Berlinale 2024: Tom Morello & Judas Priest Documentary Tackle Politics & Metal Legacy

Berlin – The Berlinale is proving to be a fitting backdrop for heavy metal, with films, even musical documentaries, speaking to the political realities of the world. A central question emerging from the festival is whether art can remain indifferent to suffering and injustice. The answer within the cinemas is a resounding no, though a hesitancy to express opinions openly persists at press conferences. Tom Morello, musician and member of the politically charged American metal band Rage Against The Machine, offered a stark contrast. “What a time to be alive where you can both make a documentary about your favorite band and fight fascism at the same time,” he declared to applause.

Morello’s declaration came during a press conference for his directorial debut, The Ballad of Judas Priest, co-directed with Canadian filmmaker Sam Dunn. The documentary traces the 50-year journey of the British heavy metal icons, Judas Priest. “The band’s existence is very political,” Morello asserted, pointing to the diverse audiences he’s observed at Judas Priest concerts in Los Angeles. “When I’ve seen Judas Priest over the last decade or so in Los Angeles, the audience is maybe more than 50% Latino, it’s a lot of gay couples… That community is a model that teaches us how we all can do better.”

The film delves into Judas Priest’s musical evolution, from their early days to becoming a defining force in the heavy metal genre with albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), and Defenders of the Faith (1984). Songs like “Breaking the Law” became anthems of resistance, particularly against the social cuts implemented by Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Beyond the music, The Ballad of Judas Priest tackles the personal and political. It explores the journey of lead singer Rob Halford, who publicly came out as gay after decades in the closet. Halford shared in the film that he received hundreds of letters from fans following his coming out, with many expressing support and stating that his revelation didn’t change their admiration for him. Now, Halford expresses concern for the current state of the LGBTQ+ community globally. “I’m very angry with the world, for the injustices that are committed and for the danger in which my people live,” he said.

Morello views the band’s breaking of stereotypes as a significant victory. “One of the most important parts of the documentary is the way the band broke with everything established and created community and inclusion. For a long time I was the Black guy in heavy metal, I know what I’m talking about.”

The documentary also revisits a controversial chapter in the band’s history: a 1989 lawsuit alleging subliminal messages in their songs drove two youths to commit suicide. The case, which was ultimately dismissed, is examined as part of a broader cultural war waged by conservative forces in the United States against rock music and accusations of “Satanic panic.”

The film features interviews with all current and founding members of Judas Priest – Rob Halford, K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and Richie Faulkner – as well as appearances from actor Jack Black, a noted fan of the band, and musicians including Ozzy Osbourne, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, and Scott Ian of Anthrax. It also incorporates a wealth of previously unseen archival footage.

Morello, drawing parallels between his cinematic influences – documentaries about the Vietnam War and The Lord of the Rings trilogy – emphasized the power of art to elevate and inspire. “I think it’s very metal too,” he joked with reporters.

The film positions Judas Priest as pioneers not only of a musical sound but also of a cultural movement. As Morello explained, the band created a community, mirroring the broader cultural impact of hip-hop. “Metal isn’t just music, it’s a lifestyle, and it started with them.”