Bachman

Bachman is a compelling, and deeply personal 2018 documentary that revolves around the life and career of Canadian musician Randy Bachman, a truly emblematic figure in the world of rock and roll who has been ruling the music scene since the 1960s. Directed by John Barnard, the 2018 movie Bachman expertly threads through the life, fame, and fortune of a man known for his iconic contributions to the music industry, featuring notable personalities like Neil Young, Paul Shaffer, and Chris Jericho.

The narrative takes a visceral uncommon route to piety, illustrating elaborately the saga of the man originally hailed from Winnipeg, who carved out an impressive music career on a global scale. Bachman is renowned as a founding member of two tremendously successful bands, The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, for sculpting soundscapes that defined a generation and beyond. The trajectory of the movie, which focuses on Bachman's career, transgresses through his early influences and the insatiable drive for music that led him to create chart-topping hits like "American Woman," "Taking Care of Business," and "These Eyes."

The film opens with an in-depth look at Bachman's early life, his family, and the beginnings of his passion for music. It then seamlessly transitions into his early successes and struggles with 'The Guess Who' during the changing social and cultural dynamics of the 1960s and 70s. The movie also doesn’t shy away from exploring Bachman’s personal challenges, painting a compelling picture of his life beyond the stage, juxtaposed against the backdrop of his high-flying music career.

The role and influence of renowned musician Neil Young in the film is worth mentioning. Young, a fellow Canadian and a long-time friend of Bachman, offers an emotional and personal character study of the musician in between playing his signature harmonica. He shares intimate anecdotes, revealing a layer of Bachman that has remained unseen by the public eye until now. His commentaries give valuable insights into the working of Bachman’s genius mind and the spark behind his music.

Late Show band leader Paul Shaffer, brings in a notable voguish touch. He infuses a whole lot of jazziness revolving around Bachman and his music, his contributions to the Canadian music industry, and his impact on emerging musicians. Shaffer’s lively narrative style coupled with his personal experiences with Bachman adds an extra layer of depth to the movie.

The appearance of the wrestling superstar Chris Jericho is an interesting twist, offering a fresh perspective on Bachman's influence extending beyond the music world. Jericho, known as the iconoclastic ‘rock n roll wrestler,’ is a hardcore fan of Bachman's music and provides an outsider's exploration of the man behind the music.

The magnificence of the documentary lies in the storytelling that lets us understand Bachman's genius, his musical vision, and his intrinsic talent for songwriting. Concrete biographical information fuels the narrative’s factual context, though the interviews and insights from his peers and fans make Bachman an engaging emotional journey, presenting compelling glimpses of his private life and musical process.

A rare treat for music lovers, Bachman presents an admirable testament to the enduring spirit and undying love for music of this iconic musician. A journey through success, failure, reunion, and rediscovering one's self, this movie promises a remarkable walk down memory lane and provides an opportunity to delve more profound into the music landscape of the yesteryears. From script to screen, Bachman is a masterclass in embracing passion, confronting obstacles, and ultimately re-inventing oneself in the ever-changing world of music.

This must-watch biopic offering speaks volumes about the life and legacy of Randy Bachman, the man whose rich catalogue of songs continues to be a significant part of the soundtrack to our lives.