It’s quite a diverse bunch, but they’re all worth a watch. “Jeff Lynne’s ELO: Wembley or Bust,” “Joan Jett: Bad Reputation,” and “Elvis Presley: The Searcher” are three musical documentaries that capture the essence of the artists featured in each of them.
Lynne’s Wembley or Bust, is a tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra, encapsulated in a concert performance by the band. It’s a tribute, because of the exuberant display of fans, reacting to the music. The tribute is also in the film’s title, in that it’s a Must Do approach, to the event. Throughout the film, the viewer gets a behind the scenes look at Lynne’s dedication, to delivering the best ELO show he possibly can. We see him discuss technical aspects of the set, to the importance of, the band bonding before a set. After performing his hit “Xanadu,” from the movie of the same name, he reveals it’s his favorite among all the hits he’s written. Co-written by Olivia Newton-John, she also starred in the film, opposite Michael Beck and Gene Kelly. Some ELO’s hits include: “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Strange Magic,” Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Turn to Stone” and “Livin’ Thing.” WATCH THE MOVIE HERE… https://sm01.app.box.com/s/cpzybsvuf4495lhxd3x61xchs077zxms
The Jett and Presley films, give us all an in depth look at the makings of how these two icons, came to be. The best part about ‘Bad Reputation,’ is that Jett stars in it, and does the majority of the commentary. The film also includes segments from Blondie, Green Day, Miley Cyrus and Iggy Pop. ‘The Searcher’ is chock full of footage, facts and photos, that have never been revealed, through any other medium. Watch the movie here… https://www.badreputationfilm.com
Both ‘Reputation’ and ‘Searcher,’ reveal dynamics of their childhoods, which shaped them. The grinding road that Jett and Presley traveled on then, is one that many artists touring today, could never imagine. A subtitle for both movies could be, ‘The Long and Grinding Road,’ as they talk about the best, worst and most challenging of times.
Elvis’ ‘The Searcher,’ includes commentary from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, David Porter, Cissy Houston, and Emmylou Harris, amidst a wealth of archive footage featuring Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Little Richard, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course “The King.” Executive producers, wife Priscilla Presley and longtime friend Jerry Schilling, also contribute some very personable views throughout the film. Watch ‘The Searcher’ here… https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/elvis-presley-the-searcher
Another good one is “Avicii: True Stories” due later this year. An up-close and very personal look at the life and turbulent times of Tim Bergling, it presents the distinction between the man, and the artist Avicii. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, by the time of his untimely demise his talents and reputation were internationally known, and continues to grow. At 16, Bergling introduced his production skills to electronic music circles, by posting remixes. The recognition he acquired afforded him management representation that led to a recording contract. His first major hit was the single “Levels” in 2011.
Throughout his career he worked with established prominent entertainers. Those outstanding among them included Nile Rodgers (CHIC, David Bowie), Mike Einziger of Incubus fame, Wyclef Jean, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and French DJ David Guetta, who are all featured in the film. ‘True Stories’ was shot by the electronica icon’s close friend, director Levan Tsikurishvili, who faithfully stuck by him from his beginnings. Bergling’s departure was an act of suicide in the Spring of 2018 from self-inflicted wounds. It’s a must see for all music aficionados, and anyone with an insatiable passion, to follow and live out their dreams. Trailer for “Avicii: True Stories” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZFK3VKzQIs.
for the Love of Music & Film
c-dub
