Taking a strategic page from big studios dependence on pre-existing characters with a built in fanbase, Sony Pictures Classics docu line-up works with some of that same familiarity. Adding to their recent slate of visionary filmmakers (Jodorowsky’s Dune), ingenious painters (Tim’s Vermeer) and artists that have left their unique imprint on the visual landscape (For No Good Reason). Barker and Bernard have done their homework again – and are adding pivtoal figures in the launch of The Who in Lambert & Stamp. The last minute addition to Sundance’s 2014 slate will likely get as much mileage out of it until hitting the theatres sometime this year.
Gist: This tells the story of Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, aspiring New Wave filmmakers from opposite sides of the tracks who set out to find a subject for their underground movie, leading them to discover, mentor and manage the iconic band that would become known as The Who. This complex and moving relationship, a combination of the deeply tragic and brilliantly comedic, fueled the band’s artistic development and left an indelible imprint on its time and generations to come.
Worth Noting: Prior to Lambert & Stamp, James D. Cooper was a docu-cinematographer (Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky’s Brother’s Keeper).
Do We Care?: We’d be naive to think that you need to be a fan of the music to find a way into this docu item – THR gave the film a huge thumbs up.
