Rock Docs: Supersonic (2016) - Reviewed





Manchester, so much to answer for. 

The breeding ground for such cult bands like The Smiths, Happy Mondays, The Verve, and The Stone Roses also gave us the melodic rock whine of Liam Gallagher, the masterful writing of Noel Gallagher, and a string of radio hits by a band that would burn out far too soon. Through a constant string of lineup changes and releases that were hampered by infighting and drama, Supersonic captures the meteoric success and ambition of Oasis, the build up to their biggest album, and the turns that would eventually cause their break up. 

The story of '90s alt rock legends Oasis finally gets some love with this new documentary Supersonic, a chronicle of the band's rise to fame and radical fall from the heights of superstardom. Perhaps known more for their brotherly antics, alcohol swilling braggadashery, ego ranting melodrama, and bloodied fist fights than for their music, Supersonic is a highlight reel of their sometimes near genius level songwriting and the mega self serving behavior that will probably keep them from ever trying a reunion. Oasis was just a moment in time. Despite releasing seven albums over the course of their career, only two were truly relevant. 

Supersonic covers Liam's jealousy of Noel's unbridled creativity, their strange and unbalanced relationship, and the passions that would ultimately tear them apart. Liam Gallagher comes off as an annoying twit, hell bent on self destruction and pissing off everyone around him. Noel poses as a self aware musical genius that wants nothing more than to create great songs, whether it involves his back-up band or not. Supersonic shines a light on all the inner workings of a band and how easily it can all fall apart. At one time, Oasis was the biggest band in the world and even compared their huge following to that of their most obvious influence, The Beatles. This documentary is an intelligent love note to their fans, their catchy melodies, the music they created, and their humble beginnings. 



Today is gonna be the day that I'm gonna lick the back of your head. 


Rock docs don't get much better than this. While it would have been cool to see the later era of the band after multiple lineup changes, this is a filmed time capsule leading up to their massive mainstream success and a steady dose of radio hits featured on (What's The Story) Morning Glory? If you're a music fan in general, this a a great watch. With a nearly two hour run time, the characters of Liam and Noel are totally fleshed out giving viewers a solid base for judging these guys and their musical intentions. Even if you weren't a fan of their albums, there's something here for everyone. This is a true rock and roll story full of drugs, booze, drama, tossing things out hotel windows, and roaring live performances. Mat Whitecross scores big with this film. 





Score


-CG