A Sneak Preview of a Film About Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields
With his unique gift for memorable melodies, lovelorn lyrics and wry musical stylings that blend classic Tin Pan Alley with postmodern grooves, brilliantly idiosyncratic singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt has distinguished himself as one of contemporary pop’s most beloved and influential artists. This remarkably gifted and prolific tunesmith records and performs as a solo artist and also leads numerous alternative bands including Future Bible Heroes, the Gothic Archies, the 6ths and, most famously, the Magnetic Fields, whose 1999 three-disc opus 69 Love Songs is widely considered a masterpiece of traditional songcraft and irresistible synthpop.
In conjunction with the Magnetic Fields’ Bay Area appearances closing the Noise Pop music festival, SF360 Film+Club presents a sneak preview of a new documentary about the intensely private Merritt. Shot over ten years, this beautifully photographed film follows the indie-rock curmudgeon, details some of his personal relationships (most notably with Claudia Gonson, his childhood friend, bandmate and manager) and provides insight into an artist who has produced one of the most engaging and confounding bodies of work in the American songbook. Included is the backstory of Merritt’s first musical forays, his development as a writer—from proofreader and copy editor at Spin to becoming one of Time Out New York’s most dynamic scribes—and his response to charges of elitism and racism. This is a unique opportunity for an advance look before the documentary has its world premiere at a closely watched U.S. film festival in the spring.
Guests expected for a question-and-answer session following the screening include Merritt, Gonson and director Kerthy Fix.
“Having been a fan of Stephin Merritt’s music for a long time now, I’ve always wondered whether he means it or not,” said Film Society programmer Sean Uyehara. “This documentary seals it—I’m definitely not sure.”
SF360 Film+Club is proud to sponsor the Noise Pop film festival; featuring amazing new films, all focusing on music but each approaching the subject with a distinct voice and fresh perspective.
Tickets $12 year-round SFFS members, $15 general. Must be 21+ to attend.
In conjunction with the Magnetic Fields’ Bay Area appearances closing the Noise Pop music festival, SF360 Film+Club presents a sneak preview of a new documentary about the intensely private Merritt. Shot over ten years, this beautifully photographed film follows the indie-rock curmudgeon, details some of his personal relationships (most notably with Claudia Gonson, his childhood friend, bandmate and manager) and provides insight into an artist who has produced one of the most engaging and confounding bodies of work in the American songbook. Included is the backstory of Merritt’s first musical forays, his development as a writer—from proofreader and copy editor at Spin to becoming one of Time Out New York’s most dynamic scribes—and his response to charges of elitism and racism. This is a unique opportunity for an advance look before the documentary has its world premiere at a closely watched U.S. film festival in the spring.
Guests expected for a question-and-answer session following the screening include Merritt, Gonson and director Kerthy Fix.
“Having been a fan of Stephin Merritt’s music for a long time now, I’ve always wondered whether he means it or not,” said Film Society programmer Sean Uyehara. “This documentary seals it—I’m definitely not sure.”
SF360 Film+Club is proud to sponsor the Noise Pop film festival; featuring amazing new films, all focusing on music but each approaching the subject with a distinct voice and fresh perspective.
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Tickets $12 year-round SFFS members, $15 general. Must be 21+ to attend.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street at Mint)
Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street at Mint)