In the world of rock documentaries, it’s almost expected that we’ll be treated to a mix of biographical storytelling, behind-the-scenes footage, and maybe a few wild anecdotes from the band’s rise to stardom, their fall from grace, or the deep, introspective moments of their artistic journey. But what if we threw all of those conventions out the window? What if we flipped the script, poked fun at the whole genre, and still ended up with a film that encapsulates everything we love about a band and their music? That’s exactly what Alex Ross Perry does in his experimental mockumentary Pavements.
At first glance, Pavements might seem like another rock documentary about a band that changed the world. But it’s far from your typical tribute to a musical icon. It’s a satire, a love letter, and a biting commentary on the contradictions of artistic ambition all rolled into one. Taking inspiration from the 1990s indie rock legends Pavement—famous for their lo-fi sound, rebellious spirit, and refusal to conform to mainstream expectations—Perry crafts a narrative that’s as gleefully chaotic as the band itself.
A Band Known for Anti-Mythology
For those unfamiliar with Pavement, the band’s story isn’t exactly one of glittering success. They didn’t follow the conventional path of fame and fortune. Instead, they carved out a niche in the 1990s indie rock scene with albums like Slanted and Enchanted and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. These albums were filled with quirky, unconventional sounds and lyrics that defied mainstream pop music at the time.
While the band wasn’t exactly a household name, their influence on indie rock and the alternative scene was undeniable. Despite (or perhaps because of) their awkward, anti-commercial stance, Pavement became one of the most beloved underground bands of their generation. But in true Pavement fashion, they never quite embraced the trappings of commercial success—until, of course, they appeared in an ad for Apple in the early 2000s, much to the confusion and delight of their fans.
It’s this complex relationship between artistic integrity and the allure of fame that Perry tackles head-on in Pavements. Instead of following the well-worn path of biographical storytelling, he shatters any pretense of narrative structure and opts for a multi-layered, satirical approach that challenges our expectations about rock documentaries.
The Multi-Layered Approach: Biopic, Musical, and Mockumentary All in One
Pavements isn’t a straightforward documentary; it’s a swirling mix of different genres and formats that collide and overlap with one another. There are several competing stories happening at once, each with its own tone and style. At the heart of it is the fictional biopic Range Life: A Pavement Story, which chronicles the rise and fall of the band through the eyes of the actors portraying them.
The film’s central comedic bit involves Joe Keery (yes, Stranger Things fans, that Joe Keery) playing Stephen Malkmus, the band’s frontman. Keery’s portrayal of Malkmus is both funny and strangely endearing as he plays up the absurdity of actors taking on biopic roles. In one hilarious scene, Keery casually explains that he took the role of Malkmus in the hopes of “maybe winning an award or something.” It’s a meta-commentary on the whole notion of biographical filmmaking, where actors often seem more focused on accolades than the actual artistry of the subject they’re portraying.
But it doesn’t stop there. Perry also weaves in a jukebox musical titled Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical, which takes the band’s music and reimagines it within the context of a Broadway-style show. The musical’s process—complete with casting calls, choreography rehearsals, and opening night jitters—becomes a hilarious critique of bands that have “sold out” and turned their music into something digestible for mainstream audiences. It’s an ironic, satirical take on the commercialization of music that bands like Pavement once fought so hard to avoid.
Adding another layer to the narrative is the concept of a museum exhibition titled Pavements 1933-2022: A Pavement Museum, which documents the band’s legacy through archival footage and memorabilia. This museum concept plays with the idea of historical mythmaking, as it presents a version of the band’s story that is both reverential and absurd.
Finally, we have the 2022 reunion tour, a real-life event that serves as the backdrop for some of the film’s more grounded moments. While some of these events are purely fictional, others—the reunion tour, for example—are grounded in reality, creating a dizzying blend of fact and fiction that mirrors the contradictory nature of Pavement itself.
The Satirical Spirit of Pavements
What makes Pavements so compelling is its ability to balance satire with sincerity. It would be easy for a film like this to slip into being too cynical or self-aware, to revel in its own cleverness to the point of alienating the audience. But Perry skillfully avoids this pitfall. Instead of mocking the band and its fans outright, he presents the contradictions of the band’s story with a kind of affectionate irreverence.
This balance is evident in the way Perry uses split screens, changing aspect ratios, and archival footage to blend the fictional elements with the real. The film never feels too forced or contrived, even when it’s making fun of the very conventions of the documentary genre. It’s a movie that revels in its own absurdity but also manages to pay tribute to the band’s legacy in a way that feels genuine.
Take, for example, the band’s infamous 1995 performance at Lollapalooza, where the crowd threw mud at them during their set. It’s a moment that could have been turned into a tired rock ‘n’ roll cliche about the rebellious outsider band being rejected by the mainstream. Instead, Perry treats it with a sense of humor, highlighting the absurdity of the situation while also acknowledging the band’s unique place in music history.
The Music: Unexpected Moments of Genius
While Pavements is not your typical “play the hits” documentary, the band’s music is still central to the film. But instead of simply rehashing their most famous songs, Perry introduces their music in unexpected and often humorous ways.
Some of the band’s greatest hits, like “Stereo” and “Cut Your Hair,” appear in the most unlikely of contexts—like when Keery’s Malkmus character “writes” the song on the spot in a biopic scene, or when musical theater actors perform “Cut Your Hair” in the middle of the jukebox musical sequence. These moments serve as a reminder of the band’s unconventional approach to music, as well as their ability to take something familiar and make it feel fresh again.
Additionally, the film features concert footage from various points in the band’s career, including a legendary performance at Lollapalooza, as well as covers of Pavement songs by artists like Soccer Mommy and Bully. These covers serve as a tribute to the band’s enduring influence, and they also highlight how Pavement’s music has been passed down and reinterpreted by newer generations of artists.
The Contradictions of Pavement: Outsiders Who Wanted In
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Pavements is the way it explores the contradictions at the heart of the band’s identity. Pavement was never interested in mainstream success; they actively resisted the commercial forces of the music industry. And yet, they also wanted recognition. They wanted to be heard, to be understood. They may have prided themselves on their outsider status, but they also yearned for validation beyond the world of critics.
This tension is reflected throughout the film, as we see Pavement’s complex relationship with fame, success, and their own artistic ambitions. There’s the contradiction of appearing in an Apple ad while railing against the commercialization of music. There’s the desire to be part of something bigger, yet the reluctance to fully embrace the trappings of success.
In the end, Pavements captures the essence of the band’s artistic journey: a constant push and pull between the desire to stay true to their roots and the inevitable pull of the mainstream. It’s this contradiction that makes them such a compelling and enduring band.
Conclusion: A Film for the Fans and the Uninitiated
In Pavements, Alex Ross Perry has crafted a film that’s as complex, rebellious, and idiosyncratic as the band it chronicles. It’s a film that defies traditional documentary conventions while still managing to capture the heart and soul of Pavement’s music and their legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who’s never heard a Pavement song in your life, Pavements offers something for everyone—wit, heart, and a deep appreciation for the contradictions of artistic ambition. It’s a film that might just make you fall in love with Pavement all over again—or, if you’re new to the band, it might just convince you to give their music a listen.
