In Alex Ross Perry's film "Pavements," Stranger Things actor Joe Keery delves into the persona of Pavement singer Stephen Malkmus, preparing for a fictional biopic titled "Range Life." This satirical exploration blends mockumentary and rockumentary elements to examine the appeal and absurdities of canonizing 90s indie bands like Pavement. The film interweaves real archival footage with staged scenes, questioning the nature of music stardom and the mechanics behind music biopics. Despite Pavement's limited commercial success, their cultural significance makes them ideal subjects for exploring the afterlife of musical fame.
Exploring the World of Pavement Through Film
The journey begins in the bustling world of New York City, where director Alex Ross Perry embarks on creating a hybrid project that includes a jukebox musical and a retrospective gallery exhibit. These components reflect both the genuine admiration for Pavement and the humor inherent in attempting to immortalize musicians whose peak has passed. In this endeavor, Perry collaborates closely with the band members themselves, capturing candid moments such as Lindsey Jordan's joyful cover of "Starlings of the Slipstream" at the exhibit opening. Meanwhile, backstage at reunion concerts, personal connections emerge, like rearranging setlists for guitarist Scott Kannberg's daughter. These instances highlight the shared ownership between artists and fans, emphasizing how music transcends its creators.
Central to the narrative is Keery's Method approach to portraying Malkmus, scrutinizing even his vocal techniques. The film daringly juxtaposes traditional biopic tropes—like clashes with record executives—with the laid-back reality of Pavement's career trajectory. Their album "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" hinted at mainstream success, yet subsequent releases like "Wowee Zowee" showcased their experimental spirit rather than commercial ambition. This contrast underscores the film's critique of the grandiose narratives often imposed on musicians' lives.
Perry's work arrives amidst a surge in high-profile music biopics, including those of Queen, Elton John, and Elvis Presley. While these films dramatize iconic figures' journeys, they frequently succumb to hyperbole, turning everyday moments into monumental ones. "Pavements" challenges this tendency by focusing on a band that never fully embraced fame, thus exposing the artificiality of many biographical portrayals.
From a journalist's perspective, "Pavements" serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the complex relationship between artists and their audiences. It invites viewers to reconsider the narratives constructed around musicians and appreciate the collaborative nature of music creation. By blending reverence with wit, the film not only honors Pavement but also critiques the mechanisms that elevate certain artists to mythical status. Ultimately, it suggests that true connection lies not in mythologizing stars but in recognizing the universal impact of their art.