Review of Searching for Sugar Man (2012) by Ana B — 26 Apr 2013

Remarkable documentary about a remarkable man. Rodriguez was a construction worker that wrote and sang beautiful songs (one of them was "Sugar man") on the side during the early 70's. But his two albums were a flop, selling very few copies and, soon after, this part-time musician disappeared in the mist of Detroit. By the twist of fate, one of them scarce copies found its way to South Africa were his music spread like fire, his albums sold by hundreds of thousands and his lyrics grew to be the voice of Anti-Apartheid supporters. Unbeknown to him Rodriguez became a myth, an urban legend, a blind man that allegedly killed his lover and committed suicide in stage. So, 30 years later a small group of South African fans linked to the music world decided to dig up the truth. And, as almost always, reality overcomes fiction. Rodriguez didn't shoot himself, nor killed anyone, Rodriguez was very much alive and kicking, a father of three and son of a Mexican immigrant, he was still a builder in suburban Detroit, living in the same house for the last 40 years, involved sometimes in politics and leading a very austere and quiet life. Disbelief was destroyed by the most amazing welcome in South Africa, where he performed in several concerts and his contribution to music was finally recognized. And recognition will have to do as he hasn't received a cent in royalties so far.

This is a real life Cinderella story, very emotional and extraordinary; this is also a portrait of an obscure but talented man that woke up one day to find out that he was a music celebrity in the other side of the ocean.

If you watch this in DVD I would advice to look at the special feature where the director, Malik Bendjelloul, gets to explain how he made the movie, and that in itself is another achievement. When he comes across Rodriguez story he feels he should be the one to tell it and during 4 years he goes on filming, researching and struggling to meet ends. He gets to know the musician fairly well and every single frame of the film exudes the admiration Bendjelloul feels for Rodriguez, not only for his music, but for his biography and for his philosophy of life. Bendjelloul interviews or tries to interview Rodriguez, the whole episode lasts maybe 3 or 4 painful minutes but it is obvious how uncomfortable the songwriter is with fame and attention. So the director took a very wise decision: he made Rodriguez walk the sad, grim and ugly roads of Detroit that inspired his sharp songs while people that know him and love him tell his story with his music as a soundtrack. A beautiful and poetic compromise that emphasizes the personality of the main character without taking away that layer of mystery.

Don't miss this movie, it will make you believe in fairy tales and humankind again.