Pavement’s Legacy Explored in Boundary-Pushing Documentary ‘Pavements’: A Meta-Tribute to Indie Rock’s Enigmatic Geniuses
Dive into the fascinating world of Pavement, the 90s indie rock band that defied expectations, with Alex Ross Perry's inventive documentary, 'Pavements.' But this isn't your typical rock doc – it's a meta-layered exploration of the band's history, mythos, and enduring impact on alternative culture. Why is this film generating so much buzz and how does it capture the anti-establishment spirit of a band that seemed intent on sabotaging its own success?
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, acknowledging Perry's willingness to experiment with form and narrative. Alissa Wilkinson of The New York Times called it "delightfully destabilizing," perfectly capturing the film's ability to challenge viewers' expectations. John Semley describes it as a "Gen X treatment on what may be the ultimate Gen X band," highlighting its playful yet sincere approach to a group known for its irony and slacker ethos.
'Pavements' isn't just a linear retelling of the band's rise and near-brushes with stardom. Instead, it employs a dizzying array of techniques, including:
- A fake, Oscar-baiting band biopic starring Joe Keery (Stranger Things) as Stephen Malkmus and Jason Schwartzman as Matador Records founder Chris Lombardi.
- Real rehearsals for Pavement's 2022 reunion tour.
- Fake rehearsals for an ironic, Pavement-themed jukebox musical.
- Archival footage spanning Pavement's career.
- A semi-real museum exhibit showcasing band ephemera.
- A behind-the-scenes mockumentary following the actors preparing for the fake biopic.
This multifaceted approach, orchestrated by Perry and editor Robert Greene (known for their experimental documentary work), intentionally blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The result is a film that embodies Pavement's own resistance to easy categorization and their embrace of the absurd. As John Semley eloquently puts it, "To watch Pavements is to take part in a feature-length guessing game. What is real? What’s made up? And more to the point: What does the film actually mean, and what’s just another winking, nudging, meta-ironic joke?"
The documentary engages with themes of selling out, artistic integrity, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly commercialized music industry. Semley points out Malkmus's particular resistance to mainstream acceptance, recalling the lyrics from "Here": "I was dressed for success, but success it never comes." The film uses archival footage to show Malkmus sneering at journalists, highlighting his aloofness and the band's overall reluctance to court fame on anything but their own terms.
Pavements is not just a film for die-hard fans. Its exploration of artistic creation, generational attitudes, and the blurring of reality and performance resonates with a broader audience interested in music, film, and the complexities of cultural representation.
Ultimately, 'Pavements' offers a fresh and engaging perspective on one of indie rock's most influential bands. By embracing experimentation and refusing to take itself too seriously, the documentary embodies the very spirit of Pavement.
What do you think of this unconventional approach to music documentaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
