On Chasing the Real Amy

For those who have casually, even cheekily sung along to Amy Whinehouse’s Rehab, be prepared to experience guilt. For the more ardent Whinehouse fan, the art versus life reality of Rehab will be known, but for many, Asif Kapadia’s documentary reveals the torture behind the genius; ‘they tried to make me go to rehab, but I said no’, takes on new, more distressing connotations.   

Following on from Senna (2010), Kapadia has turned his journalistic eye to tell his story of Amy Whinehouse. The footage on offer here not only includes professionally shot performances and home videos, but also video captured by the public and paparazzi as Whinehouse found fame as social networking was on the rise, allowing for greater and more damaging exposure. Kapadia’s narrative is clear and convincing; he sees Whinehouse as a victim of disease and influence and the manner in which he presents his footage (unobtrusive, hidden editing) makes it easy for his audience to agree. Yet, even if we see through the documentary filmmaking tricks and understand this to be his view of a complicated life, what is said, on camera, by those that influenced her life is compromising. Kapadia is skilful enough to present footage that pushes us in this direction or that, while he remainins free from criticism; he simply shows us what is said, make your own mind up. Although in reality, the pacing and the order are helping us along.

Both Mitch Whinehouse and Amy’s husband, Blake Fielder-Civil entangle themselves with words that have proved damaging to their persons and difficult to walk away from. Both father and husband are here guilty by neglect and combined with the savage and mercenary British media Whinehouse is presented as a trapped and scared animal who found some relief in drugs. In this story of abuse, Whinehouse is the victim and the triple threat of father, husband, that the media are the villains. That the tabloid media is still not regulated after the years of incriminating evidence against them is a travesty.

Amy is nothing short of engrossing; she was a magnetic figure and like many truly talented people, a mix of emotions. The film shows her spontaneously breaking into impersonations, showcasing the confidence that would later allow her to stand in front of thousands and perform. There is a sharp humour here, too. Yet, at other times she jitters nervously, clearly affected by the external and internal demons she wrestled with. It is a harrowing sight to see her stand on a stage in front of thousands unable, unwilling or both to perform. The performance becomes all the worse when we learn her own father sent her there against her wishes.

Amy is a sad story that brings greater appreciation of the artist and at the same time, highlights the danger genius can bring. Would you rather have the once in a lifetime piece of work, or the person that created them healthy, but less productive? Surely the latter.