Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields

Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields is a 2010 film that delves intimately into the life and works of indie’s most esteemed maestro, Stephin Merritt. The unique film is directed by Kerthy Fix and Gail O'Hara and prominently features Laura Ballance, Carrie Brownstein, and Ethan Cohn, among others. It's a candid exploration of Merritt’s unique creative process and the influences behind his iconic artistry, cataloging the ups and downs of this esteemed band as never seen before.

Never a typical documentary, Strange Powers offers a unique blend of a chronicle, a musical journey, and an enlightening insight into the mind of an artist. It's a cinematic love letter to the songwriter and his band, following them for the span of a decade.

The documentary steps into the relatively untouched world of Stephin Merritt, the mastermind behind ’The Magnetic Fields’, a renowned indie-pop band with a distinctive song-crafting ability. Merritt is an enigma of sorts, a class apart and a music world unto himself — and this film expertly showcases that in its extended insight into his life and behind-the-scenes footage of his music making. Known for his lyricism and dense synthesis of various genres, Merritt remains one of the most influential musicians of recent decades— and here, his spirit, genius, and temperament serve as the beating heart of the documentary.

Throughout the film, the audiences are given a front-row seat to Merritt's wonderful world of words and music. His gift for witty and wry lyrics, his love for crafting intricate melodies, and his unique approach to making music, which challenges conventional definitions of pop music, all unfurl beautifully through this narratively rich documentary. Add to that the exclusive footage and interviews, and you have a remarkable diary-style chronicle that paints a humane portrait of this superlative artist.

The narrative tapes together performance clips, old home videos, animation sequences, and contemporary interviews. It draws a poignant and articulate portrait of an undeniable talent but also weaves the story of long-time friends and collaborators, Claudia Gonson and Sam Davol. Their bond, shared history, and contributions to The Magnetic Fields have a lot to do with the band’s success and distinctive soundscape, and the film beautifully showcases these dynamics, providing a glimpse into their camaraderie.

Added to this are the interviews and critiques from influential figures from the music industry and friends of the band. Indie music celebrities, like Laura Ballance and Carrie Brownstein, lend their voices to this documentary, supplementing the film with their perspectives. Their inclusion helps in adding depth and diversity to the perspectives about Merritt and his band.

Contributions from Ethan Cohn sift through Merritt’s enigmatic exterior, bringing forth an emotional facet to this seemingly distant figure. This is especially noticeable in his interaction with his fans – an aspect this film takes great care in detailing. It captures Merritt as he wrestles through interactions with adoring fans — as a man who struggles with public attention while also realizing the importance of these fans to his career.

Director Kerthy Fix, known for her eye for detail, along with Gail O'Hara, captures the eccentricities and contradictions, the humor, and the emotion that define Merritt and The Magnetic Fields. The film artfully explodes the dynamics of fame in the indie art scene, the creative process of band members and collaborators, and the multitude of experiences that craft the tapestry of a musical journey.

The film also touches upon Merritt's early life, his perception as a gay artist in the music industry, and his struggles with an ear disease that threatens his musical future, portraying him in a more sympathetic light.

'Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields' is, thus, more than just a documentary. It's a heartfelt nod to one of the most significant indie music artists of our times. Fans and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by the emotional depth of the narrative as they journey through a decade in the life of Merritt and his band.

For anyone seeking an intimate, immersive, and insightful look into the world of indie music, Strange Powers is an absolute must-watch. It allows you to appreciate the quirky and cryptic, yet profoundly moving world of The Magnetic Fields, offering a visual and audible treat that complements Merritt's compositions and is as enchantingly strange as his music.