Utilizing archived footage and never-before-released tracks, Asif Kapadia's Amy offers up a unique viewpoint of the troubled singer as she battled drugs, alcohol and fame. And while everyone has an opinion of the young starlet from London, this in-depth film will prove that she was far more complex than anyone imagined.
Told with a close and never hesitant eye, Amy dives head first into the controversy that surrounded the genre-crossing singer. Working hard to unfold the mysteries that led up to her erratic behavior, Kapadia spends a relatively short period of time on her early life, quickly introducing those closest to her before progressing into her quick and highly unwanted rise to international stardom.
Through home videos and personal, in-depth interviews with those who lived in her bubble, you begin to see her subtle personality changes. Her attitude towards those around her became more hostile, and her actions more extreme. The progression is quick, and the film personifies the exponential growth with an unwavering hand. And as Winehouse herself begins to spiral out of control, you can't help but hold your breath and long for a different outcome than the one you know happened on July 23, 2011.
Zeroing in on her deep, highly autobiographic lyrics and unfaltering vocals, Amy dissects the singer to her very core, digging deep into her habits as it allows for a better understanding of her actions and the way she chose to handle her fame and fortune. The film never pretends to be something its not and works hard to paint a bigger picture than just that of a troubled singer, proving that, though named after her, the film is about far more than Amy.
The situation is sad really. For those sitting in the audience, watching as her lyrics appear on the screen, you can't help but notice the deep, dark longing she personified in her melodic cries for help. Her passion was overflowing for the art, yet she couldn't overcome her past to focus her full attention on her craft.
The film honestly runs about twenty minutes too long, and the last few months of her life are dwelled upon a bit more than necessary. However, the dramatic approach does Winehouse justice as we watch her battle through countless close calls to win an arm full of Grammys and perform with one of her idols. But we all know early on that this story isn't going a happy one. Thankfully Amy goes beyond the surface and shines a light on her troubles"¦and brings a new meaning to the powerful songs she graced us with during short, though industry-changing, career.
