A film by Toby Amies
Documentary – 86 Minutes – UK 2022

Robert Fripp and the members of prog-rock giants King Crimson look back on 50 years of art, discipline and transcendence in this fascinating, funny and moving film. King Crimson is a band that people literally are dying to be in. In the Court of the Crimson King is a dark, comic film for anyone who wonders whether it is worth sacrificing everything for just a single moment of transcendence. For over 50 years Robert Fripp, also famous for his work with Bowie and Eno, has overseen a unique creative environment in which freedom and responsibility conspire to place extraordinary demands on the band’s members – only alleviated by the applause of an audience whose adoration threatens to make their lives even harder. It’s a rewarding and perilous space in which the extraordinary is possible, nothing is certain, and not everyone survives intact.

SXSW 2022

Sheffield Doc Fest 2022

THE GUARDIAN ★★★★ “Utterly enthralling”

THE SUNDAY TIMES ★★★★

THE OBSERVER ★★★★

“This unflinching portrait of the prog rock band is like an episode of The Office but with huge drum kits, grizzled roadies and rapturous fans” – THE GUARDIAN

“By turns comical and melancholy, it may be the most revealing film about working life in a band since Spinal Tap.” – THE TELEGRAPH

“The film is angular and abrasive, exacting and playful, extremely funny and achingly melancholy.” – THE OBSERVER

9/10 “Revelatory” – UNCUT

“Illuminating. A fascinating look at both a venerable institution, the dynamics of working as a multi-limbed unit that’s ruled by a single iron fist, and what it takes to play this type of music.” – ROLLING STONE

“Doc about a Prog-Rock Perfectionist Is Nearly Perfect Itself. About as good as Rock documentaries get.” VARIETY

“One of the finest rock documentaries I’ve ever seen”  – National Review