loudQUIETloud: a film about The Pixies

loudQUIETloud: a film about The Pixies is a compelling 2006 documentary that provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of one of the most influential rock bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Pixies. This engrossing film focuses on the influential band's surprising comeback tour in 2004, more than a decade after they disbanded. The drama, tension, and personal conflicts that unravel during and in between their performances lend credence to their tumultuous history and make for a delightfully engaging narrative.

The film stars the actual Pixies band members - iconic frontman Frank Black (aka Charles Thompson IV), lead guitarist Joey Santiago, bassist Kim Deal and drummer David Lovering. This riveting musical document is an absolute gold mine for Pixies fans and a fascinating watch for the uninitiated as well. Directors Steven Cantor and Matthew Galkin skilfully weave together a narrative thread that floats between past and present, using the band members' interviews, backstories, rehearsing footage, and stage performances.

One of the film's salient features is how it accurately and intimately portrays the band members off-stage. Frank Black's evangelical faith and the resulting strain between him and his wife, Kim Deal's struggle with sobriety, and David Lovering's emotional breakdown following his father's death are all laid bare for the viewer. The dichotomy between their public and private personas is as fascinating as their onstage chemistry which sparks their unforgettable performances.

Through its candid and unvarnished look at the lives of the members, loudQUIETloud becomes a movie about more than just a band's reunion tour – it's a probing account of human frailty, resilience, and the transformative power of art. To capture the authenticity of the story, the filmmakers focus more on the band's interactions and daily routines instead of their performances. Although the film still includes live performance footage from their tour, these segments bustle with a raw energy as they are mostly presented without any commentary or voiceovers.

The Pixies, known for their unique sound and style, which undulates between 'loud' and 'quiet,' has been the inspiration for numerous successful bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer. Therefore, it is enlightening to see the band members as simple, ordinary individuals with their unique quirks and flaws stepping back into the limelight after a long hiatus. The title stands as a metaphor for the band's dynamics and the stark contrast in their individual personalities which further trickles into their music.

The narrative is enhanced by the beautiful cinematography, which captures both the band's intimate moments and energetic performances. The excellent editing builds up the dramatic tension to the right intensities, and the atmospheric background score underscores the narrative's emotional depth. Technical aspects notwithstanding, the heart and soul of the film remains the band members and their stories.

The film provides an unvarnished portrayal of the Pixies band allowing the viewers to emotionally connect with the members, especially with their trials and triumphs. The audience gets to witness an intimate portrait of everyday life through a rock n roll lens without any exaggerated amplification. Every component of the film draws out an empathetic response, whether it's the long, silent shots of band members during rehearsals or their heartfelt discussions, the movie's latent authenticity keeps you hooked.

In an era where reality shows and sensationalized music documentaries are common, loudQUIETloud stands apart as a refined, respectful, and honest portrayal of one of the best alternative rock bands. It manages to avoid the tropes of most rockumentaries and presents an intimate behind-the-scenes look at a tumultuous reunion.

All in all, loudQUIETloud is an enlightening watch, not just for fans of the Pixies, but also for those interested in understanding the emotional dynamics within a group on a comeback tour. Offering a balanced mix of music, character portraits, and the personal lives of band members, it delivers an honest depiction of maturity, healing, and creative expression. It's a true testament to the multiplicities of human nature and the enduring power of music.