Watch Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise

Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise is a 2017 documentary that showcases the life and career of legendary German music producer, Conny Plank. Directed by Reto Caduff and Stephan Plank, the film provides a comprehensive insight into Plank’s work, his fascinating personality, and his contribution to shaping the sound of popular music.

The documentary features interviews with a range of musicians and artists who worked with Plank, including Devo, Eurythmics, and Scorpions, as well as members of Kraftwerk, Can, and Neu!. The film explores Plank’s unique approach to music production and his pioneering use of electronic instruments and studio techniques.

The filmmakers have done a remarkable job of piecing together Plank’s life story, from his upbringing in West Germany to his early forays into music production, right up to his untimely death in 1987 at the age of just 47. Along the way, they reveal how Plank worked tirelessly to create truly innovative soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the technology of the time.

One of the strengths of this documentary is the way it showcases the breadth and depth of Plank’s influence. As well as working with some of the biggest names in rock and pop, Plank was also a key figure in the German experimental music scene, collaborating with avant-garde artists such as Brian Eno, Dieter Moebius, and Holger Czukay. The film paints a vivid picture of Plank’s diverse artistic collaborations, from the ethereal soundscapes of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” to the full-throttle rock of Scorpions’ “Wind of Change”.

The documentary is also notable for its use of archival footage and photographs, which bring Plank’s story to life in a visually compelling way. We see Plank at work in his studio, tinkering with his array of electronic gadgets and coaxing out sounds that were entirely new at the time. We also witness his collaborations with a range of artists, from the kingpins of new wave and punk to the lesser-known experimental musicians who shared his restless creative vision.

Alongside the interviews and archival footage, the film is punctuated by musical interludes, showcasing some of the most memorable tracks created by Plank over the course of his career. The soundtrack is a fitting tribute to Plank’s work, with tracks such as “Heroes” by David Bowie, “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer, and “The Model” by Kraftwerk reminding us just how integral Plank’s influence was to the evolution of popular music.

What emerges from this documentary is not just the story of one man’s remarkable career, but a broader insight into the transformative power of music itself. Plank was not simply a producer, but a visionary who was able to coax out the hidden potential of each artist with whom he worked. He was a lover of experimentation and risk-taking, and his influence can be seen in the generations of musicians who followed in his footsteps.

Overall, Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise is a vibrant and engaging portrait of one of the great unsung heroes of modern music. It is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of music production, or who simply wants to learn more about the man who helped shape the sound of the late 20th century.

Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.