Watch To Stay Alive

To Stay Alive is a 2016 film directed by Erik Lieshout, Arno Hagers, and Reinier van Brummelen. The movie explores the life and work of Dutch musician and writer, Michel Houellebecq, who is best known for his controversial and nihilistic novels. The film primarily focuses on Houellebecq's relationship with Iggy Pop, the iconic American musician, and how their friendship shaped Houellebecq's artistic output.

The film is split into two parts: the first part is a biographical sketch of Houellebecq, tracing his childhood in rural France to his rise to fame as a writer and musician in the 1990s. We see archival footage of Houellebecq performing with his band, The Gordon Kings, as well as interviews with his friends and colleagues, who comment on his literary style and outlook on life.

The second half of the film shifts focus to Houellebecq's collaboration with Iggy Pop on the album, 'Prisoner of Love'. The album was recorded in 1990 and featured poems by Houellebecq set to music by Iggy Pop. The film shows the two musicians discussing their friendship and the creative process behind the album.

To Stay Alive is a visceral and intimate portrait of two artists who share a mutual love of music and literature. Throughout the film, we see how their friendship developed and how they influenced each other's work. Houellebecq's dark and pessimistic worldview can be seen in Iggy Pop's raw and primal performances, while Iggy Pop's natural exuberance and energy helped to uplift and energize Houellebecq's lyrics.

The film is shot in a documentary style, with footage of the two musicians discussing their lives and work interspersed with scenes of them performing together. The performances themselves are electrifying, capturing the raw power and energy of Iggy Pop's live shows, while also showcasing Houellebecq's unique and haunting poetry.

At its core, To Stay Alive is a celebration of the power of art to unite people from different walks of life. Despite their differences in age, nationality, and artistic medium, Houellebecq and Iggy Pop share a spiritual kinship that transcends language and cultural barriers. The film is a testament to the enduring power of music and poetry, and how they can inspire us to find beauty and meaning in even the bleakest of circumstances.

Overall, To Stay Alive is a moving and inspiring film that will appeal to anyone who loves music, literature, or the creative process. It is a testament to the transformative power of art, and a celebration of the human spirit. Whether you are a die-hard Iggy Pop fan or a casual reader of Houellebecq's novels, this film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of artistic expression.

To Stay Alive is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes.