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Only
the Strong Survive, 2002, 95 minutes, Rated PG-13
By Ramona Prioleau
Want
to know:
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Why your baby-boomer mom cranks up the volume on the radio
when she hears the phrase "Gee Whiz" emanate from the
speakers?
-
How funky Mary Mack dressed in black gets when
walking the dog? or
-
How a ruined night on the town brought the
world "I Can't Stand the Rain"?
then check out Only the Strong
Survive.
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Several years in the
making, Strong intentionally plays as producer Roger Friedman's
personal quest to spotlight the work of talented and groundbreaking
musicians from the 1960s Soul Era. The documentary and performance
film primarily charts legendary Rhythm & Blues groups from
Memphis, Tennessee, but it also spotlights The Supremes' Mary Wilson
and a few Chi-town acts. Rufus and Carla Thomas as well as Sam
Moore (of the group Sam & Dave) are featured prominently.
But, it is Moore's
tale of fame, despair and rebirth that is the most compelling. Of all the
musicians, Moore seems to give the filmmakers meaningful access and
forthrightly reveals why he's a soul survivor.
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Wilson
Pickett's fire cracker personality and performances are also given a
forum. Just in case you think that Pickett's vocal distinctiveness
comes from a hard knock life, take note. He attributes it to
cornbread. Whether it's the pan-fried or oven-baked variety is
undisclosed as Pickett appears guarded throughout the film and only
reveals pointedly humorous anecdotes when pressed. (Hopefully,
Pickett's reticence stems from a desire to document his own music
legacy because it seems as though "Wicked" Pickett would
have quite a tale).
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Strong is appealing,
but Friedman's unsophisticated voice-overs hamper the film and almost
give short shrift to the soul sensations outside the Motor City. As
produced, the film lacks the polish that a project of its scope and
covering these musicians deserves. A skilled narrator would have
greatly improved the production value of the documentary. Where the
narration fails, top-notch directing and editing as well as dynamic
performances succeed. The result is an enjoyable film that melds
disparate on stage performances, interviews and archival footage. Sit
back and let the wonderful performances transport you to Soul Music's
hey day when the rhythm section featured live musicians rather than a
beat box.
M
January 2004
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