Glory Daze: The Life and Times of Michael Alig (2015) User Reviews

Astoundingly in-depth bio-pic

[Falconeer · 8/10 · 2 November 2017]

You should understand when going into this 2 hours plus movie, that it isn't merely a biography of one NYC personality, but rather a documentary about New York itself. Through the eyes and words of legendary club promoter/celebutante Michael Alig, and the countless amazing personalities that knew him and were in that scene, the viewer is given a very in-depth tour of NYC then, and the NYC of today, which is barely recognizable as the same place. The incredible thing about this film, is that it spends so much time focusing on how everything began, and all that is so fascinating, that when they finally get to the famous murder, we have forgotten all about it. And when it comes, it is a real jolt, almost like we are seeing it all unfold in real-time.

Someone put a staggering amount of time and thought into this production. Everyone who was there in any way, is interviewed in depth, as we get to know this collection of very talented people of all ages and backgrounds. And we don't just get to hear from the club people, we also get interviews with New York detectives, journalists, Alig's family members, as well as people who weren't even around at the time, but whos lives were somehow inspired or changed by the mere legend of 80's/90's NYC club life. We even get a good background on Angel Melendez, who was at the center of this incredible drama, but has always been sadly overlooked in other documentaries and news stories about the murder. He was the victim, and this movie finally gives him the recognition that he deserves. Anyone who was there at that time, such as myself, (a regular patron of Limelight's "Disco 2000" Wednesdays,) or for anyone interested in art, or film, or music, needs to see this amazing film. I believe it is the most complete and in depth documentary ever. There isn't a boring second, or boring person from the first frame to the last. And those many scenes of the "Golden Days" of New York City, will fill you with a sense of amazement and bittersweet nostalgia. You might find yourself saying, "wow, was it really that incredible..." and you know that it was.

Always happy to be here...

[FightOwensFight · 6/10 · 15 June 2019]

Not necessarily a documentary that we need, but it is one that Michael Alig needed. The life, times and legacy of the Club Kids will forever be a fascination of those who participated, as well as those that didn't. It is... Alluring. It is... Exciting. And it is... Horrifying.

'Party Monster: The Shockumentary' is the better doc, but it's unfinished. And whatever it left on the table 'Glory Daze' picks up. Unfortunately, GD spends a little too much time revisiting the old days and not enough time with the follow up... Creating a final product that is far too long and extremely unpolished... But still, very much a must see.

A bit repetitive

[set-14910 · 7/10 · 28 February 2021]

I'm going to have to agree with the person below me who remarked that the other documentary; "Party Monster: The Shockumentary" being much better. That together with the "Limelight" movie/doc I've seen and so there wasn't much left here albeit seeing it now with Michael Aligs' release and ability to comment further and sadly before his recent death. I've just learned about this documentary right after I learned that he had apparently overdosed last month. I can't say I'm all that surprised. Perhaps if he had known he'd have gone back down this route which something tells me he probably did, he should have just done it prior to all that time served in jail. I mean he did have plenty of time after the murder to slide down this inevitable road thus having saved himself the agony of all those tortuous years in that hellhole. I suppose it all depends on how you view it. Perhaps he did the right thing by serving out his time and thereby debt to society and to Angel regardless of how short or long was appropriate. I read James St. James' book; "Disco Bloodbath" which for the record I give a 10/10! It was superbly written! I just could NOT put it down. It brought me back.... I myself was a club kid although not in their circle but I recall bumping into Alig and a few others while at Tunnel and Limelight. He offered me a line (had I chosen the "correct" contents) during a game in the silver bedroom (Tunnel) to which I politely declined. I was a few years younger and didn't start my insta-plunge into hard drugs until another 10-15 years later. I can argue that the clubs and music and the entire scene all together had me beyond high and I didn't need any drugs. Once they closed down nothing of my world as I knew it was ever the same and so depression slowly eased in. Oh and "murder did someone say?" Oh no no no! Too much! I just can't take it! What the hell was happening. Just when I was fitting in and found my place it was suddenly no more. How easy it is to get lost in thought. Back to subject. Once I read Disco Bloodbath I followed it up with Frank Owen's Clubland which is equally a 10/10 masterpiece which reflects on the details of the incident as does James in his own words along with having additionally packed in much more content. A very in depth, rich, and detailed account and reflecting on other characters as well as other events which were all concurrently taking place. A tell all that simultaneously splashes everything in together beautifully into the crazy weaved web of pure raw nonfictional craziness that it was nothing short of. And although both authors are shown in Glory Daze, I prefer both their books over any documentary or movie thus far. Particularly the movie "Party Monster" (with Macaulay Culkin) which I thought was uber lame and a horror in itself. It just doesn't work for those of us who were there. Good try I guess but didn't work for me. I say that while waiving my double ended sword because St. James' book gives one's imagination the tools to paint so much more of a vivid character image over a bland performance. Any who, I suppose the spoiler here if any is that Alig has since passed on (but only is this news recent and takes place 6 years after this here documentary was filmed which I see was back in 2015) it is now 2/2021. I was totally unaware of both Glory Daze and incidentally Michaels' death until a few days ago when I immediately purchased it. After the shock dissipated I then watched the documentary which I wasn't all that impressed with. However, given the circumstances of never again having the chance to hear his giggly joshing, I suppose it is for that reason alone I am grateful for a few more words and memories from life after or as James put it, his "second act" from the one and only Mr. Alig himself on behalf of a "once upon a time" period and all its good (and sadly some bad) memories I'd like to maintain in my recollection.

Awesome feature, recommend 100%.

[javiersacristan · 10/10 · 6 December 2016]

Great movie documentary about Michael Alig. If you were in NY at that time, watch it to remember, and if you were not, like me, it will take you there and you will you wish to be there...You for sure will not get bored while watching it. All those interviews, with the everyone who loved him or hate him, or both; those old images from NYC. Simply fascinating, how the movie can take you to that weird church where everyone partied like if there was no tomorrow. No doubt you have to watch it, and you will love it. If you like to party, crime documentaries, or just if you want to learn a bit about an interesting character like Michael Alig...You know where to go Great Job. I love it!

Extremely questionable

[ashran2004 · 3/10 · 24 December 2018]

With all due respect.....it seems there is no doubt that Michael Alig had a fabulous beginning. His bringing together outcasts and bringing art out of a cold and unaccepting time is remarkable. But let us not forget, he dismembered a human being. Imagine being the mother, sister, lover, family member who has to relive the suffering of his victim. Drugs or not, watching this documentary, there are truly no signs of remorse. Does anyone think about that poor victim suffering miserably and slowly alone while people are partying while he is dying in severe pain? Yes, Michael made an incredible impact on the art world. He did bring people together but he became a sociopath. I for one, am not convinced he has any remorse. The family of the victim will live with the nightmares of Angel's suffering in his final moments. The fact he is flaunting his fame to this day, makes his accomplishments questionable at best.