Scott Walker: 30th Century Man

Scott Walker: 30th Century Man is a compelling biographical documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in the world of music, Scott Walker. Released in 2006, this documentary is directed by Stephen Kijak and features interviews with Sara Kestelman, Arnie Potts, Jarvis Cocker and many other famous faces from the music industry. The documentary sheds light on the musician’s multi-decade career, his impact on the industry, mysterious personality, and his reclusive, challenging musical style.

The documentary embarks on a captivating narrative journey that begins with Walker's early years. Born in the United States as Noel Scott Engel, Walker rose to fame in the 1960s as a part of the pop group 'The Walker Brothers'. Despite the joint name, the members of the band were not related, a fact that further fueled the intrigue about Walker. This section of the film details their breakthrough success in the United Kingdom, the subsequent celebrity lifestyle, and the pressure that came with it. The documentary then delves into the disbandment of The Walker Brothers and Walker's transformation into a solo artist.

The main focus of Scott Walker: 30th Century Man, however, is not on the height of his fame. Rather, the documentary largely concentrates on Walker's trajectory as his music took a more experimental turn, moving from the mainstream, and veering into avant-garde, difficult-to-categorize territory. His stance was a stark departure from his early pop career and the music industry’s expectations. Therefore, the film presents a rich examination of Walker's relentless commitment to his artistic vision and his constant drive for exploration and reinvention in music.

The film combines insightful interviews, music clips and rare archival footage to convey this change in direction. There are revealing discussions with Walker himself, a rare treat for viewers given his notorious reclusivity. The rare access provided by Kijak to the creative process of Walker's music-making is one of the documentary’s most fascinating aspects. This includes time in the studio as Walker worked on his first album in a decade, "The Drift".

Additionally, admirers of Walker, including other influential artists and musicians, are also interviewed, providing commentary on his unique musical stylings, and communicating the profound influence Walker has had on them and their own work. This star-studded roster includes popular musicians and music industry figures such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, Jarvis Cocker, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Johnny Marr, and Alison Goldfrapp, to name but a few.

Kijak’s film strives not to put a label on Walker but to provide an insight into the musical enigma that he is. The narrative consequently falls somewhere between a concert film, a creative process documentary, and an exploration of the psyche of one of the twentieth century’s most mysterious artists. Thus, the story that emerges in the documentary is not only of Walker's transition as an artist but also his growth as a human being.

It's the dichotomy of insanity versus sanity, chaos versus order that Kestelman and Potts brilliantly bring to light using Walker’s extraordinary life as a backdrop. The documentary neither seeks to demystify Walker, nor to idolize him. Rather, it lets the viewer in on the multifaceted personality that Walker is, leaving them with a profound understanding of the man absent of any prejudgment.

Visually, Scott Walker: 30th Century Man is as entrancing as the subject it profiles. The deft direction and editing ensure that the narrative remains engaging and the visuals captivating, mirroring the discordance and harmony of Walker's music. It's a remarkable exploration of an artist's journey from pop-icon to avant-garde pioneer, with celebration and critique intertwined.

In conclusion, Scott Walker: 30th Century Man provides a critical yet empathetic investigation into Walker's unique musical journey, his impact on contemporary music, and the man behind the complex, elusive music icon. The film’s strength lies not only in its compelling subject but also in Kijak's meticulous and evocative presentation, making it a must-watch for music fans, especially those intrigued by the mavericks who dare to redefine the boundaries of music.