Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story

Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story is an engaging 2006 documentary film directed by Jeffrey Iwanicki and David A. Kleiler, Jr. The film offers an in-depth history of the influential but often overlooked American post-punk band, Mission of Burma, remaining true to the band's essence and ethos by pooling together an array of credible sources and testimonials.

Starring the founding band members Clint Conley, Roger Miller, and Peter Prescott, as well as later inclusion of musician Bob Weston, Not a Photograph dives deep into the origins of the band, its unique sound, its influence on the music scene, and ultimately its untimely dissolution and unexpected revival. Cameron Keiber also features in the film and offers a different perspective as a fan and a fellow musician.

One of the film's notable features is its representation of the band's modest start in Boston in the late 70s, revealing how they were initially dismissed by many due to their intense and unconventional sound – a blend of punk rock, tape effects, and experimental guitar techniques which now is often credited as foundations of indie rock. The documentary details how the band's challenging, unapologetically noisy tunes and innovative song structures found them struggling to find a place within the mainstream music industry of the time.

The film perfectly encapsulates how Mission of Burma, although not commercially successful during its first run, greatly influenced other musicians and bands who would later go on to achieve considerable success. With interviews from noteworthy artists and insiders in the industry, the documentary showcases the band's significance in the post-punk scene and its profound effect on indie rock's evolution.

Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story also explores the band's commitment to each other and their music over everything else, which unfortunately led to a rather premature end. The film outlines the dark cloud that loomed over the group – the severe tinnitus that Roger Miller suffered from due to their loud, uncompromising sonic attacks. This condition forced them to disband after four years, bringing a sudden halt to a promising journey.

The film does not end on a somber note, though, as it traces the band's unexpected reunion after a hiatus of almost two decades. The documentary delivers a heartwarming account of this comeback, revealing how they reunited for a benefit concert and made the decision to continue producing music together, much to the delight of their loyal fan base.

Highlighting their post-reunion period, the film reveals the band's ongoing power and relevance to the changing music scene. Interestingly, while Mission of Burma met with more commercial success during their second run than the first, they somehow managed to retain the raw integrity of their unique sound and their commitment to musical experimentation, as is reflected in the interviews with the band members.

One of the unique aspects of Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story is its use of archival footage. From grainy, over-saturated shots of the band's early performances in 80s Boston to clips from their successful reunion tour – they are interspersed meticulously throughout the narrative. From the live shows' punishing volume to the band's raw energy, the archival footage serves not to sugarcoat or revise the band's story, but rather to present it as it was, with all its Chaos and electricity.

The documentary allows an authentic glimpse into the personalities of the band members, Clint Conley, Roger Miller, and Peter Prescott. While they candidly discuss their artistic process, struggles, and triumphs – their humility, humor, and resilience further humanize the narrative and make it a compelling watch.

In addition to the band members' testimonial, what drives the honesty of the narrative are the interviews with other notable figures in the music industry who give an outsider's perspective on the band's story. The ensemble cast conducts themselves with passion and frankness, unafraid to both pay tribute and tell it like it was.

In conclusion, Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story offers a comprehensive, empathetic look into the life, dissolution, and surprising resurgence of the influential band, Mission of Burma. A must-watch for fans and music history enthusiasts.