Review of Marley (2012) by She B — 09 Aug 2012

For the majority of the film, the intervieweesâ(TM) words serve as accompaniment to the beautiful cinematography and Marleyâ(TM)s timeless classics. The aerial shots of the hills where the acclaimed reggae singer was born, the images of inner-city Kingston where he relocated, and the plentiful live recordings of Bob Marley & The Wailers make the extensive 'Marley' as much a cinematic experience as it is an educational one.

The interviews, mostly of Marleyâ(TM)s close friends and family, contribute to constructing Marley as an almost superhuman figure. Unlike many biographical documentaries, 'Marley' doesnâ(TM)t choose to reveal some harrowing truth about the musician nor try tiresomely to make sure you know he is human. Rather, the film which Jordan Mintzer of the Hollywood Reporter claims to be âsure to become the definitive documentary on the much beloved king of reggaeâ? continually attempts to make the statement that Marley was something out of the ordinary yet simultaneously just like all of us. And it measures its doses of extraordinary and human to the tee. Scenes of Marley uniting differing Jamaican political groups weave into segments that bring the euphoric back to the realistic â" Marleyâ(TM)s lawyerâ(TM)s memorable comment, for example: âWhat more do Jamaicans love than a man whoâ(TM)s just survived a gunfight?â?

Marleyâ(TM)s connection to his music, his lack of concern as to whether he is viewed as extraordinary or not, becomes the more pressing focus of the documentary. Dealing with such a legendary figure, director Kevin MacDonald reveals reggae as a spiritual endeavor for Bob Marley. The clarification is important. Dreadlocks, Rastafarianism, reggae, ska, are showcased as spiritually significant symbols which have become fads of the alternative (see all the clips of white college kids at Marley concerts). 'Marley' presents the singer as a spiritual leader who constantly tries to reach out and spread the Rastafarian movement, a leader concerned with exactly who his audience is and how he can reach out to them.

The last twenty minutes of the film are absolutely heartbreaking. In case you were wondering if the documentary had done its job well, the inevitable feeling of loss that boils over as the biography reaches conclusion reaffirms what a success 'Marley' is.