Legendary British band and Britpop pioneers Blur have been the subject of many documentaries in their illustrious career, so to find a fresh and absorbing angle for the band’s recent reunion is no easy task. Documenting the reunion and the recording of a new album, some warm-up gigs on the road for the first time in years and all leading up to the biggest show of their career taking place at Wembley Stadium, ‘Blur: To the End’ is a masterpiece of a music documentary that captures true genius in its rawest and most emotional form.
Starting off in Devon and the band joining up with one another after years being apart, ‘Blur: To the End’ begins with some wonderful footage of the band members – lead singer and music icon Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon on guitar, bass player Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree – getting together and rekindling that unmistakable Blur magic.
Director Toby L’s approach to this documentary is both heartfelt and vibrant. Allowing the emotional part of this journey to take the wheel, ‘Blur: To the End’ is fundamentally a story about decades-long friendship, and how revisiting such strong bonds can conjure up new magic. Each of the band members have all gone onto big things in their own right, but having such an iconic band reunite and getting to see that process is where Toby L’s film really sets itself apart from the countless other documentaries out there on Blur.
Check out our interview with Toby L. the director of ‘Blur: To the End'
The film interjects the rehearsal footage with fascinating, hand-held interviews with everyone, giving the film a guerrilla-style that rightfully distances itself from the polished and overly produced style of most contemporary music documentaries made today… a conscious effort on the part of the band and the filmmakers to make ‘Blur: To the End’ feel more intimate and relevant.
The band’s journey during this period of their success is wonderful to see play out, with old dynamics resurfacing and familiar patterns emerging. But this isn’t a band just playing up to past glories. The release of a new album has invigorated the collective – none more so than Damon Albarn who is clearly a musician who loves his craft… where music is woven into every single fibre of his being. Graham Coxon’s personality shines through in the documentary, as does Dave Rowntree, who has to deal with an unexpected injury just prior to the biggest night of the band’s career. Alex James is still a hilarious soul as he takes a break from making cheese to instead make history with his bandmates.
‘Blur: To the End’ is shot beautifully throughout. The warm-up gigs build up the anticipation to the Wembley Stadium show in a really engaging way. We, the audience, can see the evolution of the band through their regional gigs, and how they each grow in confidence too. The Newcastle gig, especially, is shot in a frenetic and energising way, with some remarkable footage captured that really places the viewer into the mosh pit of a gig. The film also uses music very well. This isn’t just a string of memorable hits being played out, it’s been carefully curated and held back throughout, creating a much more satisfying experience and narratively-speaking, delivers a far more euphoric finale.
Deeply involving, and an emotional ride that lingers long in the soul, ‘Blur: To the End’ is a must-see study into the dynamics of a band, delivering a telling glimpse into the current journey of Blur and to the legacy of their music. The concert footage is exhilarating, the quieter moments are poignant and real, the comedy is organic and hilarious, and the music… well, the music is timeless and witnessing it performed at Wembley Stadium was something truly special. Toby L has done a remarkable job charting this journey for the band, and has delivered a pivotal and important piece of the band’s history. It’s one that die-hard fans of Blur will easily love, but also anyone with even a passing interest in proper music and real human connection. ‘Blur: To the End’ is an unmissable treat that you must check out.
Cast: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree Director: Toby L. Certificate: 15 Duration: 104 mins Released by: Altitude Release date: 19th July 2024
