Pavements Documentary Review: A Fever Dream
- A new documentary, Pavements, delves into the world of Pavement, the '90s indie rock band fronted by Stephen malkmus.Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the film eschews traditional rock...
- The film uses five narratives to explore the band's story.
- Clocking in at over two hours, Pavements doesn't shy away from the band's complexities.
“Pavements” peels back the layers of Pavement‘s indie rock legacy, delivering a fractured yet fascinating portrait of the band’s rise, fall, and eventual reunion. Director Alex Ross Perry masterfully avoids rock doc clichés, presenting a narrative woven through unconventional approaches, including a mock biopic titled “Range Life.” This approach allows “Pavements” to dissect the band’s complexities, notably their anxieties surrounding “selling out,” a key concern for Pavement and their ’90s fanbase. News Directory 3 reports how the documentary offers a candid look at Stephen Malkmus and the band’s introspective journey. While some may yearn for deeper dives into later albums, “Pavements” celebrates the band’s subversive spirit and enduring appeal. Discover what’s next for the indie rock icons.
‘Pavements’ Explores Pavement’s indie Rock Legacy and ’90s Nostalgia
Updated June 07, 2025
A new documentary, Pavements, delves into the world of Pavement, the ’90s indie rock band fronted by Stephen malkmus.Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the film eschews traditional rock doc tropes, offering a fractured look at the band’s history and impact.
The film uses five narratives to explore the band’s story. These include the band’s initial rise and eventual breakup, their 2022 reunion, a museum exhibition about the band, a musical theater production based on their music, and the making of a mock biopic titled Range Life, starring Joe Keery.
Clocking in at over two hours, Pavements doesn’t shy away from the band’s complexities. Perry avoids hagiography, acknowledging the band’s self-awareness, particularly regarding the concept of “selling out,” a major concern for Pavement and their ’90s fanbase.
The documentary touches on this theme with fake ’90s ads featuring Malkmus and references to the band’s album art. Malkmus himself admits that the idea of “selling out” is less relevant today.
While complete, some feel Pavements could have explored the band’s later years in more depth. Albums like Brighten the Corners and Terror Twilight recieve minimal attention,though the band’s 1995 Lollapalooza incident does get screen time.
Ultimately, Pavements presents a nuanced portrait of Pavement, capturing their subversive approach to music and their enduring appeal. Longtime fans will likely appreciate the film’s dedication to preserving the band’s dignity.