Blur to the End – REVIEW

As a film enthusiast and long-time fan of Blur, I was both excited and intrigued by the release of their new documentary, “Blur to the End.” Having grown up in the ’90s and being a huge Britpop fan, I have followed Blur’s career since their early days. I remember the in-house squabbles with Oasis and the media attention surrounding their break-up. But what struck me most about this film is how much the band has moved beyond their fame and outlived the drama that often accompanies such success.

Blur has surpassed their Britpop notoriety and weathered internal conflicts that dismantled bands such as Oasis. The dissolution of Blur, however, hasn’t been definitive; they have reunited since. Damon Albarn now refers to the band as “four sweaty guys.” This is a more courteous assessment than Frankie Boyle’s biting commentary, which labelled them as “a guitar-playing idiot, a New Labour idiot, a cheese-making idiot… and an idiot.” Nonetheless, Damon bears the phrase “I’m a idiot” written on the back of his right hand for much of the film. Their documentary, “Blur to the End,” presents them in a more favorable light.

In the limelight of being part of one of the most famous bands during that time period, the strain is evident. Graham Coxon, the guitarist, acknowledges this reality even while leading his own separate band, confessing to having only a few companions. Dave Roundtree, our drummer, can be described as a free-spirited individual with diverse interests, having studied law beforehand. Damon, an endless well of creativity, is constantly writing songs and unable to find rest; a testament to his unyielding artistic drive. Alex James, the bassist who relocated to a dairy farm in the West country, admits that there’s always a compelling reason for him to postpone going to bed.

Damon’s return home in Devon nearly ends tragically as he narrowly avoids a head-on collision while driving on a secluded country road. Tension builds among the arriving guests, each expressing initial apprehension. However, once they reunite, their anxiety fades away as if no time had passed between them during the past eight years.

The writing and recording process for “The Ballad of Darren” album commences prior to their four-stop tour of unconventional venues. One of these stops is Eastbourne, where Damon might greet the crowd with an exuberant “Hello Eastbourne!” However, all shows are sold out and bustling with energy as they perform lively renditions of “Popscene.” Flashbacks emerge of Albarn and Coxon revisiting their past at their old school. The headmaster warmly guides them around, ultimately renaming the music room in their honor. Damon proposes enhancing it further with a bowl of cannabis. Subsequently, they promptly depart for their tour that includes Wembley Stadium, a new experience for them, but its realization is now uncertain due to Rowntree’s injury obtained from an unexpected source – a tennis ball.

An earlier documentary about the band exists, such as “New World Towers” from 2015 and “No Distance Left to Run” from 2010. However, in “Blur To the End,” the band members appear older and seemingly wiser, no longer driven by the constant urge to record, tour, and promote. Instead, they prefer to work on their own projects and reunite only when they choose to, rather than being obligated to. After their reunion, Coxon emerges feeling renewed and validated, but it is Albarn who eloquently expresses their sentiments, stating, “There’s something healing about creating a beautiful noise.”

Toby L, the documentary director, shares insights with us on collaborating with Damon Albarn and Liam Gallagher.

Here’s the Blur to the End trailer….

2024-07-19 02:23

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