Standing in the Shadows of Motown

USA 2002, 108 minutes
Dir. Paul Justman
Rating: [G]
Genres: Music, Documentary / R&B/Hip-hop

Aroview: A treat for soul-music lovers, this uncovers the hidden history of Motown's seminal, wildly successful and yet almost completely unknown backing band - The Funk Brothers.

Providing the musical groove on the hits of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations et al, a dozen or so players created a catchy, funky pop sound that is instantly identifiable, yet most have received almost no credit in their lifetimes. Seeking to address this injustice with numerous interviews and historical photographs, this highly energetic documentary also features a live concert with the remaining band backing contemporary stars like Ben Harper, Me'shell NdegeOcello, Joan Osborne, Chaka Khan and Bootsy Collins.

Perhaps too wildly celebratory in its tone, one also regrets the lack of a wider range of interviewees (Motown-founder Berry Gordy himself comes to mind). However, a rousing piece of popular musical history overall.

NZ International Film Festival 2003