Review of Amy (2015) by Lynn G — 21 Jul 2015
Many people avoid documentaries, true stories or music topics in films. Make this tragic and emotional film your exception to those rules.
A compelling, moving, beautiful, lyrical tragedy. This film is crafted from recorded voice interviews of Amy's close friends, family and management, presented over archive footage ranging from news clips, concert footage and mobile phone captured video.
At first the narrative is that of a rising star, a young girl with an incredibly old voice and a gift for capturing personal events in poetic songs.
Then it shifts into the failure to recognise mental illness in a vulnerable person and the tragedy of her descent into chaos.
Finally, those closest to her are exposed as the media, and society, feast on her demise and collapse.
The ending is well known, and inevitable. Yet throughout the viewer sees moments of intervention, opportunities for Amy to be different, for her ending to be different. Yet those fleeting chances are pulled away, often by those who should be helping rather than taking.
This is a tough watch at times, yet like true great tragedies, unavoidable viewing. The direction simply, and cleverly, let's Amy's lyrics express her own emotions, alongside her friends expressing their fears.
Senna was great, Amy is better. Watch this film.
This review of Amy (2015) was written by Lynn G on 21 Jul 2015.
Amy has generally received very positive reviews.
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