Strange Life UNCUT: Review & Analysis
- A new documentary, "Pavements," delves into the history of the band pavement, examining their unique approach to music and performance.
- Director Alex ross Perry, known for films like "Listen Up Philip," was given considerable creative freedom.
- The documentary also incorporates footage from Pavement's 2022-23 reunion shows.Kannberg noted that the tour and the filming process influenced the final product, adding to the joy captured in...
Discover how the new documentary “Pavements” unveils the captivating history of the band, Pavement. This film, a commissioned Matador production, masterfully blends reality and artifice, reflecting Pavement’s unique artistic style. Explore the band’s notable role in the indie rock scene, alongside footage from their triumphant 2022-23 reunion shows, and delve into the captivating reaction to their album “Wowee Zowee.” Featuring creative input from director Alex Ross Perry, the film incorporates unconventional elements like an off-Broadway musical and a satirical biopic. News Directory 3 brings you the latest insights into this must-see documentary. What does the future hold for this iconic band? Discover what’s next as “Pavements” streams on Mubi this summer.
‘Pavements’ Documentary Explores Band’s Role, Reunion and ‘Wowee Zowee’
Updated May 29, 2025
A new documentary, “Pavements,” delves into the history of the band pavement, examining their unique approach to music and performance. The film, commissioned by Matador, blends conventional documentary elements with fictionalized scenes, creating a meta-narrative that mirrors the band’s own artistic sensibilities.The film examines the band’s role in the indie rock scene.
Director Alex ross Perry, known for films like “Listen Up Philip,” was given considerable creative freedom. The result includes an off-Broadway musical, a satirical biopic starring Joe Keery as Stephen Malkmus, and a Pavement museum. Guitarist Scott ‘Spiral Stairs’ Kannberg said the band initially didn’t want to be in the film.
The documentary also incorporates footage from Pavement’s 2022-23 reunion shows.Kannberg noted that the tour and the filming process influenced the final product, adding to the joy captured in the film.
One segment of the film focuses on the reaction to Pavement’s album “Wowee Zowee.” Jason Schwartzman portrays Matador founder Chris Lombardi, pleading with Keery’s Malkmus for effort. Malkmus initially found the early cut of the film perplexing.
Kannberg admitted initial confusion with the biopic scenes, saying, “It portrayed us as this band that we weren’t. But that was the point, I think.” He added that the museum exhibit,featuring both real and fabricated artifacts,was surprisingly moving.
“In the context of a museum, it was intense. All the memories came back strong,” Kannberg said.
Perry emphasized the band’s ability to balance irony and sincerity. He said Malkmus’s internal conflict between disinterest and artistic commitment makes him a compelling subject for a multifaceted film.
Kannberg said the film has changed his outlook on Pavement. “It’s made it a much more significant part of my life, I guess,” he said. “The songs became much more emotional and I had way more fun playing them this last tour, and the movie helped me understand this.”
What’s next
“Pavements” will be available for streaming exclusively on Mubi this summer.