Alex Ross Perry explains to Jonas Åkerlund the unique approach to his new documentary on Pavement, titled “Slanted and Enchanted”

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In today’s age where music documentaries often serve as marketing tools, filmmaker Alex Ross Perry took a different approach with his latest film, Pavements. Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, Perry’s movie follows the rise of Pavement as a prominent 90s band. Mixing archival footage with scripted scenes featuring actors portraying the band members, Perry aimed to capture the essence of a time when projects were not solely driven by corporate interests. Speaking to renowned director Jonas Åkerlund, who has worked with iconic artists like Madonna, Metallica, and Lady Gaga, Perry expressed his desire to create something authentic and devoid of commercial influence.

The film features Joe Keery from Stranger Things as the band’s lead singer, Stephen Malkmus, a key figure in the Gen X slacker rock movement. Perry employs a split-screen technique to seamlessly blend fiction with reality, offering a narrative of delayed fame and unforeseen challenges. Through their conversation, Perry and Åkerlund delve into the theme of fandom’s impact on documentary filmmaking and the struggles of navigating the festival circuit.

During their exchange, Åkerlund shared insights into his upcoming projects in London, including a mix for his Metallica film and a dance collaboration with Damien Jalet for SXSW London. Perry, intrigued by Åkerlund’s extensive experience in documentaries, inquired about the inception of his Billy Idol film. Åkerlund revealed that the Billy Idol documentary took five years to produce, highlighting the unpredictable nature of film projects and the dedication required to bring them to fruition.

Discussing the creative process behind Pavements, Perry revealed that the idea was presented to him by producer Danny Gabai, who sought a fresh and unconventional perspective for the project. Both Perry and Åkerlund emphasized the importance of artist bravery in pushing boundaries and avoiding conformist approaches to filmmaking. Drawing inspiration from Madonna’s trailblazing ethos, Åkerlund stressed the significance of challenging conventions and exploring new artistic realms.

Reflecting on their respective journeys in documentary filmmaking, Perry and Åkerlund acknowledged the need to balance personal passion with audience expectations. Åkerlund emphasized the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and engaging with diverse, unfamiliar subjects. Perry, on the other hand, grappled with the challenge of creating a film that resonated with both dedicated fans and casual viewers, navigating the complexities of fan expectations and critical reception.

In conclusion, Perry and Åkerlund’s conversation shed light on the intricate process of documentary filmmaking, touching on themes of authenticity, creativity, and audience engagement. Through their mutual passion for storytelling and filmmaking, both artists continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

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