Modern Film Fanatic

Synopsis:
Director Alek Keshishian documents Madonna’s grueling Blonde Ambition tour.

• Documentary
• Musicians
• Rock ‘n Roll

Review:
This behind-the-scenes documentary about the world’s most reinvented pop music star is primarily notorious for its depiction of Madonna’s no-holds-barred attitude towards sex — most notably, her infamous “bottle blow job” (see still below). Viewed sixteen years later, the film’s depiction of “sex” (there is none) seems decidedly tame, yet the documentary itself remains a welcome snapshot of Madonna at the peak of her power: she’s muscular, beautiful, domineering, driven, spiritual, and nurturing, and — while not exactly likable (she’s undeniably a Diva in her petulant demands and complaints) — it’s difficult not to admire the relentless energy and artistic ambition which brought her her fame and fortune.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be one of the most popular icons in the world — someone who struggles to think of a celebrity she hasn’t yet met — look no further: Madonna allows filmmaker Alex Keshishian unprecedented access to the minutiae of her life, both with and without makeup, in and out of bed, on and off stage. She’s not afraid to let us see her clear distaste for Kevin Costner (who refers to her show as “neat” — she turns around and gags), or to admit her enormous crush on Antonio Banderas (she’s distressed to learn he’s already married). With that said, as noted by Hal Hinson of the Washington Post (see review link below), “what we [ultimately] get is the mask beneath the mask”, with Madonna’s calculated voice-over (it should have been left out) ironically distancing us from what we’re seeing. Even as we watch Madonna visiting her mother’s grave, naming ex-husband Sean Penn as her one true love, or acting righteous over Toronto’s threat to throw her in jail for indecency, we get the sense she’s performing; indeed, how could it be otherwise?

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• A fascinating portrayal of Madonna’s behind-the-scenes management
  
• An eye-opening glimpse at the rigors of non-stop touring
  
• Enjoyable snippets from her live performances
  
• The infamous “bottle scene”
  

Why is This a Must See Film?

• Controversial Film
• Cultural Window

Links:

• IMDb entry
• MRQE (Movie Review Query Engine)
• NY Times Original Review
• Roger Ebert’s Review
• Washington Post Review (Desson Howe)
• Washington Post Review (Hal Hinson)
• Time Out Capsule Review