Gary Numan: Android in La La Land

Gary Numan: Android in La La Land is a captivating documentary film that delves deep into the life of one of the pioneer stars of electronic music, Gary Numan. The movie, released in 2016, offers an intimate and engaging biographical account of Numan's journey – his career peak in the 80s, struggle with personal issues, and his unexpected comeback in a drastically different musical landscape.

Primarily teen idol in the late '70s and early '80s, Gary Numan rose to prominence as a pioneer in electronic music, defining a new genre and shaping the future of pop and rock. The film focuses on Numan's rise to fame during this landscape of musical innovation and upheaval, exploring his profound influence on modern synth-pop and industrial music and the significant mark he left on the music industry.

However, this film is not just about music. It peels off the layers of Numan's enigmatic persona and explores his life's various facets, manifested through various emotional traumas, Asperger's syndrome, and his lengthy hiatus from music. The filmmakers, Steve Read and Rob Alexander, delve deep into Numan's life, providing an emotional narrative of his journey in both his career and personal life. It explores Numan's often misunderstood and under-appreciated genius, while also shedding light on his personal struggles, resilience, and the quiet power of an outsider.

Bunny Lake Films, the production house behind this creative venture, offers audiences a gripping, heartfelt documentary that is emotive, sensitive, and thoughtful, thanks to the careful direction by Steve Read and Rob Alexander. Their direction is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, cast over a punishingly relentless, sometimes forbidding, and beautiful land of Los Angeles, California, providing a befitting backdrop to this thrilling journey. Hence, the coined term "Android in La La Land."

The cinematography is fantastic and engaging. Observational footage, archival clips, concert performances, and introspective interviews are interwoven with Los Angeles landscapes, creating a vivid portrayal of Gary Numan's life, struggles, and achievements. From capturing Numan's family moments, discussion with his fans, and behind-the-stage scenes, it provides a real and humane side of the musical alien. It evokes an admiration for his creativity, sympathy for his circumstances, and surprise at his resilience.

The score is indeed a distinguishing feature of the film. Numan's music is laced throughout, expertly utilized to complement and enhance the story's emotional beats. The audience is given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the synth-pop universe that Numan has so expertly crafted over his career.

The movie features Gary Numan himself, leading us through his highs and lows, ups and downs, and his rise to fame and disappearance from music, ultimately leading to his triumphant comeback. It is about his life, his music, his fears, and his triumphs, from the man himself. The film also provides valuable insights from crucial characters in Numan's life, including his wife, Gemma, and their children. The sincerity, openness, and love that Gemma and his daughters show in their candid interviews provide a heartwarming touch.

For both long-time fans and newcomers to Numan's music, Gary Numan: Android in La La Land creates a thorough portrayal of an ambitious musician, a loving husband, a caring father and an inspiring personality that is Gary Numan. The film is more than a biopic; it's a story of challenges and triumphs, individuality and innovation, and family and creativity. It's about a man's desire to create, his courage to be different, and his perseverance in staying true to his vision.

In conclusion, Gary Numan: Android in La La Land is a thoughtfully crafted and respectful tribute to a singular talent. It offers a rare, intimate look into Numan's life and creative process, while also showcasing his undeniably significant impact on the music industry. A robust, compelling story of a unique and influential icon - Gary Numan is an essential watch for any music enthusiast.