Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend

Back in October 2011 I had the honor of introducing the documentary BOB MARLEY THE MAKING OF A LEGEND at the Chagrin Film Festival for Esther Anderson. What is a documentary? It enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement. A documentary emphasize's or expresses things as perceived without distortion of personal feelings, insertion of fictional matter, or interpretation; "objective art". A documentary is "a film based on real life". It is not illusory, it is "real people; not ghosts". It is hard, historical, objective, and true. A documentary is GENUINE AND UNQUESTIONABLE. Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy have done just that. I loved this film from beginning to end. I feel why there is an ORIGINAL soundtrack is because Bob wanted it that way. He opened the door for us to hear something original, letting us know he is not the only one who carry's the MESSAGE. I loved the footage of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey. Bob Marley many times gave TESTIMONY of these two and is crucial for the world to understand this. This film leaves you with that. I loved hearing Esther narrate. I felt like I was right there riding in the Land Rover with Bob, Bunny, Peter and Esther. And my favorite part is when she relates about Haile Selassie's War Speech and the first time Bob heard it. Bob Marley spoke in an interview that the first time he left Jamaica to go out in the world was 1973 and for that we have ESTHER ANDERSON to be THANKFUL for. She brought Bob out into the world. ESTHER ANDERSON truly was part of THE MAKING OF A LEGEND. I've been into Bob Marley since 1976 and I experienced him in 1978 and 1980 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The night I watched the documentary at Chagrin Film Festival I know that Bob was smiling down on Esther. His spirit was there. JAH RASTAFARI

This is the true story of the rise of the Wailers told by themselves. This film is an intimate look at the roots of a spiritual and musical revolution that would soon change the face of popular music and the hearts and minds of struggling people all over the Earth. It is raw and pure, no glitz and glamor. It was presented that way so that its true audience could benefit from seeing it as close as possible to the way it was meant to be when the recordings were made in the 70's, and though all of the footage could not be recovered and Chris Blackwell refused to let his ex partner and co-founder of Island Records, Esther Anderson use the Wailers music for the score and soundtrack, it non the less shines like a beacon of light, guiding a new underground generation eager to change the current condition of the planet for the better in these revolutionary times. Watch it and be inspired to "Get up Stand up" as you learn the truth behind the writing of this Global anthem for freedom! Much is owed to Esther, Bob, Peter, Bunny, Family Man and the rest of the Wailers for being the artist visionaries that lead the way and still continue to do so today. The Rastaman Vibration is positive!

I was pleasantly surprised to the point of feeling honoured when I learnt that Esther, whom I have only known for 18 months, had chosen my song "Cry For Love" to be included In The original soundtrack for her documentary. My background as a Caucasian singer-songwriter guitarist includes playing lead guitar for visiting reggae artists such as TyroneTaylor, and writing and recording a single "Reggae Man" with Winston Reedy. At first, I thought I should therefore write this review under a pseudonym , so as not to appear biased, but I have rejected that idea.

Yes, I have been a huge reggae fan for 30 years, and my favourite records of all time, in all genres, Include Bunny Wailer's Blackheart Man. I have not seen The "big" Kevin McDonald film, "Marley" so I cannot compare.

So how do I review this? This film cannot, And should not, be compared to a film that enjoys an unlimited budget. Perhaps this would have allowed for a "better" product ...or just different. Who can Tell? Esther's determination has given us this film, this slice of history, on a shoestring. It is what it is, and the world is richer for it. Whilst I look forward to seeing the "other " film, I cannot for a moment imagine that it would even come near this on one very important feature: intimacy.

This is what gives "Making Of a Legend" such charm. Perhaps also that makes it less commercial, as I'm sure the "other" film appeals to a broader, less partisan audience, whereas this is IMHO one the Marley lover. As such it is invaluable, fascinating, charming, revealing, atmospheric, and given the story it unveils, thought-provoking. How can you put a price on the positive influence Esther had on wising Bob up for his journey into the wider world? It also makes me reflect on The huge influence Family Man had on giving Bob his musical grounding, production values, and making the songs memorable with his basslines. For all of which he has been sadly unrewarded.

I love the "fly on the wall" nature of the modern interviews. I love E's photography. I love the music. I feel as if I have been privileged to read the pages of a very private, very special, up-close-and-personal INTIMATE diary. Thankyou.

I had high expectations when I purchased this film...and it delivered! I am a little shocked at the few poor reviews on here. Obviously, the intention of this film slipped right past them. If you are simply a fan of documentaries and looking for the typical format and rehearsed dialog that suits the purpose of sales and entertainment...then you may be disappointed. But, if you are a true Bob Marley fan with a desire to glimpse into the true life of Bob Marley, the man...and not just Bob Marley the Entertainer...then this film will take you on an intimate ride into the authentic, unadulterated journey that led and molded Bob into the legend that we all came to see. You cannot truly love someone without knowing their truth...and accepting it. No man is an island. There was a team that put this perfect package together. Esther Anderson tells of her personal and intimate experience with 'the man'...the side of Bob that you would not see on stage. A persons life is usually multifaceted..this is Esther's story...Her testimony. I am sure there are more stories out there...this is hers. Regardless of issues with rights to music...this film displays the personal archives of raw footage that you would not see otherwise. If I want to see a concert...I can watch one on Netflix. I wanted to feel his moods...his vulnerability...his passion. Esther Anderson was a lover...a coach...a friend. A choice consented between two remarkable people. To suggest that Esther used this film as a platform to flaunt her love affair reveals a person's ignorance and lack of insight pertaining to Esther. Have you read her extensive list of accomplishments? What laughable nonsense! She is a legend in her own right...not a desperate woman seeking attention. I know her personally, and she is elegant and graceful. She helped guide Bob into his glory. This film takes you into the beginning of Bob and the Wailer's career...with extra bonuses featuring Peter Tosh...I cherish this film...and I fell even deeper in love with Bob (and Esther). To the man who said that Esther painted a picture of Bob staring out windows with not much to say... I say, that is believable. His part in this dream-team, was to relay his message to the world and set our hearts on fire for hope, change, and love. His quiet countenance off stage needs no validation. Cheers to 56 Hope Street...The womb of a legend.

Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend by Esther Anderson I often say that Bob Marley success is not without Esther Anderson .We have a lot to be thankful to her for. At times I do not think we give her enough credit. Bob Marley the making of a legend make Bob more of the Legend he is ... because Anderson was able to capture the human side of this great reggae icon. I am encourage by the out-pouring of support of Bob Marley and reggae. Anderson films archived a significant piece of Jamaica's history in pictures and her personal stories... Thanks . CRS supports this great work of Esther Anderson . True history is the preservation of all facts whether it be good or bad .We do not the right to embellish or edit history because this would be a travesty and a dis-service to the next generation. This films delivers .