Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

In this moving profile, filmmaker Jesse Vile profiles Bay Area musician Jason Becker, whose career would ultimately follow two paths. Becker's mother, Pat, recalls that Jason was born in a rush: eager to walk and talk, and frustrated when he couldn't do what he wanted. From an early age, Becker set his sights on playing guitar. Instead of music school, he studied the records of Eric Clapton and Van Halen (home-movie footage reveals a physical, theatrical player). After Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records heard young Becker's demo, he encouraged the musician to join forces with Marty Friedman, and the pair formed Cacophony. Becker graduated from high school early and hit the road, but wasn't interested in partying—only playing—making such a name for himself that David Lee Roth came calling. After Cacophony broke up at the tail end of the '80s and Steve Vai left Roth's band, Becker stepped in, but then he developed a limp, which led to a diagnosis of ALS, a degenerative nerve disorder; doctors gave him two to five years to live. Becker played on one record before telling Roth, and then quit the business, eventually losing all mobility, but then associates developed programs that would allow Becker to compose again, thus leading to a whole new life. Today, Becker attributes his longevity to his caretakers and his parents, who never gave up on him, although they worry about a future in which they may not be around to help. DVD extras include archival performances by Becker, and extended interviews with Friedman, Vai, and Joe Satriani. A powerful and inspiring portrait of a musical artist, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)