Having a documentary of one of the greatest bands of the last two decades directed by one of the most distinctive and talented film makers of the same period would seem to be a gift to music and film lovers around the world. But it’s not. Pearl Jam Twenty directed by Jerry MacGuire’s Cameron Crowe is an often fascinating and enjoyable look at one of the Grunge scene’s most enduring creative rock bands...but it’s oddly lacking something. Much of the early history of the band is captured in engrossing detail (it’s amazing how much home video footage there was of the band in the early 90;s). But when Pearl Jam’s later career is referenced, important information is tantalising mentioned with the conclusion of the situation ignored. Frustratingly it’s a cock tease with plenty of unresolved drama like the band bordering on splitting in the early noughties...but with no soul searching, pondering or answers as to what made them decide to stay the course and stick together.
Of course, information and drama be damned at the end of the day. This is Pearl Jam we’re talking about and the music, ranging from pre-formation Temple Of The Dog tracks to classics of the present day, is utterly stunning, and we thankfully learn a little bit about the genesis of some of their biggest hits.
A mixed bag then, made better by the music of it’s subject matter.
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