Review of Marley (2012) by Brian G — 02 May 2012

"If your gunna help poor people, help them right".

Synopsis: Documentary exploring the music, life and legacy of reggae icon Bob Marley.

Bob Marley is unquestionably one of the most recognizable names around the world. Even if you have no idea who he is or why he is famous, it's likely you've at least heard the name enough times for it to be permanently recalled. I admit to being very ignorant of the man myself, as all I knew about the man was that he was a musician (one that I had only recently began listening to) and that he was a marijuana community icon; apart from that I was roughly clueless.

Thanks to Kevin Macdonald and his extremely detailed (long) documentary "Marley", I don't think it would be as naive to consider myself an expert on the subject as it may sound. From the opening credits I had a feeling I was in for a quality documentary. Kevin Macdonald's other documentary was Touching The Void, an exhilarating documentary adventure that should have been nominated for an oscar. He's a quality and proven director that knows how to tell a good story, and he doesn't disappoint in Marley. Even individuals not necessarily into the man, should appreciate the picture after they realize they now know so much more about him.

The only problem I can find with Kevin Macdonald filmmaking (at least his documentaries) is that it's very "by-the-book". It's undeniably comprehensive, but it also lacks a style of it's own, and may make it harder for the un-interested to be drawn into the picture, as it just seams so generic.

It's hard to fault "Marley" on such grounds though, especially when the picture is so adequately handled and wonderfully researched, with rare material and a strong appreciation of it's subject.