I am a big fan of origin stories. I really enjoy learning the history of a character or a real-life person who rises to the challenges that may face them within their lives who ultimately becomes something great. Recently, origin stories have been most often linked with movies of the superhero genre, which have graced the big screen in droves, but that’s definitely not a story element exclusive to the genre.
As long as there’s been music, there’s been fans of musicians. And that fandom will definitely appreciate the origin story of their favorite band. Enter a new documentary about a pair of musicians who have won multiple Grammy awards and sold-out arena tours around the world. As it turns out, this feature film will actually close out the 2024 Nashville Film Festival, so it’s possible these featured musicians might actually attend the screening, as they live locally, here in Middle Tennessee.
This is a Film About The Black Keys!
What begins as an underdog story finds young Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney growing up in the same neighborhood of Akron, Ohio. First of all, how randomly rare is that? Also, the very concept of creating a band together, let alone becoming big-time rock stars, wasn’t exactly on the plate for them, as they simply hoped to find an occupation to pay the bills… but following the footsteps of some of their all-time favorites was appealing, even if it wasn’t directly their professional path.
“It wasn’t some grand plan to be a duo.”
The roots of The Black Keys didn’t form within a studio, but they did grow when Dan and Pat decided to initially collaborate. While the whole group dynamic didn’t exactly work out according to plan, the grassroots operation of forming their sound was very much spontaneous. Watching this process via home video is uniquely fascinating, something that doesn’t work for everyone, but it absolutely works for them.
There’s a natural connection there of loving to play music, and they do it well together, but the only thing standing in the way of greatness is their stubbornness. The lack of basic communication between these two is legendary, something that could have easily destroyed lesser individuals. But the bond between these guys practically grew in spite of it.
This film fills in different behind-the-scenes situations as the band rises to fame, as well as discusses the unwritten rules of indie rock. Their journey from DIY music darlings to collaborating with a major producer/engineer for the very first time, to taking multiple breaks from working together (but never fully breaking up the band) is a ride that would make many rollercoasters envious.
“It only took 20 years for us to figure out our relationship…”
Fiercely independent, as the band’s star kept rising, their romantic relationships crumbled. The very concept of being considered an underdog is strongly questioned by a member of the band’s inner circle, rather choosing a success story to describe their journey together. Both seem fitting, really.
Having watched a variety of documentaries throughout the years, I’ve seen the good and the bad when chronicling different subject matter. Some can be unbearably praiseworthy but offer little to no constructive criticism, whatsoever. That doesn’t really happen here, which I can very much appreciate. Having become a fan of the band after the release of their sixth album, Brothers, which was their breakout, I previously didn’t know a whole lot about the band, but I did know they soon became local, having moved their operations to Nashville during that tour.
After watching this film, I enjoyed learning about the band’s journey, as well as collaborations with Danger Mouse, Alice Cooper and Noel Gallagher. I was shocked to learn about their experience working with Damon Dash to make a hip-hop record, and I didn’t realize how big of an influence Beck had on the band.
Very clearly, Dan and Pat address their shortcomings to the camera, if not to each other. I’m assuming the entire process was cathartic for both of them, as they’re still together today, 24 years later, continuing to make music. While they jokingly compare their professional relationship to that of a buddy-comedy film, it is one that could very well create new fans for this group after watching this powerful origin story.
“We’re just two very opinionated, hard-headed people, trapped for eternity together…”
This is a Film About The Black Keys premieres at the 55th Nashville Film Festival 6:30 PM on Wednesday, Sep 25th at the Belcourt Theatre. For tickets and general information, please visit the Nashville Film Festival’s webpage.