Change Your Image
WilliBerg
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Nose (2021)
Pleasant look into the work of François Demachy at Dior
Not the most probing documentary, but a pleasant look into the work of François Demachy, perfumer at the fashion house of Dior. Delves into how perfume ingredients are found. Demachy was born and raised in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, and we see his love and expertise in making perfumes, as well as the workers and craftsmen who grow the raw materials. There's not any controversy or great look into perfume history, and we hear from a few random talking heads. But it is a pleasant enough insight into the world of perfume making.
Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017)
Mixed Bag Documentary - Wonderful Concert Footage
I saw this at the Sydney Film Festival where both showings for this documentary were sold out.
The documentary is a mixed bag. It is at times insightful, at times exploitative and sensationalist, and at other times thrilling to see Whitney performing in concert and seeing her backstage.
There are a few concert footage songs and they are amazing! Even Whitney singing in her hotel room is amazing. This is footage from her 1999 "My Love Is Your Love" tour, showing concert and backstage footage, and life on the road with some of her crew, including husband Bobby Brown and her best friend Robyn Crawford. This glimpse into her life is interesting and gives some rare insight.
The rest of the film is largely interviews with people who worked with Whitney, such as her bodyguard, hairdresser, and band members etc., and it is spliced with footage that Whitney fans most likely have already seen but others probably haven't.
The documentary wouldn't be much without the concert footage and it is lucky to have it. That is where we see and hear Whitney's music. The most interesting part is actually seeing Whitney. Other footage they could get of Whitney is from shows like MTV or the American Music Awards.
The talking head interviews are with people who knew Whitney and they provide their own opinions. They are ultimately their own opinions. It is up to the viewer to decide whether they believe them or not. But they did work with and know Whitney to some extent. Their opinions range from their thoughts on her husband Bobby, to her sexuality, to her family, and to drugs.
The cinema audience I was with applauded at the end.
The most I got out of it was the concert footage performances, what there was of it. It was fantastic to see and hear on the big screen. I could've watched 2 hours of that.
I do feel I have more of an idea of Whitney and her life as an artist and public figure after watching this.
Ultimately, though, what stays with you is the music. The performances. Whitney.