Director: Kevin Macdonald
Starring: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff
Synopsis: A documentary about the life, death, and legacy of
Rastafarian, reggae-legend, Bob Marley.
Going through a string of
directors, the ultimate Bob Marley documentary would have got postponed
indefinitely were it not for Kevin Macdonald. The Scottish-born director might
not have been the most sought after person for the project (Hollywood heavy-weights
such as Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme being signed up for some time) but
his enthralling filmography that included the documentary Touching the Void and Oscar-winning, The Last King of Scotland clearly took gave the studios confidence
in him.
Macdonald’s knack for
story-telling is perfect for recounting the uplifting and poignant story of the
iconic Marley. Plus, unlike past films trying to do the same, the director
brings forth an assortment of friends of family that give stories and opinions
not documented until now. We get a sense of this extensive account right from
the opening where the camera swoops over the remote Nine Mile village in
Jamaica. Bringing his crew and his audience to the very heartland of Bob’s life
to begin the documentary, Macdonald illustrates his aim to leave no stone
unturned.
From the rustic homeland to the
pulsating city of Trenchtown, Kingston, the director follows the ascent of
Marley’s stardom with precision. Having a fusion of music, news and old
television footage, and photos all relating to the Rasta king, there is never a
dull moment. For those who know very little about the man, Marley offers you an easy, entertaining and emotional education.
Running through the life of the reggae-sensation, up to his untimely death is a
rags-to-riches story full of vibrancy and grace. The story is fascinating and
almost plays out like a formulaic Hollywood piece: Bob was bullied at an early
age due to his mixed race origins; he goes on to become a massive star; his
wisdom and passion for peace helps his country out enormously; he struggles
with a deadly illness; he dies and leaves behind an astonishing legacy,
eternally iconic for being who he wanted to be. An uplifting story if you ever
heard one - treated with incredible prowess from the director.
Those interviewed to speak of Bob,
adding even more depth to the piece, include his family (son Ziggy, daughter
Cedella and wife Rita), his friends, and some of his old band-members (such as
Jimmy Cliff). Switching between footage of the man himself and then the
interviewees builds up a grand and detailed assessment of Bob. As well showing
formality in the recollection of Marley’s life, Macdonald also mixes in a
wealth of comedy and vivacity - from the interviews with the characters Bob met
along his way to the rhythms of Bob’s discography.
The film has a life of its own
despite it recollecting a past one, with music punctuating each step of
Marley’s life. News of Andre 3000’s Jimi Hendrix biopic being devoid of
Hendrix’s music makes you wonder how it could have such an impact when with
something like Marley works so well due to the music
correlating with dialogue and cinematography in order to celebrate the figure
as dynamically as possible. As any music fan understands, certain tracks appeal
to certain situations and feelings; Marley’s repertoire is quite extensive yet
Macdonald’s acute ear shuffles that backlog perfectly throughout the film.
As the film finishes, the credits
roll accompanied by a montage of fans all over the world singing “Three Little
Birds”. You are left in awe of the man (more so if you were a fan already, won
over if you weren’t) and his music. It’s a staple of a great biopic or
documentary on an artist that when it’s over you are inspired to seek their
work out – Marley unquestionably achieves that. Were it not for the 15
certificate (given understandably for the language and tales of drugs and
violence), the film would be enjoyed by everyone, and rightly so.
****
By Piers McCarthy. Also posted on Flickering Myth
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