Film / Reviews
Review: Mavis!
Mavis! (PG)
USA 2016 81 mins Dir: Jessica Edwards Cast: Mavis Staples, Yvonne Staples, Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan
We’ve been spoiled for music documentaries over the past few years, whether they’re focusing in demonic Cream drummer Ginger Baker in Beware of Mr Baker, or exposing the behind the scenes travails of backing singers in the Oscar-winning 20 Feet from Stardom. Now along comes Jessica Edwards’ affectionate if somewhat rose-tinted look at pivotal quartet the Staple Singers, specifically enduringly popular lead Mavis.
As a music documentary, this expose of a crucial moment in music history doesn’t rival the insight or knockout emotional impact of, say, Searching for Sugar Man, which took enigma Rodriguez and examined why, decades after he first recorded, his music was more important than ever to a generation of South Africans. Nevertheless, as an introduction to a landmark group at risk of being overlooked by the 21st century generation it is insightful, with central subject Mavis Staples endlessly endearing and entertaining; her work ethic is also seriously intimidating, as Edwards’ careful research makes clear.
Beginning with Mavis’ Chicago childhood, tracing her initial success alongside her beloved father ‘Pops’ and encompassing her remarkably lengthy international career including hits such as I’ll Take You There, Mavis! is, if nothing else, a celebration of honest hard work and following one’s dream. Not that the movie is ever willing to push such a facile message, not least because Mavis herself is a resolutely down-to-Earth character who holds the screen even when one suspects the influence of an editorial hand (one especially wonders why her mother remains such an absent figure in most of the footage).
Nevertheless with candid contributions from the likes of Bob Dylan, not to mention its meaty exploration of the group’s pioneering blend of gospel and blues, it’s nirvana for music fans, entertainingly placing the Staple Singers in context without ever becoming didactic. And when, late on, the pulled-together Mavis weeps upon hearing her late father’s unreleased tracks being put together for a new record, it’s genuinely moving. Ultimately, all music docs live and die on the strength of their subject; the star of this one is an absolute delight for the way she encapsulates both warmth and vibrant musical history behind a seemingly ordinary exterior.
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