Depeche Mode: 101

Depeche Mode: 101 is a riveting rockumentary released in 1989 that chronicles the British synthpop band's 1988 tour across America, particularly focusing on their 101st gig performed at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. Directed by the demigod of documentary filmmaking, D.A. Pennebaker, popular for his significant contributions to the development of direct cinema, this film is a must-watch, not just for fans, but for any music lover who appreciates insightful glimpses into the behind-the-scenes operations of a rock band on tour.

Pennebaker serves up a fresh look into Depeche Mode through this documentary, focusing on their tumultuous, thrilling, and grueling 1988 concert tour. This music documentary co-stars key members of the world-renowned band Depeche Mode including Andrew Fletcher, Dave Gahan, and Martin Gore. Their powerful musicianship and dynamic stage presence are on full display all throughout this film.

The structure of the movie is unusual, providing a two-pronged approach where half the runtime is dedicated to the band members' experiences and the other half focuses on a selection of their significantly diverse followers on a bus trip to Depeche Mode's final gig of the tour. This approach results in not just another indulgent self-portrait of rock stardom, but an evocative exploration of the cult-like followings and fandoms that often sprout from such stardom.

In the first half, the documentary reveals the inner workings of the band's tour, capturing their performances in their raw emotion yet balanced with the band’s characteristic synthetic sound, the complexities of the technical wizardry behind their sharp performances, and also the interactions between band members off-stage. Viewers are privy to candid moments of camaraderie, forms of creative tension, and the pressures of maintaining the high energy and production values expected of their shows. The humanity and normalcy of these ordinarily larger-than-life celebrities are captured beautifully in this documentary – they're shown not just as the rock stars they are on stage, but as real human beings, with real emotions and real struggles.

The second half of the film tracks a group of young, diverse Depeche Mode's fans who, selected through a radio contest, start their journey in a Brit decorated bus to make it to the 101st concert. Capturing their musings, discussions, rants, and experiences while showing the varying levels of devotion on display, Pennebaker underscores the band's far-reaching and eclectic appeal. The cultural phenomenon of Depeche Mode is displayed so intimately through these fans, from their passionate discussions about the band to their spine-tingling anticipation for the concert.

This mesh of narrative arcs isn’t only about celebrating the synth-gods; it’s an insightful journey that shows the contrasting extremes of life on both sides of the stage. On one end are the struggling stars battling the relentless pressures of touring; on the other, enthusiastic fans who view them as quasi-messianic figures of music.

Pennebaker's camera captures a unique moment in music history, not just in terms of the band's career but in the broader context of the global music scene. Music videos had become mainstream, having a huge influence on pop culture. This heightens the documentary's significance as it powerfully portrays the changing dynamics of how music was showcased and consumed.

Here, Pennebaker perfectly encapsulates the essence of electricity and excitement found in Depeche Mode’s music, carefully nurturing the film's rhythm and pacing to match that of the band's performances and the emotional journey of their fans.

Depeche Mode: 101 is a mesmerizing blend of concert film interspersed with the raw and uncensored day-to-day realities of a touring band and its vast fandom. This prolific film is a must-see for all music enthusiasts, documentary buffs, and beyond. Its voyeuristic view into Depeche Mode's touring life coupled with the compelling journey of their fans culminates in a grand climax with the electrifying concert at the Rose Bowl, creating an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.