REVIEW: MARLEY AT EXETER PICTUREHOUSE
Running at nearly two and a half hours long, this documentary by the Oscar-winning Kevin Macdonald paints a remarkable picture of the legendary Bob Marley.
As well as the musical path of the great man, Marley covers many other angles: the background of Jamaican music that began with ska, Jamaica’s politics, the poverty in which Bob was raised, his family and of course, his many affairs. The slection of footage is impressive, and every care seems to have been taken to restore and revamp old clips and photographs.
There’s plenty of music too, starting with Bob’s ska records from the ‘60s, right until the end, with some fantastic live concert footage and many interviews with Marley himself. Marley is also a well informed documentary, featuring the most important people in Bob’s life (who are still alive), including Bunny Wailer, Rita Marley, Lee Scratch Perry, his old friends and even his primary school teacher!
And although it tackles many varying themes and stories, Marley flows beautifully with a strong narrative. Marley will appeal to anyone with even the remotest interest in music, as well as Marley fans.
Marley is showing at Exeter Picturehouse 3 times a day, up to and including Thursday May 3rd.
www.picturehouses.co.uk
Words: Arash Torabi
