Film Review

'Marley' offers a detailed, entertaining and informative insight into the Reggae superstar's incredible rise to the top

It would not be too much of an exaggeration to say that finding someone unaware of the name 'Bob Marley' would be a difficult challenge such is the global adulation and resonance of the Jamaican icon. The man behind an endless catalogue of powerful, upbeat reggae classics; 'No Woman, No Cry', 'Buffalo Soldier' and 'Redemption Song' just to mention a few, has now been immortalised on the silver screen with the docu-film Marley's release this week. 

Scottish director Kevin MacDonald who previously has had acclaimed success with Oscar winning picture 'The Last King of Scotland' was chosen as the man responsible to bring Marley's story to life and the finished product does not disappoint. 

Many people almost feel as if they know Bob personally such is is his powerful influence across the globe yet this film is different, it takes us further into the man himself, behind the music.

There have been numerous biographical documentaries made surrounding Marley's life but none  re-create the man in such a colourful, detailed fashion as this. It is well documented that Marley himself was a very shy, pensive man of whom there was very little footage of off the stage and it is credit to MacDonald that he compensates this with exclusive access to those who were closest to Bob, something which elevates the film above its rivals.  

You would be hard pushed to find a more informative and detailed memoir of Bob's life and with the film having a 2hr 25mins running time those true reggae fans will be spoilt by a truly inspiring film, leaving absolutely no stone unturned. It begins at an old fortress on the Gold Coast of Ghana, West Africa, the spiritual home of Marley's family and heritage. There stands a grand old opening known as the 'door of no return' in which the Africans would be led out of as they were about to be transported to the Caribbean as slaves. It is a powerful, poignant scene that sets the underlying tone of the film which MacDonald seems keen to stress; Marley's ostracism. As the movie progresses we  learn more of Bob's family life; born to a 16 year old black mother fathered by a 65 year old white man and how it had a huge effect on his music and life. His father, Norval Marley, was an elusive figure who was never there for Bob and later on in life actually ashamedly rejected  his son's attempt to get in touch. 

Growing up in the rough slums of Nine Mile and Trenchtown, Bob experienced persecution and ridicule due to being mixed race, he was seen as an outsider and you can see from what those around him were saying that it was his driving force in life. It was what led to his aspiration and vociferous passion in uniting all nations and races under 'One Love'. Having felt rejection at the hands of his father and the society he was born into he turned to his guitar to channel his feelings and truly express the natural music talent he clearly possessed from a young age. 

There is a incredibly saddening scene towards the end in which we learn of the day Bob lost his dreadlocks as a result of his chemotherapy treatment. Seeing such an icon lose his identity, the representation of his interior and spiritual self  is a powerful, melancholic experience and you can only empathise. He knew that he was going to pass away with the world still at odds, something he had passionately strived his whole life in preventing.  

Overall the film is a fantastically informative, enjoyable and vibrant tribute to the man who has and continues to bring so much joy to millions. The exceptional photography showing Jamaica's landscapes and wildlife mixed with Marley's music really bring the film to life and retain the interest despite the format being restricted to a sequence of talking heads. Talking heads does not do the film anywhere near the credit due however as there are some brilliant speakers ranging from the usually camera shy band-mate 'Bunny Wailer' to his long suffering wife Rita and the man who started it all for Bob; Lee Scratch Perry plus many more who knew the man best. For any fan of music the film is a treat and really encapsulates the spirit and force the man possessed with a huge mix of emotions.  

We hear of riveting anecdotes from Bob's band mates and discover what touring with the man himself was like. How he survived an assassination attempt only to perform the next day, how he fathered an unbelievable 11 children to 7 different mothers and just what made him such a musical genius. The film is emotional, heartfelt and powerful and MacDonald has done a great job in telling his story whilst retaining the raw Carribbean passion and spirit. The rise from the outcast child living in poverty in Trenchtown to the global icon with an influence akin to Che Guevara is a story that needed to be told and told by those closest to Marley and MacDonald has produced an exceptional piece that should appeal to all those who love music and even those who don't such is the power of the man's message. 

*****

Marley is out for general release in selected cinemas April 20^th 2012