Amy (2015)

Posted on January 8, 2016 by emmakwall

I was eager to watch Amy, the 2015 documentary film portraying the rise and fall of Amy Winehouse, but I had no idea just how much it would get in my head. I watched it on Sunday and it’s still playing on my mind five days later.

The film, directed by Asif Kapadia, is totally made up from archive footage and I’ll be honest, when it started I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the format. There is no narrator or host and I like to be very sure about what I’m watching. But within minutes I was hooked – and slightly in love. Plus there are almost continual interviews with friends and family played over the video material, which does give the story its direction.

Amy (2015) – a documentary film review

amy

I’d say I was mainly indifferent to Amy Winehouse before her death. I certainly didn’t dislike her music but neither did I buy it. Like a lot of people I just thought of her as a talented and popular singer with a retro beehive. She looked like a laugh but was also a mess. A little controversial and continually in the press. Genuinely – I did not mean to make that rhyme.

But aside from the documentary being shocking, what I took from it was just how talented and basically amazing she was. It made me feel genuinely sad that I’d not followed her music more before she died. I certainly never realised what a gifted musician she was, playing the guitar and writing her own songs – which were all biographical and full of heart and soul.

She was into jazz from an early age and her earlier music (before Mark Ronson stuck his trumpet in) was so bluesy and gorgeous. Watching her sing at eighteen years old it was hard to believe she would be dead within the decade.

Of course the crazy times are pretty crazy and without sounding heartless, make for some compelling viewing. Amy was a drug addict, an alcoholic and she suffered from bulimia. She was often depressed, sometimes violent and she clearly had, I’m not saying a bad childhood exactly but perhaps not the most stable and nourishing either.

Her father Mitch actually opposed the release of Amy saying he was ‘portrayed in a bad way’ but interestingly no opinions are ever expressed and considering the entire film is made up from archive footage, the only person who could be accused of portraying him badly would be himself. 

But most people have a cross to bear. And how many of us could blame our parents? Amy’s mum and dad are somewhat of a mystery but they can’t take the entire blame for her downfall. You could tell she was going to be a loose cannon. In the earliest footage she was feisty and funny, a fan of smoking weed and getting drunk. I think certain people just have something in them and fame exacerbates it – whatever ‘it’ may be. For Amy it was made even harder because the press wouldn’t leave her alone, even at most vulnerable. 

But for every shock clip containing bloody feet (where she had injected heroin into her toes) missing teeth or bizarre behaviour – there are ten more that define her beauty, talent and spark.

I’m not even sure why exactly, but Amy had such an effect on me. I felt like she was my friend or could have been my friend. Her kindness, insecurity and wit were evident and I guess the bottom line is that I just liked her. 

amyw

Amy is premiering tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm. Watch it, Tivo it or record it onto VHS tape (I honestly have a friend who still does that) but do not miss.

About emmakwall

Films, books, soundtracks, good humour
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62 Responses to Amy (2015)

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  1. Mel says:
    January 9, 2016 at 01:57

    Best thing I’ve read in a long time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. That Other Critic says:
    January 8, 2016 at 20:18

    You seriously know someone who still uses a VCR as a recorder? I’m not sure I could even remember how to do that! Plus, I think my VCR is in storage… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Natasha says:
    January 8, 2016 at 20:06

    Great review Emma! Sounds thought-provoking and really good.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. alexraphael says:
    January 8, 2016 at 18:44

    I loved Senna and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Amy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Jessica @ Like Bears to Honey says:
    January 8, 2016 at 18:22

    What a great review! I am probably in a similar boat with you, I have always been a little ambivalent towards Amy Winehouse, but I’ve heard so many good things about this documentary!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • emmakwall says:
      January 11, 2016 at 10:50

      Thanks so much Jessica!!! 🙂

      It’s well worth watching and even if you’re not a super fan, as it’s very interesting for anyone really. I guarantee you’d enjoy it 🙂

      Like

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  6. By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff says:
    January 8, 2016 at 18:15

    Great review Emma! Such a tragic story. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Haylee says:
    January 8, 2016 at 17:39

    I’m glad you said it had such an effect on you as it did me too. I was a fan of her voice and owned her music but I wasn’t a super fan and didn’t really know much about her when she died, other than how she was portrayed in the press.
    This film changed that and it just made me feel so, so sorry for her. Some events were to blame that led her down a tragic path but as you say, some people are more susceptible to to their demons.
    I’d watched it fairly soon after watching the Kurt Cobain documentary and I honestly felt bereft after both.
    Amazing film though, worthy of the BAFTA nomination it’s received. And great review 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • emmakwall says:
      January 11, 2016 at 10:55

      Thanks Haylee 🙂 thanks for reading. I’m so glad you felt the same too, I felt like I was in a bit of an ‘Amy bubble’ for a few days there. The weird thing is, I swear I heard her songs more or saw images of her around all the time. Must have just been synchronicity 🙂

      I felt so sorry for her too, she was so nice as well. I know she was mouthy and a bit violent but I just think you could tell she had a good heart.

      I must watch that Kurt Cobain doc, have heard good things! Did you review it at all?

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Haylee says:
        January 11, 2016 at 14:27

        Didn’t review it, don’t feel I would have given it justice, especially as I was never a fan. But perhaps that’s why I found it so interesting – viewing from a completely unbiased position 🙂

        Like

        Reply
  8. vinnieh says:
    January 8, 2016 at 16:28

    Excellent review, I’m interested in seeing this film. It was so sad when she died, so much talent and yet so troubled of soul.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. beetleypete says:
    January 8, 2016 at 16:24

    Good to hear your thoughts, Em. I got this on DVD for Christmas, so was surprised to see it on TV tonight already. I might watch the DVD rather than the TV though, as the adverts will break it up. Unlike you, I was a huge fan of Amy Winehouse from the first time I heard and saw her. I have written a fair bit about her and her music on my blog. Also, living in Camden Town, close to where she lived and hung out, we often saw her out in the streets, so sadly also watched the downward spiral happening.
    Great stuff!
    Best wishes, Pete. x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • emmakwall says:
      January 11, 2016 at 16:42

      Have you watched it yet Pete? I think it’s just because it was a Film4 production and a doc that they showed it so early on TV but DEFINITELY one to have on DVD in any case.

      I’ll have to look up some of the posts you’ve written about her 🙂 she certainly was quite amazing. I didn’t realise you used to live in Camden, me and my friends go quite a bit just for the shopping, I may have seen you!!!!!!

      Hope you’re well and the family too!!! x

      Like

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