I’m a sucker for a music documentary, any insight into the workings of musicians processes and methods has always fascinated me.
I am a big fan of the Depeche Mode 101 documentary from 1989 which you could say gave me the blueprint for what I want from an ‘insight’ film. Yes, show us the music, give us the fans what we want. But show honesty, humility, fun, success, struggles, defeat and resilience, the human side. But don’t make it feel like reality TV. Not too much to ask is it?
Yungblud, Are You Ready, Boy? Is pretty damn close. As expected the two hour film was all about the latest album, Idols. The premise of the film was taking the finished album to the famous Hansa Studios in Berlin to prove he could actually pull it off, live! A studio as mentioned in the film previously used by Depeche Mode, U2, Iggy Pop, David Bowie and more. At the time of filming, the album had not yet been released.
After a bit of fanboying the building, and rightly so, the filming setup was revealed, the band setup within a circular track for documentary recording. Each track was not broken down in the traditional sense of explaining the thinking behind them, they were broken down from a reactive autobiographical and emotional position, it was self-disarming from Yungblud’s part and welcoming for the viewer. The Director Paul Dugdale did his job very well. This was all interspersed with anecdotes, the occasional car ride, Chinese meal with the band and a drunken night out, it paced along well keeping its vibrant, dynamic feel.
For the music, each track obviously has its own personality and the filming direction compliments this. The first tracks including ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ were filmed focusing more on Yungblud and the band, then ‘Lovesick Lullaby’ threw that rulebook out, handheld cameras and dynamic filming takes over with Yungblud drinking a pint while singing. For ‘Ghosts’ he takes a walk and gets everyone in the building clapping, even taking the sound boom away from the sound guy so he can join in.
The film does spotlight Yungblud (Dom Harrison), his cheeky attitude shines through on every track in a different way along with his wardrobe, but you get a true glimpse of the serious professionalism of his approach, he knows what he wants and shows passion and commitment to his craft. Another takeaway is the lack of ego in the film, taking the time to discuss relationships with certain band members and characters in his life and their part in the journey, giving credit where credit is due.
I am a fan of the album and have done Bludfest and seen Yungblud live so maybe I’m bias, but that’s why I went to see this. I’m am however critical of filmed media and documentary styles. I struggled to find anything I didn’t like about this. it was two great hours of well filmed live music mixed with just the right amount of everything else.
If you like a great music documentary it’s worth watching just for that. It could however easily make you a fan if you’re not already. If you are a fan and were not in the cinema for this, why not it’s a must see.
