Blame it on the Rain

 

 

I have to share this movie with you today. This is not  a standard review, but rather a well conceived recommendation. Bios make me happy whether they are in book or film form. That is, unless they suck.  More on that later.

I have written a few times about my love affair with the 1980s. If I could revisit the 80s, I would. Not to live there, but to make a visit. I did not like the fashion, but adored the music and vibrancy. My favorite  young artists of this time period include Whitney Houston, , The Hooters, George Michael,  Paula Abdul, Prince, and Madonna. Forgive me  as I most likely have forgotten some. Whitney was my top fave though and I saw my love life through the lens of her romantic pop hits. I am not endorsing any of her biopics. But I am endorsing one today.

I was hesitant at first but decided to rent  Girl You Know It’s True , the story behind Fab and Rob of Milli Vanilli. For those unfamiliar,  Milli Vanilli was a very popular pop/ hip – hop  duo that sparked a major controversy. I enjoyed many of their songs but was not a fangirl. My take at the time was that these two phonies got what they deserved for perpetrating a major fraud, capitalizing on other people’s talents until they could no longer do so. I was much more excited to see the new Bob Marley film. Bob has a major place in my heart and still impacts me in present times. Our major synastry probably accounts for that. In any case, Girl You Know It’s True was a major revelation. It left me in tears and caused me to question any assumptions I have about people I never met.

The film was so engaging, having the duo as young men walk us through the story. The film would weave back and forth in time, eventually returning to the wiser versions of the braided former Grammy Winners. Both men were born in Europe with difficult family situations. They met early in their careers and formed an alliance. Their idealism, ambition and naivete led them to the heights of success and the depths of despair.

 

 

 

Addiction led to a very early death for Rob.  Fab somehow has rebounded to transform a new life out of the ashes. It was wonderful to hear that Fab actually has a lovely voice. Why oh why was he not allowed to sing?  I do not want to give much away, so rather than give a detailed review I am suggesting you find this gem and come to your own conclusion.  I realize quite clearly that this version of the story is not the whole story. Hell, the version of my own story is still just a slice of awareness in the present moment. Great art allows you to feel profoundly and deeply, excavating parts that have perhaps been absent for awhile. I cried over their torment and disillusionment along with my own. The following lyrics for the Milli Vanilli story are It’s a tragedy for me to see the dream is over.  That sums it all up perfectly.

 

Do not bother to see One Love, the Bob Marley film. What an incredible waste. If only Ziggy Marley could have partnered with the folks behind Girl You Know It’s True. This has nothing to do with the unknown actors. It was just so boring that I found myself simultaneously playing Candy Crush  and looking to see when it would end. Maybe another attempt will be made to due Marley’s memory justice.

I noticed that more bios are coming soon, notably  those on the lives of US president Ronald Reagan, Anthony Bourdain, and Michael Jackson. Imagine if they all were in a film together? I really hope they don’t botch up on the one on Bourdain. That would really be a shame.   If so, I guess I can blame it on the rain.

In the meantime I am sharing some videos on Milli Vanilli. The scandal that followed them would mean nothing in present times. I have more compassion for these two hungry souls who wanted to shine brightly and fulfill their dreams. Film is about illusion and so is life on Earth. The question remains : Can we accept the illusions and not get stuck inside of them?

 

 

 

 

images are public domain courtesy of pexels.com and wikiart.org