Sandy Denny - Under Review

Sandy Denny - Under Review is a 2006 documentary-style film that goes beyond the realm of mere biographical narration to offer a riveting insight into the life and career of one of Britain's most influential folk-rock artists, Sandy Denny. Backed by compelling narrative threads and a healthy dose of enlightening interviews, the film provides a comprehensive evaluation of the fiercely talented, and often troubled, artist, her groundbreaking music, and her enduring legacy.

Directed with care and mindfulness, the 96-minute running time of Sandy Denny - Under Review reveals an in-depth exploration of Denny's life, her music journey, and the impact she left on the music industry. It features interviews with her colleagues, friends, and some of the most respected rock critics and musicologists. Notable figures such as Gerry Conway, a former member of the folk-rock band Fotheringay which Sandy fronted, British music journalist and biographer Patrick Humphries, and music critic Colin Irwin lend their voices to the narrative, providing a diverse mosaic of perspectives, interpretations, and analyses of Sandy's work and life.

The heart of the documentary is, of course, Sandy Denny herself. The film showcases an array of performance footage, TV clips, and photographs that give an unrivaled depiction of Denny at various periods in her career. Onstage, the camera encapsulates the versatility of her voice and her captivating stage presence. Offstage, footage of Sandy paints a more personal image of the woman behind the music, her struggles, triumphs and her untimely demise at the age of 31.

Delving into Sandy Denny's past and her early beginnings, the film elucidates how from an early age, music was an integral part of her life. From her time in London during the 1960s folk scene to her journey with the groundbreaking folk-rock band Fairport Convention, her departure from the band to form Fotheringay, to her years as a solo artist, each period of her career is thoughtfully chronicled.

The film is adept at discussing Denny's songwriting prowess, marrying her lyrical sensitivity with mesmerising melodies, a combination that produced timeless classics such as "Who Knows Where the Time Goes". It further highlights the sheer diversity of her musical craft - from traditional folk to a more innovative blend of folk and rock, from gentle ballads to music with a more formidable tone.

Not shying away from the less glamorous realities of Sandy's life, the documentary also confronts her struggles with substance abuse and her mental health issues. These elements serve not to glamorize the darker aspects of her life, but to provide a fuller, more honest picture of a talented artist sometimes at war with herself.

Sandy Denny - Under Review goes above and beyond in appreciating Denny's contributions to folk-rock music, starting with her distinctive, soulful voice, widely considered one of the finest and most versatile in British folk music. Despite her untimely death, the film makes it clear that Denny left an indelible mark on the music industry, paving the way for future female artists in a genre largely dominated by male musicians.

The film does not merely recount Sandy Denny's life; it paints a vivid portrait that brings her back to life, if only temporarily. It's an evocative exploration of her unique talent, her compelling music, her personal tribulations, and her enduring legacy. Through the glowing tributes, the sincere reflections, the illuminating interviews, and Sandy's own music, viewers are given an unparalleled view into her life and the music she brought into the world.

Sandy Denny - Under Review is an essential watch for any Sandy Denny fan, anyone interested in British folk-rock music, or anyone who appreciates compelling stories about extraordinary talent and the often complicated lives of those who possess it. The film examines Sandy Denny not only as a groundbreaking artist but a pioneering woman in a field where few before her had ventured - a true icon in the world of music.