One thing that becomes clear having watched this account of brit pop band Blur’s career is that contrary to what people might think they have had much more of a
rollercoaster ride of emotions, ups and downs, and dramas than their famous mid-nineties rivals Oasis ever had. You can question the strange decision for the four
essex based lads to reform last summer, however this film and retrospective is certainly well timed.
Starting with the preparation for the comeback shows, the documentary jumps back and forward in time presenting us with new footage of a wild and colourful youth,
leading into the boom of Britpop and the more experimental phase later on. The images are nicely captured and merged in dramatic effect with the sound. The band
all provide talking heads and all give very good, brutally honest insight with some vivid stories along the way. Each album and musical era are well chronicled with real depth.
Graham Coxon is the real revelation the most shy, brooding of the bunch and a man whose alcoholism almost bought everything to an end, both for the band and himself
(If we are to believe everything he tells us) not only talks honestly, but also has a brilliant way of cutting right to the heart of the matter and exposing himself and others
at times as total shams. More importantly Coxon comes across a very charming down to earth guy. Singer Damon Alburn on the other hand becomes a little over bearing far
too often going off into dramatic speeches like some great leader, seemingly doing his best to overshadow the other band members and the film.
I guess the main problem with NDLTR is that it tackles a little too much, and so some strands drag, others seem a little unfulfilled and on occasion it does become a little
blurry bogged down by its weight. Overall it’s an accomplished piece of art and cinema With great humour that leaves you on an emotionally high by the end. A must whether
you are a fan of the band or not.
Directors: Will Lovelace & Dylan Southern
Cast: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James & Dave Rowntree
Runtime: 104 min
Country: UK
Rating: 
