On December 8, 1970, in a dimly lit recording studio, Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer), the charismatic frontman of The Doors, indulges in whiskey while capturing his poetry in a unique spoken-word format. As he records "An American Prayer" to a backdrop of pre-recorded music, the moment doubles as a celebration of his 27th birthday.
The narrative flashes back to the 1950s, depicting his family driving through the stark New Mexico desert, where they encounter a tragic car accident involving two families, including an American Indian family. An old Indian man, played by Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, lies dying and locks eyes with Jim, who feels a lingering connection despite his mother’s attempt to brush it off as a bad dream.
Jumping to 1965, we see a young Jim hitchhiking to California, where he enrolls at UCLA Film School. His avant-garde student film receives harsh criticism, yet a supportive classmate, Ray Manzarek ([Kyle MacLachlan]), reassures him of its merit. When pushed to defend his film by a professor (cameo by Oliver Stone), Jim simply declares, “I quit.”
In Venice Beach, he meets Pamela Courson (Meg Ryan), who becomes his lifelong partner. Their romance blossoms as they share heartfelt discussions about philosophy and poetry, climaxing in a passionate evening under the stars. Shortly after, Jim interrupts Ray’s meditation on the beach, sharing his poetic creations, which sparks the formation of their band. Along with John Densmore and Robby Krieger, they come up with the name The Doors, inspired by Aldous Huxley's work.
With their initial practices held in Ray’s apartment, they fine-tune songs like "Break on Through" and "Light My Fire" as they progressively gain traction on LA's Sunset Strip. Despite having a shy stage presence at first, Jim starts to attract attention, leading an agent to express interest in them.
Fast forward to 1966, the band strengthens its bond in Death Valley while trying peyote. Each member experiences profound visions as the haunting strains of "The End" echo in the background. A gig leads to their chance to record an album in just six days, which they embrace enthusiastically under the guidance of producer Paul Rothschild ([Michael Wincott]).
Their rise takes a turn when the band appears on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing "Light My Fire." However, when asked to alter a lyric perceived as referencing drug use, Jim defiantly sticks to the original. The fallout leads to the show's producers dismissing them, marking a bold stand against censorship.
As they navigate the vibrant but turbulent music scene, Jim’s life spirals deeper into revelry and chaos. A whirlwind of encounters includes Nico, lounging with her and Andy Warhol at The Factory while Pamela battles her demons.
The film vividly captures Jim's reckless lifestyle, his strained relationship with Pamela, and turbulent interactions with the law. A significant moment unfolds during a concert in New Haven, where he provokes the police to arrest him mid-performance, igniting a riotous crowd response.
Following a tumultuous Thanksgiving gathering in 1968, filled with tension over infidelity and substance abuse, Jim and Pamela marry in a hasty ceremony. However, dark clouds loom as Jim’s erratic behavior leads to disastrous consequences, including a car accident after a wild party.
After failing to maintain his musical prowess due to excess, Paul warns Jim what alcohol can cost, referencing the tragic fate of Janis Joplin. Enraged by the commercial use of "Light My Fire," Jim lashes out, showing the deteriorating state of his relationships with the band.
With increasing instability and the weight of criminal charges upon him, Jim and Pamela make a last-minute decision to escape to Paris, seeking peace. There, amidst fleeting moments with bandmembers, Jim pens his final thoughts in "An American Prayer."
In a gripping conclusion, Pamela finds Jim lifeless in their Paris apartment on July 3, 1971. The film ends with poignant scenes of other artists’ graves while Jim's remains a poignant marker of his legacy. Text rolls stating Jim’s death at the age of 27 and Pamela’s tragic following three years later, both reminders of the dark side of fame.
As the credits play, the band is seen recording "L.A. Woman," encapsulating the bittersweet echoes of their journey.
