Will Work For Views: The Lo-Fi Life Of Weird Paul

Will Work For Views: The Lo-Fi Life of Weird Paul is an engaging documentary released in 2017 that presents the life and career of Paul Petroskey, better known as 'Weird Paul'. Directed by Joseph Litzinger and Eric Michael Schrader, this movie showcases the myriad challenges and triumphs of an underrated artist who is generally considered the Original Vlogger.

Weird Paul, in a career spanning over 30 years, has managed to carve out an unusual niche in the world of music, vlogging, and entertainment. Known for his lo-fi or low-fidelity music and videos, Weird Paul embraces the minimalistic, raw, and often unprocessed elements in his work.

The movie begins with a brief history of Weird Paul's life, capturing glimpses of his childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Viewers are given a tour of his childhood home, resplendent with memorabilia of the 1980s, VHS tapes, video games, and other retro items. These episodes brilliantly encapsulate how his early life experiences and love for the decade influenced his music and his preference for keeping things simple, unrefined, and personal.

Featuring interviews with key figures in Weird Paul's life such as his sister, Millie Petroskey, and his longtime friend and collaborator, Niffer Desmond, the film provides a nuanced perspective on his character and story. The narrative dives deep into his everyday life, showing the man behind the eccentric artist, his struggles and his undying passion for his art.

The documentary excels in charting Weird Paul’s unconventional journey in the entertainment industry. It highlights how Petroskey charted his own path, a step back in time technologically with low-fi tools in the glitzy and high-def world, and his perseverance to make this approach work. Remarkably, Weird Paul worked with whatever he could access - from an old VHS camcorder to recording his records on a Fisher-Price toy - showcasing his knack for innovation.

An interesting factor to note is Weird Paul’s evolution into the digital age. Despite his lo-fi approach, the film acknowledges his adaptation to vlogging on YouTube, which he started back in 2006, earning him the title of 'The Original Vlogger'.

While the movie is a homage to a retro vlogger, it's also a case study in the resilience and passion of a musician. It zooms in on his struggle to stay relevant in a fast-paced, technologically advanced world that can be unforgiving to lo-fi enthusiasts. Even so, Weird Paul, with his old-school charm, eccentric music, and authentic content, manages to keep up, garnering a dedicated following and building a unique brand.

An integral part of the movie is its focus on Weird Paul’s creative philosophy. His penchant for keeping things authentic, simple, and real without succumbing to the pressure of technological advances or high production values shines through the film. It's a testament to his persistence towards creating something he truly believes in. His unyielding faith in his passion, regardless of ridicule or lack of recognition, makes him an inspiration to many aspiring artists.

Litzinger and Schrader have done an excellent job of presenting the myriad dimensions of Petroskey's life. The film is evocative and inspiring, with the right blend of humor, heart, and candid exploration of Weird Paul’s eccentric life.

The film’s tone is set by its title, 'Will Work For Views'. In the digital era, where views equate to success, the tagline encapsulates Weird Paul's relentless grind and hustle for attaining visibility and recognition in a world that craves sensationalism.

Will Work For Views: The Lo-Fi Life of Weird Paul humanizes the man behind the artist. It evokes not just admiration for his decade-long perseverance, but also a rare affection that reaches beyond just his music, latching onto the simplicity and sincerity of Paul Petroskey himself.

This documentary serves up a retrospective of not only a career but a lifetime devoted to creating and sharing delightfully quirky content. It makes for a moving, entertaining, and profoundly encouraging viewing experience, especially for those who are willing to dance to their own tune in a world that constantly demands conformity.