Directed by:
Morgan NevilleScreenplay:
Morgan NevilleCinematography:
Nicola MarshCast:
Lou Adler, Sheryl Crow, Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Darlene Love, George Wallace (a.f.), Billy Preston (a.f.) (more)VOD (1)
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Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film Twenty Feet From Stardom, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonising with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, Twenty Feet From Stardom boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take centre stage in the film. (Transmission Films)
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You can tell a good documentary by the fact that it manages to absorb you despite subject matter that you don’t give a damn about. And in my opinion, nothing can be less interesting on paper than a documentary about the importance and history of the America’s backup singers. The strange thing is, that even though I was blissfully unaware about this field, I know nothing more about it now (apart from the discovery of Lisa Fischer). I think everyone is well aware that black girls didn’t have an easy life back then, and it might also occur to you that being a good backup singer is difficult enough in itself and hard work full of self-denial. And there’s nothing more to it. Or, rather, there is. Lots of talking heads, slapping each other on the back, here and there telling a compelling story. And then there’s great work on the music side, but that is somehow what you’d expect from a music documentary.
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