Sign o' the Times

Sign o' the Times is an eccentric gem from the late 1980s, a concert film featuring the inimitable Prince, who serves both as the film's star and director, offering an immersive experience into his musical world. Alongside him are stellar performers like Sheila E, Sheena Easton, and other members of his band at the time, adding their unique talent and spark to the high-octane performances. Released in 1987, Sign o' the Times encapsulates the zeitgeist of the era, successfully channeling the spirit, energy, and ethos of the time.

The movie is named after Prince’s acclaimed 1987 double album, 'Sign o' the Times', which expertly commingles funk, rock, pop, and soul, complete with Prince’s signature infusion of sex, politics, and spirituality. It aims to capture not just the sound but the essence of that album and its social commentary, wrapping it up as a visually and sonically intoxicating spectacle. This serves as a noteworthy follow-up to Prince's earlier cinematic ventures - the blockbusting 'Purple Rain' and the more moderate 'Under the Cherry Moon'.

The film was conceived when Prince’s plans for a European tour fell apart, but it then morphed into a much more intriguing idea: to recreate the concert experience in a controlled studio setting, interlacing it with performances captured during live concerts. The narrative lacks a conventional plot, instead opting for a song-led progression that allows Prince’s compositions, and the performances thereof, to inform the viewer’s journey through the film. It's an audacious experiment, proving that when it comes to Prince, the expected norms of filmmaking can be artfully eschewed.

Sign o' the Times is an unabashed celebration of Prince’s everything - from his playful ephemerality, his jarring yet captivating fashion sense, his infectious eccentricities, and above all, his prodigious musical prowess. Each song segues into the next in a dreamy haze of light and color, tied together by Prince’s persona that shines bright as the vibrant nucleus of the film.

The movie's most identifiable aspect remains Prince’s exotic, electrifying performances: his distinctive voice modulation, scintillating guitar play, slick dance moves, and flamboyant fashion sense come together to create a hypnotic watch. The performances are enigmatic and electrifying, covering a wide gamut of emotions and themes. From the title track’s grim socio-political commentary to the lascivious vibe of 'Hot Thing' and 'If I Was Your Girlfriend', the film offers a wholesome experience of Prince’s multi-faceted artistry.

Joining Prince in stealing the viewer's breath away is his then long-time collaborator, Sheila E., an astounding drummer and vocalist in her own right. Her rapport with Prince comes across as seamless, electrifying, and thoroughly engaging. Sheena Easton also shares the stage with Prince in parts, adding a different aura to the performances with her sensuous presence and captivating voice.

The film's groundbreaking visual artistry, choreography, and stage design manage to augment the experience despite the movie being primarily song-led. The lighting design is especially notable - its interplay with the performers and the sets creates visually explosive moments that resonate with the film's rhythm. Additionally, the cinematography makes the viewers part of the experience rather than just spectators, thus maintaining the excitement and dynamism throughout.

All in all, Sign o' the Times is much more than a concert recording. It is a mélange of engaging performances, lush cinematography, and Prince's larger-than-life persona. It serves as an arresting showcase of his exceptional musical prowess, his bold fashion sense, and his unique approach towards performances. It's an essential watch for both Prince devotees and those who seek a unique, emotive, and visually striking film experience. To put it simply, it is a dazzling witness to Prince's showmanship, an unadulterated celebration of his artistry. It is a testament to the time it was made in, bearing the signature mark of the era's music scene and the undying allure of its unforgettable star - the enigma that was, and is, Prince.