Photo credit: movieweb.com

Pavements: A Unique Look at Indie Rock’s Resilience

Viewers can now delve into the world of the iconic indie rock band Pavement through the lens of Alex Ross Perry’s quasi-documentary, ‘Pavements.’ This film, set to have its US theatrical premiere at Film Forum on Friday, May 2, explores a band that significantly influenced the music scene.

Hailing from Stockton, California, the group emerged in the 1990s, fronted by the enigmatic singer-songwriter Stephen Malkmus. They garnered a dedicated fan base with beloved tracks like “Here,” “Cut Your Hair,” and “Stereo.” Additionally, their B-side hit, “Harness Your Hopes,” became an unexpected viral sensation. After an impactful journey, Pavement disbanded in 1999, only to delight fans with a reunion tour in 2022.

In ‘Pavements,’ director Alex Ross Perry, known for his work on ‘Listen Up Philip,’ teams up with producer and editor Robert Greene, who has credits like ‘Bisbee ’17.’ Together, they craft a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The film features the rejuvenated band alongside scenes from rehearsals for a stage musical titled ‘Slanted! Enchanted!,’ which includes performances by Kathryn Gallagher from ‘Jagged Little Pill’ and Michael Esper of ‘American Idiot.’ Additionally, the documentary showcases readings for a biopic called ‘Range Life,’ where Joe Keery from ‘Stranger Things’ takes on the role of Malkmus. It also highlights a pop-up museum exhibition in Tribeca, further illustrating the band’s cultural impact.

Unlike traditional rock documentaries that often linger on formulaic tropes, ‘Pavements’ offers a fresh perspective, celebrating the band’s legacy and their notable sound, often described as “finest gold soundz.” The intertwining of various creative projects surrounding the band presents a multifaceted portrait of not just Pavement, but the enduring nature of indie rock itself.

Source
movieweb.com