Gorillaz - Bananaz

Gorillaz - Bananaz is a 2008 British documentary film directed by Ceri Levy. It revolves around the global phenomenon that is the Gorillaz, a virtual band taking the music industry by storm. The band consists of four animated members - 2-D (lead vocals, keyboards), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar, keyboards) and Russel Hobbs (drums, percussion) - It is the brainchild of famed British musician Damon Albarn and acclaimed comic book artist Jamie Hewlett.

Bananaz offers viewers an unprecedented peek behind the scenes into the inside workings of this unique musical project. Captured over the course of several years, the film provides an intimate portrayal of creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett as they pioneer a groundbreaking and unorthodox approach to the process of music creation, marketing and performance.

The film opens with an introduction to the Gorillaz virtual world, one that's inhabited by the animated band members. The virtual universe and its inhabitants are Hewlett's creations, brought to life with startlingly well-executed animation. Albarn, frontman for the famous band Blur, is the composer and producer of the music, creating the uniquely diverse soundtrack that ranges from hip hop and electronic to pop and dub.

As the narrative progresses, we witness the inception of the Gorillaz, from the initial brainstorming sessions to the process of creation of both music and animation, and culminating in the preparations for an ambitious live performance. The film features interviews with Albarn, Hewlett, and other key actors in the Gorillaz project like actor Phil Cornwell, who provides the voice for band member Murdoc Niccals.

Gorillaz - Bananaz isn't just a unique, bird's eye view into the mechanics of the music industry. It's also a demonstration of the intense collaborative process that drives this renegade art project. Albarn and Hewlett, each successful in their respective fields, work seamlessly together to break the conventions of traditional band conception and content creation. Albarn’s diverse musical talents meld effortlessly with Hewlett’s edgy, vibrant artwork, the two forming the backbone of this revolutionary concept.

Throughout the movie, the duality of the Gorillaz, existing simultaneously as fictional characters and a genuine globally acclaimed band, is explored in fascinating detail. The interviews reveal the creators' commitment to maintaining this duality, navigating the line between reality and imagination. The audiences get to see how Albarn and Hewlett transform the Gorillaz from their imagined virtual personas to tangible entities performing live, a feat that involves the delicate choreography of musicians, animators, and technology.

From a technical perspective, the film is presented in a mix of formats, combining footage of video conferences, studio recordings, drawing sessions, and backstage snippets. This documentary is also interspersed with Gorillaz's music videos and animation which provide a visually thrilling experience. in addition to letting fans see the creative process behind these iconic clips.

Bananaz also delves into the challenges the creators faced, the highs and the lows, shedding light on their relentless push for innovation. Viewers are shown how Albarn and Hewlett dare to push the boundaries, not just in terms of their art, but also in confronting the rigid structures of the music industry.

For ardent Gorillaz fans, this film is a treasure trove, loaded with revealing scenes, snippets of unreleased music, and commentaries that unveil the essence of the band's audacious spirit. Yet, even for those unfamiliar with the band, Bananaz paints a fascinating picture of what it takes to give birth to and nurture a pop culture phenomenon.

Gorillaz - Bananaz is not a traditional rockumentary. It is a compelling study of a musical rebel, an exploration of artistic passion and integrity, and a testament to pushing boundaries. It reverberates with the distinct, eclectic rhythms of its subjects, capturing the peculiar allure that has made the Gorillaz such a global sensation. It is an enthralling journey into the heart of the unparalleled revolutionary experiment that is the Gorillaz, through the eyes of its creators. It's raw, it's real and above all, it's honest.