Phil Spector, the record producer and hit –maker is a genius. He has an obnoxious ego bigger than Donald Trump, bares life-long grudges for anyone who got more glory than him, is more than a few cards short of a full deck. Oh yes, he’s also a convicted murderer.
Directed by Vikram Jayanti for the BBC TV’s Arena Programme, (THE gold standard in cultural documentaries), and now enjoying a limited theatrical release in the US. Mr. Jayanti’s inspired take on telling Spector’s story was based on a lengthy interview with the man in his L.A. mansion between his first and second trials for the murder of Lana Clarkson. And then he cleverly interspersed this with very revealing footage of the first trial, and flashbacks of singers performing a myriad of Spector’s hot songs. A tad too long, and sometimes too much going on, but nevertheless a compelling piece.
In the interview a very bitter and resentful Spector considers his work an art form comparable to that of Michelangleo, Bach & Leonardo da Vinci to name but a few, and dishes Scorsese’s breakthrough classic movie ‘Mean Streets’ as mere nothing without his music. He is arrogant, paranoid, totally unlikable, and with a Napoleonic like complex, and has a history of violence to women. Yet, what is undeniable is his amazing contribution to pop music/culture, which is given more gravitas with the dissection of most of the lyrics by renowned music critic Mick Brown.
Hated the man. Loved the film.
★★★★★★★
Click for Trailer
Click for Trailer
Labels:
