-Written by Kyle Bain.
Linda Perry is a music icon, working with some of the biggest names in the industry for years. In this feature documentary, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, we get an in-depth look at the life of Perry–not just of her career, but of her harrowing life as well. From attempted suicide to neglectful mothers, this documentary tells all.
Again and again I found myself uncomfortable listening to what Perry had to say about her life. To a degree I believe that Director Don Hardy wanted this discomfort to play a role in his film, hoping that it would be somewhat paralyzing. If this was, in fact, his goal–he was brilliantly successful. However, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here suffers as a result. There is one scene in particular, a piece of footage from Perry’s past, where she dances, seemingly endlessly, in front of the camera. She cries, she insults herself, and speaks to the camera and expresses her feelings about herself, her life, and her career. This felt like a fit of insanity.
Perry seems unbalanced. Whether or not that’s true I can’t be sure–but that’s the way that Hardy makes her look. This profound level of discomfort ultimately arose because I felt that Perry needed help. She didn’t need Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, she needed professional help so that she might be physically, mentally, and emotionally better. Maybe Linda Perry: Let It Die Here worked as an effective outlet for her–but I felt sorry for her throughout much of the documentary, and I can’t believe that this was the intent of the film.
Furthermore, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here struggled to keep me engaged–and it became increasingly easier to look away, to want to pick up my phone and scroll rather than remain focused. This is partially a result of that aforementioned discomfort, but the documentary is also far too long. Clocking in at just over an hour and a half, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here feels much longer. The film is slow moving and, again, couldn’t retain my attention.
The one saving grace of Linda Perry: Let It Die Here is seeing the generations of musicians that Perry is associated with. From Christina Aguilera to Dolly Parton, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here expresses to viewers how important Perry is in the music industry. By the end of the film, that’s the positive that I was able to take away. While this really is the most prominently featured aspect of the film, it’s sort of overshadowed by the insanity of everything else.
Linda Perry: Let It Die Here is a worrisome film, one that sheds light on the difficulties of a music icon’s life, one that makes you think that, when all is said and done, Perry won’t be alright. The film constantly made me think that Perry needs help, that this documentary may have been a bit out of line at this point in time. It seems that in the grand scheme of the film that Hardy simply wants to tell the story of Perry, but there’s an underlying narrative, intentional or not, that is challenging to overcome as a viewer. Hey, you may enjoy this documentary, but you may also want to avoid Linda Perry: Let It Die Here for your own mental health.
Directed by Don Hardy.
Starring Linda Perry, etc.
3.5/10 = WORTH WATCHING, BUT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED
Comments