Review of PressPausePlay (2011) by Jon T — 15 Aug 2011

Another one I saw at the 2011 CIFF. Nothing much new to learn in this doc. You don't get to know the artists using new technology very well. So many different talking heads flicker by and so many artists briefly appear only to not be seen again.

Music is more heavily focused upon than movies, ebooks, or graphic arts. If everyone has the technology and thinks they can be the next star or success story, how does this water down our culture? How does this amateur movement chasing instant success influence those who have in depth training and experience backing up their art? This movie is fast and flashy and with the focus on music reminded me of a club scene.

After a few months the one artist who stuck, who had the longest through line in the movie, was the young pianist who mixed classical and pop influences while self recording at home until he was invited to play with a professional philharmonic orchestra.