Velvet Underground - Under Review

Velvet Underground - Under Review, released in 2009, is a riveting exploration of the legendary rock band, The Velvet Underground, during their renowned heyday in the dynamic music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Directed by Rob Johnstone, this documentary specializes in a thought-provoking examination, casting an educated eye over the band's history, workings, creative processes, and the impact they had on the music scene on both sides of the Atlantic.

The film features multiple key players from the band's era with insightful comments and captivating interviews. Included prominently are John Cale, co-founder, vocalist, and instrumentalist of The Velvet Underground, famous music journalist Robert Christgau, record producer Norman Dolph, who was instrumental in The Velvet Underground's early development, and Malcolm Dome, a renowned rock journalist and author. Their firsthand experiences and unique perspectives add a layer of authenticity and depth to the journey that unfolds on screen.

Velvet Underground - Under Review does not merely recount the band's journeys from New York's lower east side to eventual worldwide significance but delves into the complexities and idiosyncrasies that made The Velvet Underground a significant part of rock and roll history. The Velvet Underground's unique sound, avant-garde rock punctuated with themes of drug addiction, sexual exploration, and social apathy, made them pioneers that broke boundaries and significantly influenced the musical landscape.

The documentary provides viewers with an intimate look into the band that was often overshadowed by famous frontman Lou Reed. Through a blend of interviews, live footage, rare photographs, and commentaries, this film fully encompasses the diverse personalities and talents that formed this iconic band: from Reed's gripping lyrics and melodies, John Cale's innovative use of instrumentation, Sterling Morrison's rhythmic guitar play, to Maureen Tucker's unconventional drumming style.

Velvet Underground - Under Review maintains an investigative tone, striving to unearth hidden truths, clarifying myths, and better understanding the band's contentious relationship with famous pop artist, Andy Warhol. Warhol's influence, particularly during the early years of The Velvet Underground, is thoroughly examined. He was not only the band's manager but also the visionary behind their experimental performance technique of blending music with art, which significantly contributed to their enduring status as avant-garde idols.

Another narrative thread within the documentary delves into the recesses of their legendary studio album, "The Velvet Underground & Nico," often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. The film takes its time to pick apart the circumstances and stories behind some of the record's most significant tracks, exposing how the combination of avant-garde music and lyrics offering raw insights into cruising Manhattan's heroin-addicted underbelly ultimately became the landmark of outsider artistry.

Asides the music, Velvet Underground - Under Review is also a powerful sociocultural exploration. It uses The Velvet Underground as a vehicle to explore broader themes such as the increasing liberation of the 1960s, the subculture of New York's underground art scene, and the emergence of an alternative voice to mainstream society.

The documentary is peppered with exclusive interviews and rare musical performances, meticulously examining the influence The Velvet Underground had and continues to have on music and pop culture. Besides the engaging commentaries, the film also contains a wealth of archival materials, offering a glimpse into the flamboyant yet often chaotic world of the 1960s rock scene.

A standout feature of Velvet Underground - Under Review is how it employs its rich ensemble cast to deconstruct The Velvet Underground's music. John Cale's insights and recollections, Christgau's critical analyses, Dolph's reminiscences about early recording sessions, and Dome's astute commentary combine to create a vibrant and detailed picture of one of rock's most influential yet underappreciated bands.

Finally, Velvet Underground - Under Review also underscores the band's lasting impact, highlighting how their innovative sound, raw lyrical content, and refusal to conform sparked a seismic shift in rock music, paving the way for generations of alternative rock bands to follow.

Whether a hardcore fan of The Velvet Underground or a casual viewer, Velvet Underground - Under Review is a comprehensive, illuminating, and thoughtful exploration of one of rock's seminal bands. It paints a vivid portrait not only of a band but of an era, a city, and a music scene in flux, making it a must-see documentary for any music enthusiast.