A vibrant tribute to Pavement: Celebrating the alternative rock legends
A unique homage to a cult favorite
In a refreshing departure from the conventional music biopic, a new multi-channel celebration of Pavement honors the alternative rock band that carved out a niche following in the ’90s. This tribute, directed by Alex Ross Perry, is a vibrant and multifaceted exploration of the band’s legacy, capturing their essence through various creative lenses.
The essence of Pavement
Tim Heidecker succinctly captures what made Pavement a staple of college radio stations in the ’90s: ”For kids who thought everything was stupid and everything sucked, they were your band.” In an era dominated by grunge, Pavement stood out with their ironic detachment and lack of pretense, all while showcasing sophisticated songcraft. Fronted by Stephen Malkmus, the band cultivated a fan base that appreciated their seemingly indifferent attitude.
A director’s passion
Perry’s exuberant tribute to Pavement is evident from the opening minutes, where he boldly declares them to be “the world’s most important and influential band.” This declaration, while perhaps aimed at winning over the uninitiated, also serves to convince the band of their own greatness. Perry’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his efforts to celebrate Pavement include at least four distinct modes of production.
A multi-faceted celebration
The band reunion
The first mode of production involves a shoot with the band as they prepare for their first concerts in 12 years in the fall of 2022. This behind-the-scenes look offers a glimpse into the band’s dynamics and the excitement surrounding their reunion.
Off-Broadway musical
The second mode is an off-Broadway stage musical titled “Slanted! Enchanted!” starring Michael Esper, Zoe Lister-Jones, and Kathryn Gallagher. This musical interpretation brings Pavement’s music to life in a new and engaging way, offering fans a fresh perspective on their favorite songs.
Gallery show
The third mode is a gallery show called “Pavements 33-22,” set up like the Whitney Museum, where some of the band members once worked as security guards. This exhibit provides a visual and immersive experience, allowing fans to explore the band’s history and impact through art.
Shameless biopic
The fourth mode is a shameless awards bait biopic titled “Range Life,” with members of the band played by Joe Keery, Nat Wolff, Griffin Newman, Logan Miller, and Fred Hechinger. This fictionalized account of the band’s story adds a layer of drama and entertainment to the tribute.
A cunning approach
Perry’s decadent displays of affection for Pavement serve a cunning function. While his previous narrative feature “Her Smell” found tension in the backstage implosion of a band, Perry knows that the reality of most bands is far less dramatic. Malkmus, by nature, is a mellow central figure, and the only major controversies in Pavement’s history involved letting go of their first drummer and an infamous Lollapalooza performance.
A spinning plates act
“Pavements” dazzles as a spinning plates act, where Perry and longtime editor Robert Greene cross-cut or split-screen “Woodstock”-style for propulsion. This approach provides real insight by juxtaposing fiction-based interpretations of the band with more mundane scenes from their actual history. By exposing the self-aggrandizing nature of most musician biopics, Perry’s film offers a more authentic and engaging portrayal of Pavement.
The power of music
Although “Pavements” doesn’t skimp on the sound mix, there is a subtle power in how music is deployed. Rarely does a moment go by without songs as an electric undercurrent, but there’s never a full performance on screen. This makes the moments when the songs do take center stage truly overwhelming, reflecting the band’s breakthroughs to the mainstream before receding back to beloved underground status.
Capturing the spirit of Pavement
The indirect approach of “Pavements” is unusually effective at capturing the wily spirit of the band. Perry shows little interest in delving into the personal lives of its members outside of their roots in Stockton, California. Instead, he focuses on how Malkmus, Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich coalesce into something greater than the sum of their parts.
A labor of love
While the gaudy faux film “Range Life” may slightly irk in its self-satisfaction, the excess can be endearing when it reflects what Perry loves about the band. He clearly doesn’t want the music to end, and after “Pavements,” no one else will either.
For more on Pavement, check out the trailer and immerse yourself in their world.
Keywords: Pavement, alternative rock, Alex Ross Perry, Tim Heidecker, Stephen Malkmus, Slanted! Enchanted!, Range Life, music biopic, 90s rock, college radio