IFC’s new original rockumentary "Heavy Load" centers around a band of British punk rockers, several of whom suffer from learning disabilities. Theirs is a story of beating down stereotypes and just not giving a heck what anyone else thinks. Now that's punk rock.
Who's that? Documentary filmmaker Jerry Rothwell discovered Heavy Load while suffering somewhat of an existential midlife crisis and, in his own words, “latched onto them like a blood-sucking tick.” Based in East Sussex, band members include Simon Barker (vocals), Jimmy Nichols (guitar) and Michael White (drums).
Buzzed about: The film is beautifully shot and covers two tumultuous years in the musicians' lives. The premise alone should entice fans of previous IFC documentaries (as well as lovers of punk rock) to tune in.
The "ooh" factor: It's truly inspiring to see the band waltz up in front of a packed crowd of drunk pub patrons, plug in and rock out—even if their music occasionally elicits some cringing faces. Amazingly, the band manages to record an album, gain the rights to cover a Kylie Minogue song and play on the same bill as Badly Drawn Boy at the Wychwood Music Festival.
The "eh" factor: The film focuses on the trials and tribulations of Heavy Load as well as how the band helped pull Rothwell out of his depressed state, and from the beginning Rothwell infuses himself into the story a little more than necessary. Rothwell explains that he didn’t want the film to be a “conventional observational documentary,” but we’re not sure his presence here works.
The verdict: Inspiring without being preachy, "Heavy Load" is the story of how three chords and a little distortion can elevate the soul and solve all the world's problems—if only for two-and-a-half minutes.
"Heavy Load" premieres Monday, June 23, at 9pm ET/PT on IFC.
'Heavy Load' review
Think punk rock is dead? Then you haven't met Heavy Load.
By Michelle Lanz
Special to MetromixJune 21, 2008
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