A documentary about the “Milli Vanilli”, controversy that seized the nostalgia Italian Disco Scene of the 1980s? Sign. Me. Up.
This was an audience that I could easily relate to. I enjoy music history and intrigue, as well as behind-the-scenes stories. It failed to impress. Disco Yawns is the better choice.
If I were a super-fan of Italian Disco, I might be able to find some redeeming qualities in this film, but I’m not sure if it’s the case.
It’s a simple premise. The premise is simple.
He grabs him and tells him he can live the life of rock stars.
Den Harrow, a super talented half-American / half Italian who wants to break into Europe’s pop music scene is the subject of a story concocted by the record producer. This is a totally unbelievable story that could have only happened in the pre-internet era, yet it was incredibly successful.
The songs were written and sung by an American singer/songwriter. The gorgeous Italian teenager lip-syncs and preens while on stage.
Record sales, ticket sales, women’s awe, and money start to flow. The singer-songwriter demands credit 30 years after the event and begins a public battle to get it.
This is the problem.
Tom Hooker is the voice and singer of Den Harrow. He was handsomely paid and enjoys a luxurious life in Las Vegas.
Stefano Zandri was paid handsomely as well and has pretty much given up on the entire thing. It is an unbalanced fight, and very few outside Italy are interested.
Tom Hooker is the man behind the documentary and he comes across as an unsympathetic person. Zandri may not be a lovable character, but the “controversy”, as it is called, is based on bitterness.
After all the years of adoration, I think the true victims are those who have had their hopes and dreams dashed. But even this is forced.
Nobody cares about the singers. The words and music are all they care about. Does anyone really think of the controversy that Milli Vanilli’s “Girl You Know it’s true” causes when played on the radio or TV?
Either you sing along, or switch the channel. If I had a lot of interest in music, this would be a movie I’d want to watch, but I still amn’t sure.
Hooker appears to be a bit paranoid and embittered. When YouTube detects his content because of copyright issues, he talks about conspiracy. He also suggests sabotage if there’s a glitch in a show involving him as the opener.
Tom Hooker, a famous photographer who sells under the moniker Thomas Barbey. He has had two very successful careers. It’s not enough. Especially when his career in photography is active and flourishing. Why would you fight a fight that is only one-sided with the star of the franchise. Why do we have to endure this sadistic behavior, which by the time it’s over is obvious that there was no purpose? Hooker is bitterly against Zandri’s olive branch when he appears to extend it.
This film has a solid technical foundation. This film has a great look, combining gritty footage from the 80s with production values of a documentary on a lower budget. If you like 80s music, you will enjoy this part.
Filmmakers had full access to everyone involved and some of their archival material really captured the glory of 1980’s, including the terrible styles, feathered-hair, as well as the genderless looks of stars. This is the only saving grace to this otherwise uninteresting, unsympathetic subject.
This documentary will make you nostalgic for the 1980’s if you are an Italo Disco lover.