Watch Lost in Vagueness

Lost in Vagueness is a 2017 documentary film directed by Sofia Olins. The film takes place at Glastonbury Festival and follows the story of Roy Gurvitz, a self-proclaimed 'founder' of the festival's infamous Lost Vagueness area. The film is a nostalgic and emotional reflection of the British counterculture and alternative music scene of the 90s and early 2000s.

The movie tells the story of how Gurvitz and his team created the Lost Vagueness area, transforming it from a small enclosure in the Glastonbury festival to a thriving area that became the birthplace of many of the festival's iconic acts. With its intricate maze of tents, stages, and interactive performance art installations, Lost Vagueness became a haven for people searching for something other than the main stage acts. Gurvitz's vision for this area was centered around anti-commercialism, anti-corporate values, and anti-establishment.

The documentary also takes a behind-the-scenes look at the rather unorthodox methods used by Gurvitz, his team, and many of the festival's organizers to create this magical space. This included stealing bits of land from other parts of the festival, using recycled army tents, and even hiding participants in the garbage trucks that entered the festival from the outside world.

As the documentary progresses, we see Gurvitz struggle with the idea of selling out and how this conflicts with Lost Vagueness's original values. The documentary raises the question of authenticity and the line between corporate sponsorship and commercialization, as Glastonbury festival ultimately becomes a mainstream event. Nevertheless, Lost Vagueness kept its authenticity and uniqueness, and the documentary shows how it remained a haven for people seeking the alternative, even in the face of corporate growth.

Throughout the movie, archival footage of the festival's performances and interviews with the organizers, performers, and attendees provide a glimpse into the counterculture and alternative music scene of this time. The documentary pays homage to the festival's rich history by highlighting its key moments, such as the performance by Moby and the legendary mud-soaked festival of 1997.

Exploring the rise and fall of Lost Vagueness, this docu-drama takes a nostalgic look back at the bohemian lifestyle that was once so prevalent in the UK. It's a fitting tribute to a time when alternative culture was fundamental in popular music and an escape from the pressures of conformity.

Overall, Lost in Vagueness is a heartfelt and fascinating documentary that explores the idea of creating a counterculture movement in a commercially driven world. Through Roy Gurvitz's vision for the Lost Vagueness area, the documentary delves into the complexities of the counterculture and asks important questions about the role that it has played in shaping popular music history. This documentary is a must-see for any fan of Glastonbury festival, music enthusiasts, or anyone interested in exploring the history and evolution of British counterculture.

Lost in Vagueness is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.