JANUARY 25-28

Not your average biographical music documentary, Beware of Mr. Baker opens with its protagonist, a prickly drummer named Ginger Baker, taking a cane to director Jay Bulger's nose. One of the most influential percussionists of the 20th century, Baker drummed for the 1960s rock supergroup Cream before going on to play with Nigerian legend Fela Kuti. Bulger's film takes us to Baker's current digs, a large South African enclave where he lives with his wife, her children and 39 polo ponies. The unusual relationship between Bulger and Baker -- Baker frequently barks obscenities at his documentarian -- adds tension to this fascinating, amusing film. Unflinching interviews with former bandmates Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce help paint a more reliable portrait of this extraordinarily talented but terribly cantankerous man.

"Rudely funny. Old stories and misadventures [are] reshaped by Bulger via archival footage and sly animation into a testament ot Baker's musicianship." (Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York)