When one hears the name Sting, thoughts immediately leap to his exquisite voice, illustrious career, and a level of sophistication that makes the average rock star look like a novice. But why, pray tell, did someone decide to immortalize this legend in the 1985 documentary, Bring On the Night? Directed by Michael Apted, this film explores Sting's chaotic journey to greatness as he boldly steps into a new chapter of his career. Filmed in a picturesque French château, this documentary captures the essence of artistic evolution. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, Bring On the Night uniquely redefines the term 'rockumentary' by highlighting Sting's refreshing and somewhat conservative approach to music-making.
It's Not Your Average Documentary: Move over, bland rock docs! Apted's Bring On the Night takes viewers into Sting's world as he embarks on assembling his dream band for his debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Released in November 1985, this piece is far from the monotonous ramble many films in this genre offer. Apted's work stands as an engaging, authentic narrative proving that passion, not mere politics or superficial chatter, should drive art.
An Artistic Renaissance: Post-Police, Sting wasn’t trapped in nostalgia. Instead, he embraced jazz and world music, diversifying his base. This move slapped the industry's face, especially those who couldn't comprehend why Sting would stretch beyond guitar pop. Apted captures Sting breaking boundaries like a maestro conducting his orchestra—the individual, not the establishment, at the core.
The Château Setting: Filming in a French château, Sting's band resonates with conservative elements of classic European beauty. This setting isn’t just aesthetic; it reflects tradition and excellence. It's a flashpoint reminder that art grounded in classicism often holds the best innovative potential.
The Band's Composition: Sting dared to deviate from pop-centric assembly by meticulously picking musically adept individuals over flavor-of-the-month celebrities. Unlike today’s stars with teams to dictate their every beat and word, Sting’s choice underscores true talent over commercial pomp. With jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis amid others, it’s evident that Sting sought depth over mere popularity.
Shunning Trends for Quality: In the 1980s—a time veering towards electronic glitz—Sting resisted the urge to dive into shallow synth-laden waters. By aligning with jazz and drawing balladic inspiration, Sting stood unyielded by trends, projecting an eternity-centered artistry.
Drive and Determination: What Bring On the Night exposes is Sting's resolute vision-realignment post-Police. Unlike many contemporaries who basked in past glory, he recharged forward, promoting endurance not for applause but for authentic self-affirmation.
Life Lessons without Bias: Michael Apted doesn’t push political agendas; instead, he allows viewers to witness Sting's raw struggles and triumphs. Perhaps the art of living and creating transcends fleeting ideologies—a concept rapidly escaping modern Hollywood.
Music Meets Poetry: Sting, known for weaving poetic narratives in his songs, demonstrates that lyrics surpass monetary gains. In Bring On the Night, his songwriting process reflects purity—a rebellion against today's flashy and shallow music industry standards.
Beyond the Liberal Lens: Bring On the Night is a breath of fresh air, free from Hollywood's current penchant for hammering listeners with agendas. It's unadulterated, where the focus is talent, ambition, and expression. That’s pretty rare in an era obsessed with activist grandstanding.
Apted’s Mastery: Michael Apted’s direction deserves applause. Beyond capturing a historical moment in rock history, his documentary challenges us to ponder: Is innovation borne of conformity or divergence? In showcasing Sting's expansion into jazz, Apted presents a conservational ideal: Reinvent without discarding one’s roots.
Bring On the Night isn’t a shouting match nor a frantic race. It doesn’t push controversies that exaggerate reality. Instead, it showcases one man’s testament to authenticity, dedication, and the timeless pursuit of perfection. Far from the trivial gossip factories sprawling today’s entertainment industry, here’s a work that spotlights unyielding perseverance, a testament to why sometimes, less debate and more creation can forge legends.