First Look At Andre 3000 As Jimi Hendrix In 'All Is By My Side'

Hey ya! The first look at the long-awaited Jimi Hendrix biopic "All Is By My Side" is here and stars Outkast's Andre 3000 as the guitar god.

The story of the rock legend was brought to life by Academy Award-winning screenwriter, John Ridley, who won an Oscar on Sunday for "12 Years a Slave."

But it was no easy feat getting the guitarist’s story to the big screen. Directors Paul Greengrass and the Hughes brothers' attempts failed in recent years, according to Entertainment Weekly.

One barrier came from the Hendrix estate, which didn't want the movie made at all but finally compromised as long it didn't include any of his music.

Still, its initial debut at the 2013 Toronto Film Festival was positively received -- and Andre 3000's portrayal of Hendrix was a big part of that.

The southern rapper, born Andre Lauren Benjamin, acts as Hendrix when he was still known as a back-up guitarist named Jimmy James.

"[I] listened to hours of interviews," he said about preparing for the role, according to Rolling Stone. "I watched films [and] watched his mannerisms."

One clip shows him being wooed by Chas Chandler, played by Andrew Buckley, who wants to manage the musician.
"You're tearing it apart in your hands, man," Chandler boasts about Hendrix's skilled guitar playing. "No one's got you signed."

"I don't want to get caught up in those kind of labels, though," Hendrix said. "It's not about style. I want my music to go inside the soul of a person."

While it's unfortunate Hendrix's magical chords won't be heard in the film, there are tunes from Muddy Waters, the Beatles and the Troggs.

The movie also highlights Hendrix's relationship with Linda Keith, a groupie played by Imogen Poots, who wins over the affection of the guitarist despite the fact that he has a girlfriend.

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