Interpretation of The Themes and Issues Raised in The a Review of Twenty Feet from Stardom

Introduction to Documentaries

Documentaries play a crucial role in the film industry as they have the unique ability to tell real stories. Filmmakers create documentaries for various reasons, and these reasons often define the form of the documentary. In the categorical form, the filmmaker aims to convey a significant amount of information, organizing it in a way that is easier for the viewer to comprehend. In the rhetorical form, the filmmaker seeks to persuade the viewer to adopt a particular viewpoint.

Interpretation of the Themes and Issues Raised in a Review of Twenty Feet from Stardom

For instance, in the documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom, the primary objective was to persuade the audience of the crucial role played by backup singers in the music industry. This persuasion is not presented as a direct argument; instead, it is subtly implied through the personal stories shared by the artists themselves. While these singers may appear to be merely supporting the "star," they actually bring a unique light to the stage with their voices, style, and emotion. The film highlights that many of these artists are stars in their own right, as evidenced by the emphasis on their vocal abilities and stage presence. This is supported by interviews with major musicians, such as Bon Jovi, Sting, and Stevie Wonder, who lend credibility to the message that backup singers are far more than just the background.

The documentary employs a variety of storytelling techniques, focusing on multiple artists and ensuring no single artist dominates the narrative for too long. This approach allows the viewer to appreciate the diverse talents and experiences of each singer. The film begins by introducing us to each artist individually, providing insight into their entry into the music industry. It then delves into their peak achievements and the struggles they faced, such as having to work as cleaning ladies to make ends meet, before they receded into the background once more. The singers featured in this film transformed the role of backup singers from simply providing "oohs" and "aahs" to singing the hooks of major songs and significantly altering the sound of renowned musicians' works.

Conclusion

Through Twenty Feet from Stardom, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the invaluable contribution that backup singers make to the music industry. The documentary effectively uses personal stories and testimonials from well-known musicians to elevate the status of backup singers, challenging the traditional view of their role and showcasing their undeniable talent and influence.

References

• Nevins, M. (Producer), & Neville, M. (Director). (2013). Twenty Feet from Stardom [Documentary]. USA: Tremolo Productions.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Modern Language Association. (2021). MLA handbook (9th ed.). New York, NY: The Modern Language Association of America.