Note: I Am Thor is available on Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 19th, 2016
It’s really, really difficult to get ahead in show business. For every big name star, there are thousands who struggle for their place in the entertainment world. One such performer is Jon Mikl Thor, a man who stood at the cusp of big fame in the late 70s, but couldn’t quite translate it into mainstream success. The new amusing and earnest documentary I Am Thor chronicles his continuing struggle to be recognized.
Vancouver-born Thor’s career trajectory is fascinating in and of itself. His jobs have included bodybuilder, nude waiter, Vegas performer (his big act involved blowing air into hot water bottles until they exploded), B-movie actor and heavy metal band Thor front-man. Bizarre doesn’t begin to describe it. After starting the aforementioned theatrical music group, it all finally appeared to be coming together. In fact, the Norse-themed project gained the attention of major producers and record labels, promising success on a level surpassing contemporaries like KISS and Alice Cooper.
But whether through a poor business decision, clashing personalities or simply bad luck, it just never happened. In his 50s, suffering from health issues as well as a limited fan base (after all, the band never had a hit single), Thor suits up once again to try and recapture the fame that slipped through his fingers.
It’s literally painful to watch at times. Especially when the self-represented artist struggles to put on his elaborate costumes and perform physical stunts at sparsely populated venues, with revolving band members who quickly tire of their working conditions. The fictional group Spinal Tap have nothing on this.
Truthfully it would all be a tough slog, but what keeps the documentary afloat is Thor’s unending optimism, frankness and simple desire to entertain. He’s got such a sweet demeanor that even under the worst of circumstances, it’s difficult not to root for him (when we aren’t concerned for his health and safety). And as he reunites several ex-band members for a festival tour through Norway and Finland, most viewers will feel genuine concern as to whether or not anyone will show up.
Much of the humor is derived from oddness as the heavy-metal performer acts in great contrast to his onstage persona. In particular, his various interactions with metal-head concertgoers. Some of them appear confused at Thor’s now middle-aged physique, but it’s all handled very lightly and with affection.
Perhaps the funniest exchange involves one Thor band member’s concern for a young, newly recruited bassist. Like a father, he discourages the kid from drinking, warning about psoriasis and making special, healthier beverages for him. And it’s also fun to see that a few Scandinavians are still obsessed with big-haired, heavy metal acts from long ago.
The pacing is quick and there aren’t many lulls over the 84 minute running time. In fact, viewers may be left wanting a few more details about the back story of Thor’s early rise and how it all fell apart. But it’s a minor qualm. In all, I Am Thor is a surprising, enjoyable and enlightening documentary about a likable and eccentric personality that effortlessly captures just how tough it is to succeed in the entertainment industry.