Bring on the Night

This may be one of if not THE best rock documentary ever! While most "rock-umentaries" just show a long, drawn-out concert, this one goes from Sting's leaving The Police, to forming an entirely brand new band, to Sting's first solo concert. Some people criticize this movie because some of the interviewees are blunt, pretentious, offensive, or whatever. Well, I'm sorry, do you want a truthful documentary or do you want fiction? If you want to see the making of a REAL rock band, this is a must see film. And if you don't like the music, then seriously, there must be something wrong with you!

This film is a rare treat, a peek into the professional and personal life of one of the greatest musicians this world has ever seen. This film is about the solo venture of Sting after separating from The Police, into what became his first(if I'm not mistaken) solo album -'The Dream of the Blue Turtles'. I've been an avid fan of Sting's music especially since I heard his album 'The Soul Cages'. What I like about his music is the timeless and universal quality of his lyrics, the uniqueness of each and every song and at the same time a certain underlying uniformity of thought and tone. Listening to his music is like meditation...it's cathartic. I don't think there is any one aspect of human nature and human life he hasn't touched upon in his music. For this reason watching this film was really quite incredible. Paris, where Sting performed and rehearsed lends its own charm and personality to the film. There are funny moments as when these bunch of tourists are led by a tourist guide into the room of the chateau in which Sting and his band are rehearsing and the guide is telling them about the portraits hung on the walls! The sequence of the birth of Sting's son in the hospital to the tune of 'Russians' is the emotional high point of the film. The interview with Sting gives an insight into the mind of this complex man and musician. Altogether, an Experience!!

Good documentary featuring Sting and his new band doing a lot of rehearsing in a grand old domicile. We are treated not only to the final touches of putting together a new set of songs, but a peek into the more relaxed moments together and a rousing concert finale. An eye opening look into the inner workings of a jazz band and the mind of a talented entertainer.

When this first came out 20 years ago I wasn't convinced Sting was as good as some (and he) would have us believe. After watching it, however, I had no doubts that this guy was a musical genius. Arrogant at times, but more often confident, he gambled his future on going solo, departing from perhaps the best rock group of its or any other time, the Police, and then rolled the dice again by allowing a film crew to capture the evolution of his new band from its inception. Shot on location primarily in and around Paris, the documentary-music-concert is full of revealing footage, showing the master at work as he directs his accomplished charges down a new path. The video is also filled, thanks to the wonderfully adroit editing of director Michael Apted, with light and spontaneous moments, banter and jockeying, as the musicians get to know themselves both as professionals and as people. In addition, candid and sometimes unpredictable interviews with Sting, the players, the band's manager, photographer, and others are strategically spliced into the body of the work. Fortunately free of the tantrums or heated exchanges so common in today's reality TV, this is nonetheless as authentic a portrait of music life behind the scenes as exists anywhere. The triumphant culmination is the concert where Sting unveils the band as well as his new material to an enthusiastic French audience. There are some surprises along the way, a questionable shot or two, but overall this is a real treat and one of its kind.

This is a terrific documentary about the organization and workings of a band being formed from very talented players. And yes Miles Copeland might seem arrogant but in reality he's just being real. The other members of the band wouldn't get paid as much or draw the same audience without Sting headlining. That's one of the primary points of the film. But despite that, you appreciate that the amazing performances are solely due to the COMBINED talent of the players - not just Sting. I just wish I could find a place to buy a copy.

The ending is also very touching. This is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Sting, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland or any of the other musicians.