Instrument - Fugazi

Instrument - Fugazi is an enthralling documentary that offers a profound insight into the Washington D.C. music scene, particularly focusing on the iconic hardcore band Fugazi. Raw, real, and poignant, the movie takes a deep dive into the band's career, spanning almost a decade from the late 1980s to the late 1990s.

Directed by indie filmmaker Jem Cohen, a longtime friend and collaborator of the band, the movie successfully presents an authentic and low-key intimate portrait of Fugazi. It's not just a compilation of concert footages and interviews, but rather an innovative mixture of media formats including Super 8, 16mm, and video clips, as well as a collection of incidental visuals and sounds, evoking the spirit of DIY ethos that Fugazi embodied.

This visually stunning and emotionally powerful documentary shows Fugazi both on and off the stage in a range of settings. There are scenes from high-energy, audience-packed gigs, alongside tranquil, almost reflective moments in practices, writings, and travelling, reflecting the duality of the rock and roll lifestyle. We also witness the band's inspiring dedication to maintaining their independent, anti-corporate philosophy, despite the pressures of commercial success.

Through its passionate display, Instrument - Fugazi delivers a clear message about the significance of holding true to one’s beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The endearing personas of band members Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally, and Brendan Canty shine through, revealing their integrity and commitment to their art and fans. Their strong stance against overpriced concert tickets, physical violence at concerts, and mainstream record labels is a commendable testimony to the band's 'practice what you preach' philosophy.

Cohen's creative approach departs from the traditional storytelling norms of documentary filmmaking. The narrative, or rather, lack thereof, is reflective of the band's unconventional route in the music industry. The absence of a clear chronological account or voiceover makes the portrayal even more captivating, allowing the sounds, sights, interactions, and characters to tell the story. Cohen and Fugazi co-produced the film combining their shared aesthetic sensibilities and creating a visualization that defies the conventions of both music videos and rock documentaries.

In terms of music, Instrument - Fugazi is indeed a feast. It showcases an array of performance footage, some from unexpected locations, like an elementary school classroom. It includes demo versions, instrumentals, and a few unreleased tracks from the band. The fusion of post-hardcore, punk and dub reggae elements in their music, coupled with their socially relevant, thoughtful lyrics, makes for an engaging sonic experience.

Cohen's artistic cinematography coupled with the band's unique sonic composition creates an immersive atmosphere. This atmospheric effect is further heightened by the juxtaposition of montage sequences, casual interludes with the band members, fans, and other individuals from their community, intercut with the band's often electric performances.

The film also subtly touches upon the band's impact on their fans and the entire DIY punk scene. The picture it paints of Fugazi is not of inaccessible rock stars but of an active part of a community, interacting with their audiences, and striving to make a difference with their music.

Additionally, the musical score composed after the film's completion adds an additional layer of contextual depth to the visuals, making it a unique blend of a concert film, cinema verite, and abstract art.

Instrument - Fugazi is an innovative, uncompromising, and authentic portrayal of Fugazi that reflects the band's integrity and their commitment to making music on their own terms. This documentary is a must-watch for Fugazi fans, but it also appeals to anyone interested in the counterculture scene, punk rock, and beautifully crafted documentaries. The viewer is left with a profound understanding of the significance of maintaining artistic and personal integrity in the face of commercial pressures. It highlights the little-seen sides of the music world but equally importantly, it underlines the power and reach that music, when untainted by industry norms, truly has.