It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not in the film Pavements, which is a mockumentary (or is it a documentary?) about the ‘90s slacker band of the same name. But that blurriness is the point. Director Alex Ross Perry blends past and present, fact and fiction, to deliver a mesmerizing genre-bending composition. Perry follows frontman Stephen Malkmus and his bandmates as they mount a reunion concert and participate in a musical and biopic about their lives. Interviews with the real members and their actor stand-ins are mixed without warning, as are the actual and staged reactions to their music. But like a well-made collage, the messiness makes sense. Some of the most entertaining parts emerge from actors Joe Keery, Nat Wolff, and Fred Hechinger, who deliver their best impression of a Rock Star without being predictable or too much. Plenty of things are happening at once here, but they make up a whole that feels intentional, comical, and even inspirational.
"Though Pavement is the star and the performers in its orbit are all in supporting roles, “Pavements” is distinguished by cinematic artistry that’s as distinctive as it is personal. “Range Life” may be a Pavement story, but “Pavements” is a Perry film."
— Richard Brody
"It captures the artistry, ingenuity and humor of its subject better than an encyclopedic history ever could – a music doc for whom success, in the spirit of Pavement, looks very different."
— Luke Hicks
'90s indie-rock band Pavement reunites for their sold-out 2022 tour. But as preparations get underway, surreal tributes emerge: an off-Broadway musical adaptation of their songs, a museum devoted entirely to the band’s legacy, and a shamelessly awards-baiting Hollywood biopic.
Follows the slacker band Pavement and their journey from underground fame to resurrected icons in the indie rock scene.
The music, man. The music.
Indie rock fans will enjoy this the most, but casual fans will, at the very least, be impressed with the film's artistic ambition.
Venice
1 nomination
Watching
This documentary is such a creative and playful mix of reality and fiction. I love how the real band members and actors blend together so seamlessly, making it both funny and insightful. The genre-bending approach really makes for a unique viewing experience. Highly recommended!