Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police

Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police is a documentary film directed by Andy Grieve from 2012. It offers an in-depth portfolio of the iconic and legendary rock and roll band "The Police," comprising three paramount members: Gordon Sumner (Sting), Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers. This finely crafted autobiographical journey centering around the band's lead guitarist, Andy Summers, provides an intimate, profound, and enthralling insight into the inception, rise, and eventual disbandment of the supergroup.

The film is largely inspired by Summers' memoir, "One Train Later," and is narrated primarily by the guitarist himself. The title, Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police, mirrors the fluctuating dynamics, ephemeral ecstasy of success, internal conflicts, and emotional turmoil that the band underwent during their journey, having metaphorical implications of surviving the highs and lows of their musical careers.

Enveloped in an aura of nostalgia, the movie takes the audience on a trip down memory lane. Summers reminisce about The Police's initial days, their struggles to charter a respectable place in the music industry, their meteoric rise to global stardom, and the trials and tribulations that led to their eventual dissolution. Set against a backdrop of their final global reunion tour in 2007/2008, the film brings unseen behind-the-scenes footage and rare archival material, offering the viewer a front-row seat to some of the greatest moments in the band's career.

The narrative stands out for its raw emotion and authenticity, as Summers candidly shares anecdotes and reflections about the band and the music circuit. Sting, Copeland, and Summers all contribute to the narration, adding multi-dimensional perspectives to the storyline. The film also deals with Summers' early life and his journey through an array of bands before settling with the members of Police. The intimate storytelling method adopted by the director makes this film more than just a documentary; it's a comprehensive archive of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

The film does an extraordinary job of balancing inputs from the band members while embedding them into a linear yet captivating narrative. The unseen photographs from Summers' personal collection, combined with backstage footage and compelling narratives, create a surreal environment, which, combined with their pulsating music, makes the film especially engrossing for the band's fans and for all who appreciate music.

Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police seamlessly intertwines live performances, nostalgic retrospections, intimate portraitures, and private moments, greeting the viewers with joy, awe, and heartache in equal measures. The film showcases a personal and insightful view of the dynamics within the band, the differences that lead to their disbandment, and their ultimate reunion. It does not sugar-coat the challenges faced by them, but presents it in an earnest and raw way, which adds more gravity to their narrative.

Punctuated with iconic music tracks, the film is imbued with a rhythmic narrative that ingeniously uses the band's famous songs to drive the plot forward. Songs such as Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Can't Stand Losing You, and Every Breath You Take are cleverly woven into the narrative, enriching the storyline and the viewing experience.

In essence, Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police is more than just a documentary. It's a profound exploration of fame, friendship, and music, seen through the eyes of an individual amidst it all. From trudging across barren landscapes to the dizzying heights of stardom, the film beautifully captures a band's journey instilled with passion, hard work, conflicts, understandings, misunderstandings, and unwavering love for music. It's a captivating glimpse into the band's history that any music lover would appreciate, especially those who have followed 'The Police' over the years.

This film ultimately serves as a robust, visually moving tribute to one of the world's most influential and beloved rock bands, 'The Police.' Its authentic narration and concurrent storytelling, combined with the band's musical prowess, make it a must-watch for anyone interested in music, nostalgia, and the intricate dynamics of being part of a world-renowned rock band.