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Directed by Sacha Gervasi.
A rockumentary. No MPAA rating. Ahimsa Films. Running time: 90 minutes.
“Anvil! The Story of
Anvil” is an absorbing documentary about an aging Canadian heavy metal band
that came close to breaking through in the ‘80s before fading into
obscurity. Hopefully this film will stir up some interest in the band in
metal circles.
Everything about “Anvil!
The Story of Anvil” is likeable from the goofy title of the film to the
band’s somewhat dated musical style. They even have a song about Mothra
(called “Mothra,”) the giant moth that appeared in many Japanese films which
would be a great companion piece to Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla.” The song
is on You Tube.
The film gained many
positive notices, and it is scheduled to open at the Music Box Theater on
Friday, April 24.
If I were to judge this
film by its music alone, I might pan the film. I have never been the biggest
heavy metal fan, and I have always thought that hair metal was one of the
most embarrassing rock genres. Anvil seems to draw some inspiration from
hair metal, but they also were influenced by more recent subgenres such as
thrash metal and speed metal.
The film includes some
unexpected laughs, and provides some insight into how the music system
grinds down the pure of heart. The band does a European tour which is a
disaster. They get lost; one club manager refuses to pay them; and they seem
to be paying their bills day by day.
The Toronto based Anvil has kept the faith for years, but whenever they seem
to get a break it backfires. The band comes off as behind the times, yet
they are in equal parts pathetic and heroic.
The group’s lead vocalist
and resident cheer leader, Steve Kudlow, comes off as especially noble,
idealistic, and occasionally childlike. When he talks about his music his
eyes sparkle and his voice becomes as excited as a 10 year old who just
discovered surf boards or noticed girls for the first time.
In contrast his drummer
bandmate, Robb Reiner, comes off as more glum and realistic. At one point he
gets tired of being Kudlow’s emotional punching bag and he quits. Eventually
he is won over by Kudlow’s charm and infectious dreams of stardom and the
band reunites.
Even if you hate Anvil’s
music, you might still like the movie. The film captures little details
about rock culture that would have been left on the cutting room floors in
most films, and as the architect
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
once said “God is in the
details.” |