Artifact

Artifact is an engaging and thought-provoking 2012 documentary film, directed by frontman and actor Jared Leto, who performs under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, a character from Dr. Seuss. The movie features Leto's band Thirty Seconds to Mars, composed of members including Shannon Leto and Tomo Milicevic. In this riveting documentary, which contrasts significantly from a conventional rock documentary, Leto and the band speak up much more than just music and rock stardom; they expose the music industry's dark underbelly.

Following more of a biographical style, Artifact is a film that tells an untold story in the music business. It exposes the critical realities of music industry’s complex dynamics and articulates the struggle of Thirty Seconds to Mars with their record label, EMI. It offers a fascinating insight into the less glamorous side of the music industry, exemplifying the conflict between artistic integrity and corporate profitability.

Artifact paints a bleak picture of mismanagement, label greed, and the draconian nature of recording contract law in the United States. The documentary follows the band's conflict with EMI that erupted when the music label sued them for $30 million in 2008, citing contract violations. Thirty Seconds to Mars was in the midst of making their follow-up album 'This Is War' at that time.

The band, stating an outdated contractual obligation, went to a legal fight against the behemoth label. They shared their experiences on the grueling process of creating an album while waging a frustrating legal war against corporate mammoths who seemed to have little respect for the artists on their roster. The film openly documents the tumultuous journey that included resilience, union, and discovery of the broader operational systems within the music industry.

Artifact is a David and Goliath storyline, with Thirty Seconds to Mars positioned as underdogs battling an unjust and oppressive system to regain control over their creativity and future. Their commitment to their art, their fans, and their belief in the righteousness of their cause is invigorating to watch, especially in the face of the numerous obstacles they face along the way. Throughout the film, the interviews with music industry experts, legal professionals, and fellow musicians add context to the band’s legal struggle, further engaging the audience in the narrative.

Moreover, Leto's film highlights the reality of many other musicians who face similar strifes but do not have the platform or the means to voice their hardships. The documentary also explores the changing landscape of the music industry in the digital age and the impact it has on artists and their livelihood.

Leto also takes advantage of his film-making skills to inject the film with a cinematic and engaging quality. His unique storytelling, coupled with the intimacy portrayed between the brothers and the band, stirs emotion and creates a bond between the viewer, the band members, and their story. The film is as much about a familial relationship as it is about music and contractual battles, which ultimately creates a genuine and compelling experience for the audience. Throughout the documentary, the visuals include a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, and music industry insider commentary.

Artifact shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of a band and serves as a potent critique of the bigger issues looming within the music industry. It tackles the seemingly impossible fight against corporate greed that goes beyond the realm of music into a larger message about human rights, inspiring and appealing to both fans of the band and people interested in the music industry's often unfortunate realities.

Lastly, although Artifact follows a daunting journey of an underdog, it manifests a hopeful ending. Thirty Seconds to Mars navigated through the storm, and despite all odds, they managed to produce an album that notably resonated with their audience, demonstrating a victorious end to a fight for creativity and authenticity. The film is an inspiring testament to the power of unity and resilience and a provocative invocation for the reform of the music industry. Artifact is not just a film about a band, but it is a human story drenched in determination, passion, and triumph.