Jobriath A.D.

Jobriath A.D. is an intensely compelling and astutely directed documentary from 2012, focusing on the complex life and career of Bruce Wayne Campbell, better known in the music industry as Jobriath. Driven by insights from Jerry Brandt, Jayne County, and Dennis Christopher, this film uncovers the reality of the first openly gay rock musician and his journey in the ambitious and unforgiving world of glam rock and pop music during the 70s.

Jobriath A.D. aims to pull back the layers of Jobriath's enigmatic persona while offering a detailed chronicle packed with archival footage, captivating interviews, and Jobriath's fetching music. Adding another layer of intensity is the fact that Jobriath's story is told amidst the sexual revolution and the enduring stigma faced by queer artists in the music industry during this period. The film subtly highlights how Jobriath's open sexuality, a pioneering and unique characteristic in his music artistry, became both his ticket to fame and his downfall in a society stuck in traditional views and stereotypes.

The film starts with the ambitious beginnings of Jobriath's career, from his sheltered upbringing to his ambitious move to Los Angeles to pursue his musical dreams. Jerry Brandt, a well-known music entrepreneur, played a pivotal role in Jobriath's career. Brandt discovered Jobriath in the initial phase of his career and becomes a central figure in the documentary, providing first-hand insights into Jobriath's talents, hopes, and the struggles he faced with his unique identity.

A key aspect of Jobriath A.D. is the exploration of the blend of talent, identity, and marketing that captured public attention. Jobriath's debut album received massive promotion but failed to achieve commercial success. The film beautifully captures the whirlwind of shock, disappointment, and resilience that accompanied this period of Jobriath's life. The involvement of influential personalities like Jayne County, a transgender singer and actress, and Dennis Christopher, an acclaimed actor, offer valuable perspectives on the impact of Jobriath's flamboyant music style and personal identity on his audience and the music industry.

The film uses rare firsthand sources, including recordings, interviews, and archival footage to guide the audience through Jobriath's journey. Animations artistically woven into the narrative drive the storyline forward while adding an enthralling intermingling of past and present. The tone and pacing of the film effectively capture the intensity, despair, and determination of Jobriath's life.

Jobriath A.D. delves deeper than the surface facts about Jobriath's career. It explores Jobriath's struggle with identity, his daring exploits in a time of intense social change, and the bitter irony of his unfulfilled ambition. His legacy may have been forgotten by mainstream pop culture, but his impact on the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community certainly hasn't, and it is this narrative that Jobriath A.D. diligently brings to the forefront.

Director Kieran Turner does an exceptional job of chronicling Jobriath's metamorphosis from a hopeful, ambitious musician into a glam rock sensation. Furthermore, the film highlights his transition into a cabaret singer under the pseudonym Cole Berlin, representing his inability to escape his past and his persistent pursuit of a successful music career. The profound retrospective insights the film provides into the life and career of Jobriath provide a powerful viewing experience for audiences.

Without moralizing or overdramatizing, Jobriath A.D. presents an empathetic and thought-provoking portrait of an artist unapologetically true to his identity and dreams. The way Jobriath continued to reach out to the world through his music, despite the setbacks he faced - including his demise from AIDS - speaks volumes about the resilience and passion of this pioneering artist.

In all, Jobriath A.D. is an evocative, insightful, and artistically structured documentary blending music, animation and candid conversation to present an intimate and bold exploration of the rocky journey of a daring musician and his place in music history. It is a must-watch for those interested in understanding the importance of diversity and individuality in the music scene, and it serves as a tribute to one of the most unique musical figures of the 1970s.