A Dog Called Money

A Dog Called Money is an audacious, visually compelling documentary from the 2019 directed by the renowned English filmmaker and photojournalist Seamus Murphy. This film examines the creative processes of the Grammy Award-winning English musician Polly Jean "PJ" Harvey. Known for her unique ability to straddle different music genres since her debut in the early '90s, Harvey has continually captivated audiences with her thought-provoking narrative and indomitable voice.

Chronicling the creation of Harvey's 2016 album 'The Hope Six Demolition Project,' the film is an exploration into the life, influences, and the unfettered methods of Harvey's songwriting. At the heart of the narrative, it becomes an intriguing fusion of travelogue, studio session recordings, and revealing behind-the-scenes footages.

The film begins its journey with PJ Harvey and Seamus Murphy, venturing into destinations like Afghanistan, Kosovo, and deprived neighborhoods in Washington D.C. These are places far removed from the traditional realms of Western pop culture. Showcasing Murphy's skills as a photojournalist, the film immerses viewers into these landscapes of human resilience, providing a raw and honest look at their societal and cultural realities. It confronts viewers with the grim realities: war-torn homes, dilapidated structures, the struggle for survival, and the glaring gap between the privileged and the poor.

Through her encounters and observations in these territories, Harvey takes inspiration from the people she meets, the stories she hears, and the sceneries she witnesses. They become the backbone of her lyrics, cementing her reputation as a songwriter who isn’t afraid to dive into contentious political and social issues.

On the other side of the journey, the film transcends into a recording studio set within a hollowed-out section of Somerset House in London. Here, Harvey, alongside her long-time collaborators John Parish and Terry Edwards, pieced together her observations and experiences into her album. As a major portion of the film, this studio experience has been depicted as an artistic exhibition where visitors could watch Harvey and her band create music through one-way mirrored glass. This unique recording experience embodies the distinct blend of privacy and vulnerability of an artist at work.

A Dog Called Money portrays the amalgamation of art, music, politics, and truth. With a constantly shifting artistic approach, the film beautifully captures the creative process in real-time. It's a testament to the power of observation, immersion, and experiential learning in artistic creation. PJ Harvey has been unwavering in her ability to draw beauty from challenging scenarios, and this film is a tribute to her integrity as a gifted songwriter and performer.

However, the film doesn't only limit itself to being a tool for exploring Harvey's creative processes. By delving into the lives of its subjects, the video mimics the universality of the emotions presented in her album. By divulging the reality behind the locations and inspirations for the album, the film elegantly draws attention to the socio-political context that shapes PJ Harvey's poignant lyrics. The empathic lens of PJ Harvey, coupled with the visual delivery of Seamus Murphy, gives a fresh perspective to the lives of people living in these regions.

In a world where music is often consumed and forgotten swiftly, a film like A Dog Called Money prompts viewers to delve deeper into the roots of a song. It invites you to witness the rigorous creative journey an artist undergoes to present a studio album. Additionally, it's a sobering reminder of the power music holds as a form of political and social commentary.

A Dog Called Money is a captivating watch not only for fans of PJ Harvey but also for anyone interested in the intricate journey of art creation and music production. It's a passionate tribute to creativity, an exploration of humanity in its rawest form, and a masterful combination of the worlds of music and cinema.