Phil Collins - Classic Albums: Face Value

Phil Collins - Classic Albums: Face Value is an engaging, insightful film that offers a unique glimpse into the creation and impact of Phil Collins's debut solo album, "Face Value." Released in 1981, this album zigzagged modern music, broadening Collins’ popularity beyond his genesis fans. For many, this album not only solidified Collins's reputation as a gifted singer and songwriter but also defined the sound and style of the 1980s. The film creates a space for viewers to dive into the behind-the-scenes moments, the emotions, technicality, hard work, and creative insight that went into creating this iconic album.

In this movie, Phil Collins takes center stage as the film's key persona, providing a verbal walkthrough of the album production. He doesn’t hesitate to delve deep into the album's conception, sharing personal stories and precious insights that will please both casual listeners and devoted fans.

Phil Collins - Classic Albums: Face Value is nostalgia-inducing yet informative. Its framework revolves around an intimate set of interviews with Collins, where he comprehensively dissects the work that went behind each track. The film incorporates original recording tapes, offering viewers an authentic experience - a sneak peek into Collins's creation process, recording setup, and experimental sound techniques.

Directly from Collins, viewers learn about the context in which the songs were written and what each lyric might mean. One significant element is the exploration of Collins's raw emotion and life experiences, particularly his divorce, that heavily influenced the creation of "Face Value". It's this candid revelation and self-reflection that make the film a beautiful portrait not just of an album but also of an artist wrestling with personal demons.

The movie magically captures key moments, like the conception and the final production stages of the album’s biggest hit "In the Air Tonight". Fans get to witness how this chart-topper transitioned from chord progressions to final production. For a song that's often shrouded in urban myth and mystery about its dark, enigmatic lyrics, Phil's commentary is a rare treat.

In addition, what makes Phil Collins - Classic Albums: Face Value incredibly enriching are the significant contributions from the supporting cast of musicians, collaborators, producers, and music critics, each offering their personal insight and commentary on the album’s production. Their commentaries give a varied perspective on the influential album and its impact, creating a comprehensive picture of the project.

The movie spotlights the key innovative techniques used during the production that made this album stand apart. It emphasizes Collins's pioneering use of the Roland 808 drum machine and studio mixing techniques that gave the album its extraordinary sound quality, which still holds up today.

Visually, the movie is punctuated with sequences from Collins's early-1980s performances and relevant archival footages, which add depth and texture without distracting from the main narrative. It stitches together these elements seamlessly, painting a vivid picture of the music scene when "Face Value" was released.

The film also explores how the album influenced popular music culture, not only in the UK and the US but around the world, marking the arrival of Phil Collins as a global icon. However, the movie doesn’t shy away from discussing the criticism Collins garnered for his departure from the progressive rock sound that Genesis was known for, into a softer rock territory. It even explores how this album set a new path for Collins’s eventual commercial domination in the 80s.

In conclusion, Phil Collins - Classic Albums: Face Value is a music documentary that offers a unique dissection of the album’s creation and legacy. Whether you're a die-hard Phil Collins fan or a music aficionado interested in what goes behind the making of a classic album, this movie provides an enriching experience. It’s a captivating journey that lures viewers into the grueling, gratifying process of creating an album while celebrating the artistry and influence of Phil Collins. Expect a blend of personal revelation, music history, and a lesson on innovation and courage in the face of personal adversity, all packed in this inspiring narrative.