobbies have included collecting automatic weapons, cultivating long arrest records, pushing the envelope of conceivable drug abuse, and dreaming up backstage antics that would make Ozzy Osbourne blanch with modesty.
And provided there are no hurdles this time, “Dirt” will be shooting next year. Tom Kapinos (“Californication“) is putting the final touches on the script, but if you think this is going to be an excuse just to get some partying dudes on screen, guess again. “It’s the spirit we’ve got to get right,” Tremaine told Deadline. “It’s important to get actors who play, or who understand how to deliver the charisma it takes to be onstage. Rock stars have a swagger. Some of what they went through is funny, but overall this movie is not going to be a comedy. It’s pretty dark. I think fans of what I’ve done will like this movie, but it’s not going to make you fall out of your chair laughing.”
Any casting suggestions? Should Tommy Lee play Tommy Lee?