Hi everyone!
Welcome back for our next entry in our series Under the Kanopy, exploring the critically acclaimed, if not commercially viable offerings on Kanopy, a library and university funded streaming service that offers six free streams with nothing more than a library card. While other streaming services feature blockbusters and microbudget works, Kanopy delivers classic content from years past, along with modern films from partnerships with A24, Kino Lorber, and more. Today’s film is an independent feature from Alex Ross Perry, looking at the riot grrl scene, and the double standards of women rockers. Check out the last three installments in the series with “The Image Book” (Episode #629), “3 Faces” (Episode #636), and “Ash is the Purest White” (Episode #643).
Before the review, we’ll have a promo from Daniel Shaw of The History of Violence podcast. Every episode, Daniel takes a look at how violence has impacted our world, from obvious and unique perspectives. Also, be sure to catch his guest review for “Alien” (Episode #603) as part of Reign of Terror 2019! We were so happy to have him on the show! You can find the podcast on Twitter @ViolencePod and on Facebook @TheHistoryOfViolence.
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Here we go!
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Today’s movie is “Her Smell”, the independent drama written and directed by Alex Ross Perry. The film centers around punk rocker Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss) and the destructive wake she leaves in her passing, as she struggles with sobriety and to recapture the magic of her initial success. The film also stars Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens, Agyness Deyn, Gayle Rankin, Ashley Benson, and Dylan Gelula.
No spoilers.
The film industry is awash with documentaries and biopics about the almost stereotypical story of young, famous musicians. Unexpected success leads to self-destructive behavior that either leads to dire consequences or a heartfelt recovery, usually through a string of very awful, tragic events. Nearly all of these stories are about men, who are granted license for certain kinds of bad behavior, at least until someone gets hurt in ways that money can’t fix.
However, there aren’t nearly as many dramas made about the aging female rocker, a combination of a male-dominated music industry and the double standard that women aren’t allowed to engage in bad behavior, or somehow operate differently given unlimited access to booze, cocaine, and the passion of youth. And it’s true, the female rocker, female punk, and riot grrl scenes tend to be more politically and socially aware, but that doesn’t mean they can’t trudge down the same path. “Her Smell” gives us an interesting look at that particular scenario, what double standards would be on display for the character, and in watching it, what double standards we apply as the viewer.
I haven’t heard much about “Her Smell” aside from a general praise for Elisabeth Moss’ performance as Becky Something, which definitely anchors this entire film. The viewer gets roughly five contemporary acts in the life of Becky Something, the first of which is set after their initial success, and after the birth of her daughter, as she’s clearly in the midst of a downward spiral, and each act after that follows her life, and the lives of those around her, who struggle to help and end up being hurt often in the process. Moss’ performance is as dynamic and chaotic as the character, bringing her talent and star power to each contemporary scene, and the flashback scenes between acts that show how things used to be.
The story is just as much about the people around her, however, and the rest of the cast does a great job. Initial bandmates Marielle Hell (Agyness Deyn) and Ali Van Der Wolff (Gayle Rankin) show us the toll on the bandmates when success inflates egos and destroys band cohesion. Danny Something (Dan Stevens) shows us the toll on marriage and family. And the Akergirls, which include Crassie Cassie (Cara Delevingne), Roxie Rotten (Ashely Benson), and Dottie O.Z. (Dylan Gelula), represent what happens when rising artists learn about the real struggles of their heroes and the hope to still work with them. Every cast member puts in a great performance, often setting the stage for dealing with Becky and working to clean up the mess as well.
The female-driven cast definitely succeeds in highlighting all those aforementioned double standards for women. Behavior the viewer might forgive in men feels shameful for Becky, part viewer expectation and part Alex Ross Perry framing each moment to highlight that double standard. Different generations of female musicians represent different notions of women in the music industry, especially punk rock and alternative, how they compete for press and how they also collaborate and bond in different ways. Even if the film doesn’t tell a new story, it does provide new perspectives on the same story, critically missing perspectives at that.
The biggest concern for viewers will be the length and style of the film, an extensive mix of multiple long-take scenes, which work really well to create discomfort for the viewer during tragic moments, but sometimes fail to engage during other moments. I definitely connected differently to each of the main five acts, sometimes engaged and impressed by the composition, sometimes just waiting impatiently to see what was next. If you don’t like punk rock, or music industry drama, or these kinds of stories, then finding a connection may be more difficult than expected, a self-limiting feature of telling this particular kind of tragic story.
“Her Smell” is an epic drama about a middle-aged female punk rocker, struggling with herself and hurting those around her, as she tries to understand the changing world around her. Elisabeth Moss is excellent in the lead role, supported by another excellent, women-driven cast that challenges viewer and social expectations. Punk rock fans, or fans of stories about the underbelly of the music industry, should definitely check out this film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 69
One Movie Punch: 8.2/10
“Her Smell” (2018) is rated R and is currently playing on Kanopy.
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