A Curious Life

A Curious Life is a riveting documentary released in 2014, directed by Dunstan Bruce. Known for his work with chart-topping British band, Chumbawamba, Bruce takes on a biography-documentary project giving an enthralling look into one of the Britain's most notable contemporary folk bands – The Levellers.

This engaging documentary drama stars Stephen Boakes, Mark Chadwick, and Brian Cunningham among others from The Levellers as well as their close acquaintances and industry experts. Bruce showcases an intimately interwoven journey of this celebrated band through its highs, lows, struggles, and rewards within the music industry, along with their significant impact on British alternative rock and punk folk scene.

The film begins by focusing on the band's formation in 1988 and their journey through the early 90s – the crux of their fame. A narrative central arc traverses the band's inception, their rise to stardom, and their resilience in the face of a rapidly evolving music industry. Throughout the film, viewers are offered a window into the lives of this band, their distinct aesthetic, ideology, and the conviction that sustained them through their artistic journey.

Mark Chadwick, the charismatic frontman, his rich vocals seeping through the band's head-bobbing, foot-tapping music, and his role in shaping the band's voice is well-featured. Stephen Boakes, the band's enigmatic didgeridoo and harmonica player, brings a unique flavor to the band's music, adding depth to their soundscapes. Brian Cunningham, their long-time manager, provides an outside perspective on the band's journey, meticulously capturing their evolution over time and their constant pursuit of a unique and disruptive sound that resonates with the youth and provides an antidote to the conventional mainstream tunes.

At the heart of the film is the band's commitment to their fans, their art and the sense of community and camaraderie. Oftentimes viewed as an anarchist band, their music resonates with an underlying political theme, posing questions and shaking the status quo. This aspect is beautifully captured with Dunstan Bruce playing with archival media, interviews, and live performances, creating a portrait of the band's candid and rebellious spirit.

The Levellers' intriguing tendency to side-step commercial prevalence for artistic integrity and 'staying true to their roots' features prominently in this film. This gritty resolve to dominate their musical journey on their own terms, their clashes with the establishment, and their decision to start their own independent label - 'On the Fiddle Recordings', are notable highlights of this documentary.

As part of the narrative, the film does a commendable job in capturing the band's Beautiful Days festival. This annual music event encapsulates the band's philosophy of creating a community around music, devoid of corporate influence, which further validates the Levellers’ anti-establishment ethos. The festival, just like the band's music, is a celebration of diversity, freedom, and a casual dismissal of mainstream norms.

The cinematography and direction of 'A Curious Life' are sure to captivate viewers. The intricate look into the Levellers' journey, coupled with the rock-n-roll energy of their live concerts, promises to be an exhilarating ride. Dunstan Bruce does a brilliant job in capturing the raw essence of the band and their music, piecing together past and present to craft a complete picture of the Levellers' influence.

'A Curious Life' is not your average rockumentary. It goes beyond a superficial look into a band's journey. Instead, it delves deep into the Levellers' philosophy and their passion for music that doesn’t bow down to the expectations of the industry. For fans of music documentaries, especially those who appreciate underrepresented sub-genres and thought-provoking narratives, it is a must-watch. The film is a testament to the spirit of independence and rebellion that fuels the heart of rock music, making it an essential viewing not only for the Levellers' fans but also for those interested in the alternative music scene and its evolution. A Curious Life captures, in essence, an intriguing piece of music history, and in essence, is much more than a mere documentary – it’s a celebration of passion, art, rebellion, and resilience that comes with being a part of any subculture.