Review of Searching for Sugar Man (2012) by Phil B — 25 Nov 2012

If it were not true, the story of Rodriguez, poet/singer/songwriter, as told in the documentary, 'Searching for Sugar Man', would seem unbelievable. But, as with the story of Mark O'Brien (the subject of 'The Sessions'), Rodriguez' story adds further weight to the maxim that truth is stranger than fiction.

Hailing from Detroit, USA, this lean, long-haired, shade-wearing balladeer had all the look of an instant star (a la Bob Dylan, to whom he is invariably compared). When he recorded the album 'Cold Fact' in 1968, many in the music business held their breath and waited for it to take off. This guy could sing. Like Dylan, his lyrics were fearlessly personal and honest but his voice, with shades of Don McLean, was as clear and crisp as fresh-fallen snow.

But it never happened. The album bombed. Nobody was interested and Rodriguez was forgotten.

Well, not quite. And this is where politics took a hand in his remarkable story. South Africa, at this time, was deep in the throes of Apartheid and, by widespread international condemnation, its government and its people were ostracised from social, sporting and cultural interaction. The public were in the grip of strict censorship and at a time that was not only pre-internet but pre-t.v.) lived a cocoon-like life of isolation. Purely by chance, a copy of Rodriguez' album found its way into the country and soon began circulating. It wasn't long before Rodriguez' music became the most popular in the land, overshadowing Dylan, the Stones and Elvis. For the repressed citizens of a pariah state, Rodriguez' spoke to them of liberty, free choice and a better life. His words and music were not just popular; they became the rallying cry of the people.

Myth being more potent than fact, rumours abounded as to Rodriguez'demise. Whether he had self-immolated by pouring petrol over himself or whether he had blown his brains out at the conclusion of an unsuccessful concert, everyone was sure that he was dead. So begins, for a couple of people in the music industry and forty years later, a determined effort to uncover the truth. What happens then is remarkable but which, if divulged, would take the sting out of Bendjelloul's documentary.

Bendjelloul(producer of the likewise remarkable 'Man on Wire' doco.) has crafted this joint Swedish/U.K. documentary with skill and flair, mixing seamlessly the man's music with interviews of key characters. As a music documentary, it is inspiring. As a mystery tale, it is riveting.

With the advent of this film (already the winner of several prestigious awards) there may just be a chance of Rodriguez' music achieving the recognition that eluded it first time around.

Perhaps...

Phil.