Alejandro Sanz: What I Was Is What I Am

Alejandro Sanz: What I Was Is What I Am is an intimate, emotional and passionate documentary that offers a captivating look into the life of one of the most influential and internationally acclaimed Latin musicians, Alejandro Sanz. This Spanish-language film not only details the life of the man behind the iconic voice, it also provides a deep insight into his career and his tireless advocacy for human rights. Uniquely presenting a blend of biography and concert film, it offers a harmonious fusion of past and present, embodying the essence that is Alejandro Sanz.

Primarily, the concept of identity is a main theme in the film as it depicts the journey of Alejandro Sanz from his modest youth in one of Madrid’s toughest neighbourhoods to becoming one of Spain’s biggest musical sensations and a renowned artist on the global stage. The title of the film, What I Was Is What I Am, serves as a reference to this identity theme, suggesting the importance of his life's journey and his roots in shaping his music.

Directed by Alexis Morante, the film meticulously illustrates Sanz’s personal and artistic life, using both current footage and archived materials. From his initial steps in the world of music to achieving worldwide fame, Morante’s direction in the film uncannily brings out Sanz’s personality and portrays him authentically, as he is — strong and emotional, both at the same time.

An interesting aspect of this documentary is its chronologic structure. It adeptly takes the audience on a journey that starts from Sanz's early experiences with music during his childhood in Madrid, goes through the stepping stones of his career and arrives at the heart-wrenching concert in June 2017 at Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid.

The film encompasses interviews with close friends, family members, and longtime collaborators, which offer a plethora of intimate details about Sanz's life and journey. Featuring several well-known figures from the music industry such as Penélope Cruz, Antonio Carmona, Laura Pausini, David Bisbal and Shakira to name a few, the film guides viewers to explore various facets of Sanz’s personality, his personal struggles and the path he walked to success.

Along with the interviews, the film contains rare footage from concerts, album recordings, rehearsals and so on, offering viewers an insider's perspective into the world of an international superstar. Each evocative shot takes the audience deeper, presenting a heartfelt narrative of a life lived passionately and dedicated to music.

Yet, Alejandro Sanz: What I Was Is What I Am is not just about the artist’s life. The film also underscores the sheer genius of Sanz’s music. His beautiful voice, poetic lyrics, and unique style of conveying profound emotion through the art of music are recurrently highlighted. As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that Sanz’s music is deeply intertwined with his life story; his songs capturing raw emotions and experiences from his personal journey. His melodies serve as a semitransparent veil through which we can catch glimpses of his heart and soul, making his music an enduring source of emotive connection for millions of fans around the world.

Finally, the film emphasizes Sanz's commitment to human rights and social issues. It depicts his work with several organizations like Doctors without Borders and Save the Children, and how he uses his influence to bring positive changes to the world beyond his music. This aspect adds another facet to his persona, the social activist.

In essence, Alejandro Sanz: What I Was Is What I Am is more than just a biopic of a globally esteemed musician. By offering an insider's intimate view of Alejandro Sanz’s life, his musical journey and his commitment to social issues; it paints a picturesque portrait of a multifaceted maestro. This film is an absolute must-watch for not just the fans of Sanz, or those who enjoy Latin music, but essentially for anyone who appreciates the journey of an artist and the indomitable spirit held within a passionate soul. It is an homage to the essence of Sanz, an artist who embodies the profundity of human emotion through his mesmerizing melodies.