A common refrain you’ll hear when discussing documentaries, especially celebrity documentaries, is when people say that a particular film is “for the fans” and doesn’t appeal to a wider audience beyond that. While it can be useful to keep in mind to recognize when something is rather incomplete or superficial in your research, when simply addressing a specific subset of viewers already familiar with the story being told, there is also the possibility for depth when no time is spent on attempts to forcibly create said broader attraction. bam!, Chris Smithdocumentary about the energetic English pop duo, consisting of the late George Michael And Andrew Ridgeley, this is a film from the latter category. While there are some moments where it can feel like a reprise of the greatest hits of a band that dances on the surface of history, the more complex reflections it offers about their lives and the music gets a little deeper when that counts.
Spanning decades of their rise to musical stardom, with the attendant pressures and subsequent evolution of them both as individuals and artists, there is something refreshingly candid about the experience. Instead of constantly switching back and forth between talking heads, whether or not they have something to add to the experience, we hear almost exclusively from Michael and Ridgely themselves, who essentially narrate archival footage from their careers. Instead of feeling limited, there is authenticity to it as both musicians speak candidly and openly about their life trajectory. We see it in music videos and TV appearances, yes, although it also uses some home movies and photos. The two intertwine, gently revealing the personal struggles that played out off-screen. The documentary’s visuals ultimately feel like fragments of memories given a new context. While fans probably know a lot of the details, hearing it discussed in the duo’s own words as he walks us through pretty much everything that’s happened step by step is pretty fascinating. This then becomes a more formally focused portrait, making it easy to dive into the band’s saga and era as they become the center of attention.
“Bam!” More poignant than your typical celebrity documentary
There’s a thoroughness to Smith’s approach that never ends up feeling baggy, as the documentary is also pretty funny. It leaves room for darker reflections, especially when we hear about Michael’s failure to openly live as a gay and also show the soul of the two young people they have expressed through their work. There are extended segments about how they are trying to find the right sound for their music and going beyond the formula they were supposed to create. This is something that will likely be consumed by fans, but will also resonate with anyone interested in this creative process.
Triumphs follow, such as when they release “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, which is also reminiscent of Trainspotting featuring the “Choose Life” T-shirts for which they were derided, although their success seems increasingly bittersweet. As the duo drift apart, heading in different directions in their careers, they are happy for each other, even though they are sad that there will be no other in their musical future. This still opens the door for more complex research, both for Michael and for the documentary itself, which is where he starts to dig a little deeper. Though it’s not as overt as Smith’s previous documentary. Jim and Andy: The Great Beyondthere is still a general commitment to drawing more intricate detail.
It also turns out to be quite funny in a no-nonsense way, as the duo’s interjections cut through archival footage of them doing everything from dancing to a lengthy program. Pinnacle of popularity skateboarding and swimming. They make fun of themselves that when they were basically kids who made it to fame, they were just trying to figure out how to keep the passion that got them into music in the first place and their identity as artists. Obviously, this is not an easy task, since any industry, especially music, is a place where individuality can be erased in favor of commercial success. When it comes to them turning their attention to America, we see subsequent tabloid coverage that has become obsessed with their image rather than the art itself. That they were bigger than ever makes the group’s impending breakup rather sad. Not because anyone ever wanted them to stay together forever if they didn’t want to, or because we as viewers don’t know what’s coming. Instead, while it’s fun to watch them fade into flashbacks, it’s the bond between the two friends that really is at the heart of the experience. Beyond their success and fame, Smith will deftly step back to focus on the strong bond they had with each other that led them to pursue music in the first place.
“Bam!” This is a tribute to George Michael
It reaches an emotional climax in the final section, which begins with a standout clip where Elton John enthusiastically praises their music and rebuffs some doubters. This is the beginning of a conclusion that sounds like a final cheer as they make their final tours and final performances together. Michael wanted to start his solo career, and we hear him openly talk about how he’s “frustrated” by fame, while his ego is still pushing him to take on the next chapter of his life. As he is on the cusp of doing just that, Smith once again moves away from success to the personal. In any case, this final part could take a whole hour on its own, though it’s understandable why it doesn’t linger. The story he wanted to tell was coming to an end, and he doesn’t shy away from it. Seeing Michael own the stage one last time with his longtime friend seems like it couldn’t have been a better final tribute to the musician and, more importantly, the man himself.
Rating: B+
bam! currently streaming on Netflix.
Source: Collider
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