2023 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Songs About Fucking tells the story of Marc Rebillet as he and the rest of the world celebrate music on his first live tour since COVID-19 hit. As he travels the country and tells a series of important stories, while half naked, he finds himself reliving some of the greatest and most challenging moments of his existence. Marc is one of a kind, truly unlike any other performer that you’ve seen before–and Songs About Fucking tells all.
Marc’s personality and performances are electric, almost otherworldly. These things are attractive to viewers, bridging the gap between viewers and the subject of the film–and from the opening moments I think it’s made clear the type of person that Marc is. Never does a moment pass when viewers aren’t able to connect with Marc and his passion, and Songs About Fucking constantly finds ways to bring his massive personality to life. He’s constantly growing, and yet he remains true to himself from beginning to end–and I love that about Songs About Fucking: it allows Marc just to be himself. The film doesn’t ask too much of him (but honestly I’m not sure that that’s even possible), and Marc gets to show the world who and what he is from the moment the film begins until the end credits have concluded.
Songs About Fucking gets to a point when it can be a tad overwhelming for viewers who aren’t fully prepared for the content of the film (honestly, though, if you’re watching a film called Songs About Fucking, you should expect weird). At this point the film is tasked with something else: remaining balanced and accessible.
Director James Gallagher does a spectacular job of weaving in instances of splendid emotion that creates balance and humanizes Marc in a way that his songs and performances just aren’t capable of. The live performances depicted on screen capture the attention of viewers from beginning to end–there’s no doubt about that, however, it’s not capable of reaching viewers on a deeply emotional level, one that allows them to reminisce of the sad, troubling times in their lives. Songs About Fucking takes a brief excursion that sees Marc discuss his father and their time together–and in these moments the film thrives move than ever before.
I’m not sure that there’s ever a moment in which Songs About Fucking fails to reach viewers–even if only to antagonize them. The subject matter of the film will ruffle some feathers, even though Marc is trying his best to encourage love and respect. His approach is unique, his vision for all that he hopes for in the world is left of center to say the least–but his mission is just. The team tasked with capturing his journey does so well, bringing every moment of euphoria and ecstasy to life. Furthermore, Songs About Fucking so beautifully capture emotion, helping to showcase Marc and all that makes him who he is. Through everything else, Songs About Fucking expresses to viewers just how human Marc is, all he brings to the table, and the potential of the performing arts.
Directed by James Gallagher.
Starring Marc Rebillet, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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