ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff

ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff is a gripping 2018 documentary that offers an intimate deep dive into a pivotal moment in the life of the iconic singer Bob Marley. This documentary film doesn't merely focus on Marley's music and legacy; instead, it uses the assassination attempt on Marley’s life in 1976 as a narrative spine, examining the event’s historical context within Jamaica's volatile political scene during the 1970s. The narrative draws back the curtain on the politics of the time, hinting at the complex web of factors that led to that fateful day.

Set against the backdrop of political upheaval in Jamaica, the film brings together eyewitness accounts and interviews with key persons on the landscape at that tumultuous time. Featured prominently are archival interviews with Bob Marley himself and other figures such as Arnold Bertram and Cindy Breakspeare. Bertram, a former government minister, offers a first-hand account of the anxiety-ridden political climate during the period. Meanwhile, Breakspeare, a Jamaican jazz musician and Marley's former lover, shares anecdotal insights into Marley's personal life and the events surrounding the assassination attempt.

ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff delves into an era where politics and music were inextricably linked, bringing the reggae icon's resilience, his fierce commitment to his homeland, and his unwavering intent to use his music as a powerful voice for the powerless into keen focus. It critically examines how Marley's assassin was never found, drawing out potential reasons that led to what’s more than just a simple unresolved case, additionally acting as commentary on the volatility of the socio-political landscape.

The documentary goes beyond the widely known stories of Marley's life and music, revealing the influence of his work on international politics, his ties with Jamaica's rival political groups, and the political agenda, turmoil, and violence that underscored the period leading up to the shooting. The film successfully captures the tension of a nation under siege, providing key historical context to the volatile period preceding the shooting.

The movie does an excellent job of transporting the viewer to that place and period, using vintage footage from the uniquely tumultuous mid-70s era of Jamaican politics, music, and culture. One of the highlights of the film is its rich sound design, expertly using Marley's music and other reggae greats' soundtracks to amplify the story's impact.

Also, the title of the film does not just refer to the physical attempt on Marley's life; it also serves as a metaphorical question, asking who were the parties involved in figuratively ‘shooting the sheriff.’ In other words, the film scrutinizes the factors and figures who could have been directly or indirectly involved in making Marley and his music a potential target. This nuanced approach creates a complex narrative that contrastingly portrays Marley as a symbol of peace in a time of political chaos.

At the same time, the documentary does not make the posthumous mistake of crafting Marley into a saintly figure but vividly brings his human side to life, reminding the viewers of his ordinary existence and the extraordinary circumstances that enveloped it. ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff is as much about Marley the man as it is about Marley the musician and political figure.

The documentary features fascinating tidbits about the reggae musician, from his deep-rooted Rastafarian faith, which led him to refuse amputation (a decision that would later cause his death due to skin cancer), to his determination to perform at the peace concert two days after the assassination attempt. The film illuminates Marley's unwavering spirit and commitment to his music and message of unity despite the life-threatening circumstances he faced.

Overall, ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff offers a powerful narrative about one man standing strong amid political unrest and turmoil, using his music as a tool for transformation. In telling Marley's tale, it shares the story of Jamaica at a time of change and conflict. The film is an eye-opening historical document that presents a fascinating new perspective on the life and works of Bob Marley, making it a must-watch for fans and historians alike.