- BOTTOM LINE: A Generic Biopic
Rating: 2.25/5
Platform: Netflix | Genre: Drama |
What is the Story about?
The Dirt is a biopic of the band Motley Crew. How the various members of the group came together and the ups and downs and crazy things they did together is what the film is all about?
Performances?
Douglas Booth is without any doubt the lead among the four actors who play different members of the band. He is a central character leading the group and also comes across that way regarding the importance.
The actor has done a decent job playing Nikki Sixx. He plays the character mechanically and covers the various emotions at the surface level. There is a boyish charm, and that stays that was despite doing some crazy stuff. He appears weaker as the movie progresses into the final act.
Direction By Jeff Tremaine?
Jeff Tremaine directs The Dirt which is a biopic on the famous rock band Motley Crew. The director has a great real-life script in hand which is also written successfully as a book. All Jeff had to do is pick and pack the best moments and create a solid narrative to deliver, but he fails.
The Dirt tries hard to present a gritty and realistic take on the band, but, in the end, it only manages to skim the surface and offer a tale that comes across as generic and on expected lines. If one has followed the band, there is literally no surprise.
What works is the cast who gel well together and momentarily develop group chemistry. But, the inconsistency in performance and character sketches make them weak and forgetful by the time we reach the end.
The screenplay ticks the critical developments of the Motley Crew but never provides greater insight into the happenings. One thing after other passes by, while we get a lot of footage on the backdoor sex and drugs abuse. It is like the headlines are captured with no real detail. The relationship and personal equations come across as clumsy.
Overall, if one has no clue at all on the rock music scene and what the lifestyle is like, they might find The Dirt passable. For others, who are aware of the happenings, there is nothing remotely interesting on offer.
Others Artists?
Colson Baker, Daniel Webber, and Iwan Rheon play the other members of the rock band. Among the three Iwan Webber easily stands out playing Mick Mars. The deadpan expressions work well for the character. The other two Colson Baker and Daniel Webber are weak casting wise and lack screen presence and charming persona. They fail to bring something unique to the roles they have been given. Forget the extra; they fail to get the required depth in a few critical scenes that would have helped the narrative be more robust and be more than just a few moments.
Music and other departments?
The music by Paul Haslinger is good. The background score is neatly blended into the original score by the rock band. It gives a unique sound to the film as a whole. The cinematography by Toby Oliver is also neat creating a grungy effect. It helps in creating a mood. The editing is hyper-frenetic at times to develop the drug-induced effect. Apart from that, the rest is the usual. The writing is weak in that it is pretty generic and feels shallow. The lack of proper insight is a direct effect of it.
Highlights?
Music
Few Moments Of Chemistry
Drawbacks?
Writing
Shallow Narrative
Lack Of Depth
Did I enjoy it?
Yes in parts
Will you recommend it?
Yes but with huge reservations
The Dirt Review by Siddartha Toleti
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