Syd Barrett - Under Review

Syd Barrett - Under Review is a compelling deep-dive into the life and work of the unique artist that was Syd Barrett, one of the founding members of the legendary progressive rock band, Pink Floyd. The film weaves together multiple dimensions of Barrett's life, incorporating in-depth music analysis, detailed biography, and critical insight into his artistry.

Barrett was a key player in the London psychedelic scene of the 1960s. However, he only made one album with Pink Floyd, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, before his departure from the band due to mental health issues. His short-lived career, marked by his prodigious talent, innovation, and ultimate personal tragedy, left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Syd Barrett - Under Review displays the gravity of Barrett's artistry, portraying the effects of his innovative guitar playing and songwriting on British rock and worldwide. The film stands as an analytical documentary, highlighting various features of Barrett's music and style. His unique methods of guitar playing, prominent use of dissonance and distortion, preference for unexpected song structures, and distinctive vocal delivery - all have been detailed exquisitely.

This documentary follows Barrett's life and career chronologically. It traces his journey from his formative years in Cambridge, his successful era with Pink Floyd, his subsequent solo career, and his eventual retreat from public life. Interviews with friends, colleagues, and music historians provide personal insights into Barrett's character and talent, contextualizing his music and bringing the man behind the music to life.

Furthermore, the film features a brilliant line-up of esteemed musicians, contemporaries, and critics who share their perspectives on and experiences with the enigmatic artist, helping to shed light on Barrett's influencers and unique style. It also includes rare and previously unseen photos and footage, stirring candidness in the depiction of the artist.

A core aspect of the documentary lies in its critical examination of the two solo albums Barrett created post his Pink Floyd stint - "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett". These albums, offering a direct glimpse into his kaleidoscopic mind, form an essential part of his musical legacy. With the help of music writers and scholars, the documentary delves into the intricate layers of these works, analyzing their complexities and understanding their importance in the larger tapestry of modern music.

Syd Barrett - Under Review also goes on to delve into the lasting legacy of this undervalued gem of music history. Despite his short career, Barrett's music managed to influence a plethora of musicians spanning multiple genres and generations. This film does an excellent job of acknowledging this influence, presenting Barrett as a tragic yet influential icon, a truly original talent whose genius continues to shine through decades after his withdrawal from the music scene.

The film is not only an investigation into the music, it also casts light on the man himself, painting an intimate portrait of an extraordinary artist who shined brightly but briefly. It unravels the enigma of Barrett's personality, his eccentricities, struggles with mental health, and how it all contributed to his artistic output. The movie subtly indicates the intense pressure that came with the sudden fame and the role it might have played in his declining mental health.

The strengths of the documentary are its comprehensive nature and its refusal to shy away from the more complex and uncomfortable aspects of Barrett's life. The film does a remarkable job capturing the thrilling energy of the psychedelic 60s, the magic and fallout of Pink Floyd, and the heart-breaking story of Barrett's subsequent fall into obscurity. It also displays how his influence still echoes in the realm of psychedelic and progressive rock.

Syd Barrett - Under Review offers a nuanced, significant, and compassionate exploration of one of rock’s most innovative, captivating, and tragic figures. It is a must-watch for Pink Floyd fans, rock history enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the complex relationship between art and the artist's emotional world.