GREGGLES ON FILM

Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

 86 min  -  Documentary - Dir Malik Bendjelloul

Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Donovan, Sixto Rodriguez, Simon and Garfunkel.

One of these peeps is doing their own thing, one of these acts is not quite the same.

Of these 60's/70's folk singers with a 'message', one stands out.

Yes, I know Baez is the only woman, but no, closet sexists among us.

Step forward Sixto Rodriguez, forgotten star of the folk legends hall of fame.

Forgotten may even be too kind a word. Unknown is closer to the truth.

Except in South Africa, that is...

In late 60's Detroit, Rodriguez was spotted playing and singing in a bar, with his back to the audience.

This documentary sets out to discover the truth about what really happened to Rodriguez. Most people knew one thing-that he killed himself onstage. Doused himself in petrol and lit himself up. No. Finished his set, pulled out a gun and blew his brains out. No? There is quite some mystery surrounding the exact circumstances of his death, so much so, that you couldn't find a single witness who actually saw it happen. 

This is a twisty-turny affair, and one of those jaw-dropping documentaries that will serve to inform and surprise in equal measure. 

Of upmost importance of course is the music. And Rodriguez was bloody good. A large selection of his 2 and a bit albums is represented here, and every track is eminently hummable at the very least. Some you might say are on a par with the contemporaries listed at the top. 

As well as good tunes and a cracking TRUE story, there is some wonderful footage of the man himself to enjoy, giving a flavour of the natural 'real deal' talent of Rodriguez. 

Do yourself a favour, watch this film with absolutely as little info on its subject as possible, as I did. You will be rewarded tenfold in terms of mouth gapery twists and 'telling' tales.

Rating:

 4 Fassbenders out of 5