Although I’ve been trying to refrain from reviewing films I’ve already watched multiple times, sometimes I simply can’t help myself, especially if it’s fresh in my mind.
One of my all-time-favourite documentaries comes in the form of “Searching for the Sugar Man” – a film following the mysterious life of Sixto Rodriguez and, unbeknownst to him, his nationwide popularity across South Africa.
I think, outside of the incredible soundtrack, what makes this film so good is the way through which Malik Bendjelloul tackles the art of documentary.
We’re not given all the answers straight away. The film is paced in a way, that it’s a recreation of the journey Sugar and Craig underwent back in the 90’s, as they attempted to explore the complexities of Rodriguez’ life.
It’s this authenticity that makes “Searching for the Sugar Man” such an interesting watch. Between consistent cuts to stylized Super 8 Film, Sugar’s journey through his old Vinyl shop, the film is consistently reinforcing the genuine nature of it’s creation and it’s events – something that doesn’t always come across as neatly when it comes to documentaries.
This is furthered by the soundtrack of the film, which is obviously the discography of Rodriguez. Not only does this again lift the authenticity of the peice, however it also places the viewer right there alongside Sugar and Craig – consistently developing and creating the mystery of the artist, and the extreme influence his music had on Africa within the 90’s.
Sidetracking a little bit, but even if you don’t watch the film, it’s worth giving Rodriguez’ discography a listen. It’s got this exceptional late 90’s, fuck consumerism, uptempo acoustic vibe that makes for an excellent critique on Western society.
Back to the film, with this authenticity comes the audiences relationship with Rodriguez, and the way through which the film builds this emotional connection. It’s almost heartwarming, with the film peeling away it’s many different layers at just the right times to keep the pacing fresh, the watcher engaged and dissecting the mystery of Rodriguez in a bittersweet kind of way.
The cinematography further reinforces this chapter-like creation of the film, with clever editing and camera techniques being used to push us along the journey of the two.
Overall, I think “Searching for the Sugar Man” is a phenomenal film. It’s a documentary that should be viewed as a piece of artistry – with it’s careful construction and storyboarding being key to its success. Anyone can sit down and interview someone, but it takes an artist to turn 8 hours of bland studio footage into something as captivating as this.
