Amir Bar-Lev’s 4-hour documentary on The Grateful Dead has its moments: Al Franken explaining the subtleties of Althea, Robert Hunter stating that his lyrics “are clear”, as well asĀ archival footage of an army platoon on LSD. And of course there is the music –Ā Uncle John’s Band, Sugar Magnolia, Dark Star and Playin’ in the BandĀ and on – along with reams of concert footage. However, as melancholically sweetĀ as these moments might be,Ā the narrativeĀ is skewed,Ā emphasizing the mania and addiction, a tough go for anyone not a Deadhead.Ā The story of Jerry Garcia as theĀ unwilling guru/god throughout his life is ironically reinforcedĀ throughout the film, focusing almost exclusively onĀ his reclusive genius while tip-toeing around the personal wreckage an addict leaves behind, which leaves the viewer wondering how the others might have coped the past 22 years since his death.Which is the biggest gap of all in the film, ignoring the fact that Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart have all been consistentlyĀ touring, chasing a sound as rapturous as ever.