It’s become very common for films about the lives of beloved musical artists to simply glaze over their greatest achievements without adding any depth or creative insights; in addition to largely genericbiographical filmslikeBohemian RhapsodyorA Complete Unknown, there’s been a plethora of streaming documentaries that don’t challenge their subjects of any controversies or confusions within their careers. While there’s not necessarily anything wrong with this form of nostalgia, it’s unfortunate that the lives of interesting artists can’t be adapted into more creative stories. Thankfully,Alex Ross Perry’s genre-spanning satirePavementscombines fact, fiction, and recreationin its analysis of one of the most important indie rock bands of the 1990s.
‘Pavements’ Isn’t a Standard Music Film
Pavementsconsists of three different narrative threadsthat are woven together creatively by Perry. Part of the film consists of actual documentary footage, including interviews conducted with lead singer and guitarist,Stephen Malkmus, as well as the other members of Pavement. While it’s unclear how much of these interviews are scripted, there is another section that examines the creation of a fictional production calledSlanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical, a jukebox musical in whichMichael Esperstars as Essem, a character who is obviously inspired by Malkmus. There is also a comical recreation of key scenes from a straightforward biopic of Pavement that includesJoe Keeryas Malkmus, as well asJason Schwartzmanas Matador Records founder Chris Lombardi. Perry, Malkmus, and many of theother interview subjects break the fourth wall, but the film does not indicate at what point it is intended to be taken seriously.
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“I don’t think they want to hear what I want to play.”
An unusual approach was the best way to reflect the legacy of Pavement, a band that has always been praised forits clever, sarcastic lyrics and ironic fan base. While films likeStraight Outta ComptonorRocketmandeal with artists that were massively popular all over the world, Pavement was always a rather niche group that had a more selective fan base. Exaggerating the impact that Pavement actually had on the music industry gives the film some of its best jokes, as it regularly satirizes the self-importance of many biographical films and documentaries. The film even goes one step further to acknowledge how films about artists are received by critics and awards season pundits; due to a recurring joke about Keery doing “Method” acting to play Malkmus (in what is a very funny lampoon ofAustin Butler’sdedication during the making ofElvis), it is mentioned where the performance fits into his career arc, and whether he could be in contention for award season nominations.
‘Pavements’ Is Both Satirical and Sincere
Pavementsis a very complex film that is nonetheless accessiblebecause it allows different audiences to appreciate it based on their awareness of the surrounding culture. While many in-jokes reference specific moments in Pavement’s history, there are also broader bits of satire that look at trends within theater and film. Although many of the performances are delivered in a fictional context, the music is still genuinely great, as Perry has proven himself capable of getting great concert footage with his coverage; he previously directedElizabeth Mossin a career-best performancein the punk rock dramaHer Smell.Pavementsstill finds emotional power in seeing the band reunite on stage for the first time in years, and shines a spotlight on why their idiosyncratic, didactic style of songwriting was such a breath of fresh air compared to other indie groups of the 1990s.
Pavementsdoesn’t conform to any standards regarding celebrity media, but it does offer insight into the ways that artists are perceived; while it may be easy to condense the entire career of a famous group into a convenient, three-act structure, real life can take many twists and turns. It’s a credit to the members of Pavement that they acceptedsuch a satirical, playful analysis of their past achievements,butPavementsalso suggests that the band still has a future, as it concludes by hinting at what their next act might be. Although lifelong fans of Pavement are bound to appreciate a film that is so exclusively tailored to their sensibilities, those who are unfamiliar with the band before seeingPavementsmay walk away wanting to learn more about them.
Pavementsis now playing in select theaters.
Pavements is a 2024 experimental musical biopic concert film directed by Alex Ross Perry. The film is a unique hybrid that blends documentary footage with scripted scenes, focusing on the American indie band Pavement. It incorporates elements of a musical stage play, “Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical,” which uses songs from the band’s discography.
