Watch R.E.M. By MTV

"R.E.M. by MTV" is a fascinating documentary that charts the course of one of the most influential and enigmatic bands in modern rock history, R.E.M., through the lens of the iconic music television channel, MTV. Directed by Alex Young, the film provides an in-depth look at the mutually beneficial relationship between the band and the network, ultimately foregrounding the music, messages, and milestones that defined R.E.M.'s career spanning over three decades.

This riveting film assembles archival footage that encompasses the band's journey from the early days in Athens, Georgia, where Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, Mike Mills, and Peter Buck formed a group whose sound would come to epitomize the ethos of alternative rock in the 1980s and beyond. "R.E.M. by MTV" delves into the band's ascendance, beginning with their underground roots and the cult status they garnered with their first few albums.

The narrative is crafted around the intersection of R.E.M.'s rise with that of MTV, which started broadcasting in 1981. The documentary shows how MTV provided a pivotal platform for the band, making R.E.M. one of the early beneficiaries of the music video boom. The marriage of R.E.M.'s evocative visuals with their poetic lyrics and distinctive sound played a critical role in the band's penetration into the American mainstream and global consciousness.

Key personalities and players, including former band member Bill Berry and I.R.S. Records executive Jay Boberg, along with guitarist Peter Buck, provide insightful commentary on the band's philosophy, their approach to the creative process, and the intricacies of navigating the ever-evolving music industry. These interviews give viewers a backstage pass to understand the internal dynamics of the band and the challenges they faced over the years, especially in retaining their authentic voice while being thrust into the limelight.

"R.E.M. by MTV" is not just a compilation of music videos; it is a narrative that weaves the band's story by juxtaposing concert performances, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, interviews, and news footage. The documentary portrays how R.E.M. astutely used videos to advance their career without compromising their artistic integrity or political activism. The band's members are seen grappling with the demands of fame, the ethical considerations of their art, and their desire to affect social change.

The film covers landmark albums and moments in R.E.M.'s chronology; from the jangly mystique of "Murmur," the anthemic activism in "Document," to the global superstardom achieved with albums like "Out of Time" and "Automatic for the People." Fans and new viewers are treated to renowned hits as they observe R.E.M.'s transformation from indie darlings to stadium-filling icons.

What stands out in "R.E.M. by MTV" is how the documentary subtly reveals the symbiotic relationship between the band and the network. MTV benefited from having the hip cachet that R.E.M. lent it, while R.E.M.'s thoughtful and sometimes enigmatic approach to music videos and public image helped them reach audiences they may not have otherwise. The documentary illustrates how music videos came to be cornerstones of a band's marketing strategy and a conduit for their message to reach the world.

The film's pacing is commendable, as it rendezvous through eras without lingering too long in any one moment, much like the channel would swiftly transition from video to video, yet it also allows some scenes to breathe when necessary. This is a documentary as interested in the broader scope of R.E.M.'s influence as it is in the finer points of their craft.

Crucially, "R.E.M. by MTV" does not shy away from discussing the pressures and difficulties the band faced, including Bill Berry's departure in 1997 and the subsequent attempts by the remaining members to redefine R.E.M.'s sound and identity. Through it all, the documentary maintains a lens respectful of the band's output and of the personalities that kept R.E.M. at the forefront of alternative music.

Ultimately, "R.E.M. by MTV" is a celebration, a historical document, and an insightful exploration of a band whose work was deeply intertwined with the visual medium that helped launch a cultural revolution. While it's aimed squarely at R.E.M. enthusiasts, there's plenty for casual fans or observers of pop culture to enjoy. By the film's end, viewers will gain not only an appreciation for R.E.M.'s groundbreaking body of work but also a deeper understanding of the cultural backdrop in which they operated, firmly entrenching their legacy within the pantheon of rock music lore.

R.E.M. By MTV is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.