The Struggles and Triumphs of an Artist

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MOVIE REVIEW
Roll Bus Roll: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): Ilya Popenko
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com

RAVING REVIEW: ROLL BUS ROLL: A JEFFREY LEWIS DOCUMENTARY, under the skilled direction of Ilya Popenko, offers a refreshing and engaging narrative that captures the life and artistry of Jeffrey Lewis, a standout figure in the anti-folk scene. This vibrant and insightful documentary delves into the essence of Lewis, who, as a native of New York City, skillfully fused melodic garage-punk with raw acoustic rhythms, carving a unique niche in the indie-folk world. I won’t lie; I think this is a film for Lewis’ fanbase; while I still enjoyed it, I felt out of my element and almost overwhelmed at times due to my lack of familiarity with him.

Set against New York's bustling music scene backdrop, the film looks into the throbbing heart of anti-folk, where Lewis emerged as a trailblazer. Seamlessly weaving together his musical voyage with his forays into comic book creation, ROLL BUS ROLL showcases his broad spectrum of artistic abilities. His comic series "Fuff" and contributions to platforms such as The History Channel and The New York Times underscore his artistic versatility.

The film highlights the intriguing contrast between Lewis' self-view and the perspectives of his fans and contemporaries. This element brings depth and nuance to the narrative, highlighting Lewis' modesty amid his many accomplishments. The exploration of his internal struggles, including mental health challenges, compared with his creative achievements, paints an authentic and human portrait of the artist.

Yet, there were opportunities for ROLL BUS ROLL to reach even greater heights. A more comprehensive investigation into the broader impact of the anti-folk movement on the music industry, featuring insights from music historians or industry specialists, would have enriched the film's context. Additionally, a deeper dive into who Lewis is and his importance to this movement would have made the film more accessible to those outside the know.

A strength of the film is its emotional resonance, touching on universal themes like the struggles of creativity and the balancing act between one's personal life and professional pursuits. (I felt this to the core; I review many films, often multiple ones daily, while working full-time; reviewing movies is a hobby. I spent the last three days, almost when I woke up, writing and screening 25+ films from Slamdance this year. I love it, but it can be draining.) Integrating insights from psychologists or art therapists could have added an enlightening dimension to these themes, deepening the film's overall impact.

ROLL BUS ROLL is a thoughtfully crafted documentary highlighting Lewis' contributions to music and art and portraying his journey intimately. While it effectively captures Lewis' influence in the anti-folk scene, the documentary opens avenues for further exploration. This film is an exceptional and highly recommended watch for those drawn to the crossroads of music, art, and the human experience.

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