Amy Review

In 2011 Amy Winehouse joined the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain in the ‘27 Club’ – that is, the term used to refer to a number of prolific and immensely talented, but often troubled, musicians who died at the age of 27. Winehouse – who fellow jazz musician Tony Bennet regards as talented among the likes of legends Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday – was certainly a rare modern-day talent in her own right. However, as so often is the case, Winehouse’s legacy is tarnished by her devastating final years. Asif Kapadia’s documentary “Amy” is an intimate, poignant portrayal of a troubled, self-destructive young woman who was hopelessly ill-prepared for the fame that her 2006 album Back to Black spawned. However Kapadia would have done well to place more emphasis on the musical triumphs achieved by the artist who was arguably one of the early 21^st century’s most remarkable jazz talents.

For that matter, the music in “Amy” provides the generally tragic documentary with some reprieve. Winehouse’s songs, which relate so personally to her own life, are seamlessly woven into the progression of events taking place on screen, creating an intimacy between viewer and subject. Footage from Winehouse’s performances and studio recordings are interspersed throughout the film amongst archive video footage and audio interviews with the musician’s friends, family, lovers and musical collaborators.

Through the interviews and footage, Winehouse is portrayed as a charismatic young girl who we watch deteriorate into a destructive addict who failed to receive (or at least, accept) the support she needed from those who ought to have provided it. Winehouse is depicted as the victim of insurmountable fame, violent addiction and volatile relationships, and certainly her story is a moving one. However, as we all know, documentaries portray a version of reality, and interestingly this version of Winehouse’s life chose to skim over some of the musician’s own transgressions, including arrests for assault.

As her global career took off, Winehouse’s own personal life and health deteriorated rapidly, hurtling to an inevitable, disastrous end. Unfortunately, the film placed too much emphasis on the musician’s destitution and didn’t do enough to celebrate the talent and musical success she achieved. Nonetheless “Amy” is an interesting, affecting and worthy look at the life of one of the modern era’s most talented yet troubled musicians. This one is definitely worth a watch.