American Valhalla

Year: 2018
Director: Andreas Neumann, Joshua Homme

‘You risk nothing, you gain nothing.’ That is the mantra of this film documenting the collaboration between Iggy Pop and Josh Homme, culminating in the creation of the Post Pop Depression album in 2016 This is a fly on the wall effort, with lengthy interviews with the two main men backed up with behind the scenes footage from promotional trips and key concerts on the ensuing tour. Sometimes it does score a little high on the pretentious-ometer, as Homme wanders alone in the desert, but it’s redeemed by footage of the pair in the recording studio and on stage, together with Iggy’s candid observations on life, the universe and everything. He also shares some quite illuminating and candid recollections of his old friend David Bowie, who passed away while this was being filmed. There are also some interesting excerpts from the journals Homme and the other band members kept during this period, and some nice still photographs capturing the recording sessions and band rehearsals. Things conclude with footage of a raucous show at the Albert Hall , making you wish the whole thing was a bit longer than the rather meagre eighty minute running time, but this is certainly an interesting and entertaining document of this once in a lifetime joint venture.

Might appeal to people who enjoyed:

Although I’m not a particular follower of the careers of either of these artists, I enjoyed watching this as an impartial observer. It’s not really something I would watch more than once, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so, and it did encourage me to have a listen to the Post Pop Depression album on Spotify, and I have to say it is actually quite a good record.

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