A documentary on the rock band The Velvet Underground - Lou Reed, John Cale (later replaced by Doug Yule), Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker. We see the backgrounds of the members, their history and, through interviews with contemporaries, influence.
As an admirer of The Velvet Underground's music and its influence on later bands (e.g. REM) I eagerly watched this. From the start, however, this is not an easy documentary to get through.
Director Todd Haynes makes the delivery as jarring as possible, apt considering VU's music but a bit disconcerting and limiting in terms of engagement. There are some stretches where we get smooth sailing but for the most part it's not a very engaging experience.
In addition the documentary seems to dwell on certain aspects and time periods and then speed through others, missing details. Not the most ideal pacing.
Overall it's still watchable and gives a decent view of VU's history and influence but could have been better.
As an admirer of The Velvet Underground's music and its influence on later bands (e.g. REM) I eagerly watched this. From the start, however, this is not an easy documentary to get through.
Director Todd Haynes makes the delivery as jarring as possible, apt considering VU's music but a bit disconcerting and limiting in terms of engagement. There are some stretches where we get smooth sailing but for the most part it's not a very engaging experience.
In addition the documentary seems to dwell on certain aspects and time periods and then speed through others, missing details. Not the most ideal pacing.
Overall it's still watchable and gives a decent view of VU's history and influence but could have been better.