We got to see Strange Powers at the SIFF cinema on sunday. I asked my friend Evan to share his thoughts because i respect his taste.

The movie about the Magnetic Fields, and most notably Stephin Merritt, is quite entertaining for anyone who considers themselves a music lover. The documentary follows Stephin Merritt through his journey from being completely unknown to being mostly unknown, while being an icon to others. He has an uncanny way of rubbing people the wrong way, marching to the beat of his own drum. But for those who have heard him or seen him perform, are privy to being the audience of a true genious. Albeit a mad genious. He was constantly finding beautiful sounds out of anything he could find, even making a wind-chimes-like devices out of string and plastic cups. I was impressed. Check out the song “The Book of Love”.

The Magnetic Fields – The Book of Love (MP3)
from 69 Love Songs (vinyl remaster) on Merge

Its true… Stephen Merritt created many bands(most notably The Magnetic Fields) and still writes music for movies and such. In a world most “normal people” don’t comprehend because it is so far beyond. It works because he’s comfortable living in an apartment with a gigantic library of music, hoards of instruments, and social anxiety.

I enjoyed it, for his quirkiness, intelligence, and creativity. The film itself was nothing special. The subject is Very Special… If you like documentaries about interesting people, I suggest you see it.  You can followup on their website because the film will come back in November.