The film "The Call: A Tribute to Michael Been" is a moving, thoroughly engaging homage to the life and musical legacy of Michael Been, the lead vocals of the influential American rock band, "The Call". At its core, the film is a graced -almost beatific- tribute packaged as a documentary. It renders his life, work, and influence with remarkable balance by intertwining his past, the formation and career of "The Call", and the aftermath following Michael's sudden passing.

While the film reaches out to the numerous fans of Michael Been and "The Call", it also aspires to introduce new audiences to his music. It illustrates how his powerful lyrics and atmospheric tunes have impacted the rock music scene since the '80s, through interviews, archival footage, and the band's own performances.

Michael Been, born on March 17, 1950, was a rock musician who synergised honest, vulnerable lyrics with soaring rock anthems to create a distinct, profoundly personal body of work. Been served as the main songwriter, was the backbone of "The Call," and the film effortlessly uncovers his remarkable journey in music. Many are likely to recognize their biggest Ohits, including "The Walls Came Down", "I Still Believe" and "Let the Day Begin".

"The Call: A Tribute to Michael Been" manages to authenticate Been's contributions to rock music's sonic landscape, while recounting personal narratives of his life and career. Interviews with Been's contemporaries, band members, family, and dedicated fans showcase the profound impact of his life and music, presenting an intimate profile of the rock star unlike any other. These individual voices coalesce to paint a vivid picture, detailing how Been's talent radiated through touching honesty in his lyrics, passion in performances, and relentless commitment to his craft.

The film also explores the lore surrounding the band "The Call," known for explosive performances and soul-searching lyrics. From their humble beginnings to playing sold-out gigs, we gain insights into the band's rise to prominence in the 1980s and the trials they encountered. One of the most iconic segments of the film is the recreation of the band's legendary 1986 live TV broadcast on Rockpalast.

Beyond being a career retrospective, the movie also tastefully addresses the tragic loss of Been in 2010 and the reverberations it produced. It deftly shares the band's journey as they regrouped to continue the musical legacy left by Michael Been. Special attention is paid to Robert Levon Been, Michael's son, who steps in as the frontman rekindling the legacy his father left behind.

"The Call: A Tribute to Michael Been," employs rare home videos, candid photographs, and intimate interviews to reveal the behind-the-scenes life of Been. This combination provides viewers a dual lens to appreciate his musical prowess that captured the hearts of millions while also offering insights into the vibrantly passionate individual behind the stage's spotlights. It reveals the identity of Been as a man who was not only a music-maker but also a seeker, a philosopher, and a poet.

The film's tight editing and pacing ensure no dull moment while maintaining the emotional gravitas required to handle such musical giants' life. Several cinematic sequences in the movie strike a chord, capturing the timeless appeal of Been's honest lyricism and universal themes that continue to resonate even today.

Overall, "The Call: A Tribute to Michael Been," is an insightful and tender ode to a man whose life reverberated with the same passion he vested in his music. It's a testament to the unforgettable legacy of an artist of unparalleled intensity and sincerity. Whether you're an old fan of "The Call" or a newcomer intrigued by Been's genre-defining work, this film offers an enriching, heartfelt experience. It serves not only as a profound remembrance for those who admired his music but also an inviting gateway for those yet to discover the profound magic that was Michael Been and "The Call". The film reminds us that good music, like the spirit of its creators, remains timeless, echoing in popular culture and touching the lives of the listeners, long after it's been created.