Review of loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies (2006) by Shanna U — 06 Jul 2008

A weird little film that doesn't follow the usual approaches and probably suffers for it. Very little background and while tensions that led to the original break-up might have been interesting, after ten years feelings seem to have faded into apathy.

The band rarely talks and are hardly the wild rockers of their youth so there's little climactic action. I guess you could call it an usual look into the banality of touring and the real humanity of past rock gods.

The leader singer is overweight, the guitarist is a family man, the bassist loves crafts and cares for her mother, while the drummer's new passion is being a magician. Meanwhile, fans act as if no time has passed and being that the Pixies are touted as such an influential band, it might have been nice for the documentary to focus on stories from fans and other musicians who credit the band for being a major part of their lives.

At many times, the bandmates appear so oblivious to their own musical importance and it seems that the songs have long outgrown the band and taken on their on entity. The directors took a risk with their laid-back approach, which is refreshing and humbling, but I feel disappointed that such amazing music couldn't have inspired a more creative or satisfying direction.