SWAMP DOGG GETS HIS POOL PAINTED

Isaac Gale and Ryan Olson’s Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Paintedstars three aging musicians living the good life in a San Fernando Valley bachelor pad (with a rundown pool in need of painting). That such a premise could be the makings of one of the most gonzo docs of the year is a testament to the imagination and talent on either side of the lens. Indeed, the uber inventive film focuses on Jerry Williams – better known as the titular Swamp Dogg – a singer-songwriter-performer-producer-A&R man whose 65-year career has brought him “soul genius” status; as well as his multihyphenate roommates – fellow octogenarian Guitar Shorty, a blues guitarist-singer-songwriter who influenced Jimi Hendrix, and Moogstar, a younger hyper-creative savant with the ability to master any instrument he chooses. At least that’s according to Jeri Williams, Swamp Dogg’s adoring neurologist daughter. And Dr. Jeri’s personal reflections, along with home movies and archival footage (much of which plays on Swamp’s many TV sets throughout the house), also make clear that her prolific dad has always been a family man to his core.

Which likely explains why Guitar Shorty felt comfortable reaching out to his openhearted friend when, after breaking up with a woman down in his native Texas, he was in need of a place to stay for a couple weeks. Of course, he’s now been at the crash pad “for 18 years,” Swamp offers with a shrug. That said, Swamp’s likewise the sort of man that seems to have never let a batshit insane idea pass him by without a try. As evidenced by the cookbook informercial we’re treated to for “If You Can Kill It I Can Cook It” (1-866-DOG-FUD to order), featuring music by “Moogstar & The Ingredients,” and recipes such as “Fettuccine Jerry Lee Lewis.” (Though the much quieter and less flamboyant Guitar Shorty surprisingly seems to have his own bonkers history, including taking top prize on an episode of “The Gong Show.”)

Not to be outdone, the bubbly and luminous, doll-toting Moogstar, leisurely seated atop his bathroom sink, relates his own bizarre tale from the musical past. It involves hopping in a car with a group of strangers after a gig to visit Evel Knievel’s grave, which soon develops into a deeper story about overcoming fear. And then seeing a mysterious owl that followed him home that night. (A tidbit confirmed by Mike Judge, one of the many celebrity “neighbors,” including Johnny Knoxville, that drop by the pool unannounced to prompt Swamp into regaling us with increasingly colorful yarns.) Oh, and hearing the opera singer suddenly burst into song at the cemetery before they all embarked on some “crazy stuff” – especially the “naked lady in a waterfall at McDonald’s.” (Did I mention the filmmakers decided to reenact the whole surreal saga as a Scooby Doo cartoon?)

Of course, it’s not always fun and games in the racist real world. Swamp Dogg also speaks of attending the Country Music Awards in the 70s, where he was mistaken for a waiter and ushered through the kitchen – after he’d just stepped out of a limo. Fortunately, the OG Dogg is too busy playing in his artistic sandbox to linger too long on past slights – or present annoyances. Though he does wish the white hipster, working diligently throughout the doc, would finally finish painting his pool.

– Lauren Wissot