I went to this movie expecting to watch a sensationalized sales pitch of a ginormous pop star and/or be reminded that teenage antics of a 19 year old are normal, especially for a boy coming of age in the industry. I walked out feeling neither. I felt like I watched an interesting documentary about a human being with a claustrophobic lifestyle.
To be honest, I was confused, until I read a quote from Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, stating "In a way, we made this movie to show him. In a way, I made this movie to say 'Look at your life, right now.'" And that is when I realized what this film was about and why this story is so much different than any other "True Hollywood Story".
This film is the second installment in a story that fights the industry norm. Most kids with a pretty face that can sing and dance are pitched to the Disney machine. We hear their songs on TV between shows until we become so familiar we think we like them. The first documentary of Bieber showed it was possible to do a different way. We learned Bieber found success via hard work.
The amazing story behind "Believe" is that a Bieber camp is fully intact. I don't know of any other celebrity who shares the spotlight so fully or has such a dedicated "staff" (read: family). It doesn't matter where in the world you go, Bieber fans know Scooter, Kenny, Chu, Kanter, and more. After so many years and so many changes, this film is a love story about a group of "businessmen" who would rather make a celebrity a regular kid - than to make a regular kid a meltdown. They give up the opportunity to make "Believe" yet another sales pitch - and instead focus on what Bieber needs to see about himself.
I am truly amazed at the insight, dedication and integrity Chu shows in this project. It makes me interested in both the next adventure in Bieber's life as well as next films Chu will complete.
To be honest, I was confused, until I read a quote from Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, stating "In a way, we made this movie to show him. In a way, I made this movie to say 'Look at your life, right now.'" And that is when I realized what this film was about and why this story is so much different than any other "True Hollywood Story".
This film is the second installment in a story that fights the industry norm. Most kids with a pretty face that can sing and dance are pitched to the Disney machine. We hear their songs on TV between shows until we become so familiar we think we like them. The first documentary of Bieber showed it was possible to do a different way. We learned Bieber found success via hard work.
The amazing story behind "Believe" is that a Bieber camp is fully intact. I don't know of any other celebrity who shares the spotlight so fully or has such a dedicated "staff" (read: family). It doesn't matter where in the world you go, Bieber fans know Scooter, Kenny, Chu, Kanter, and more. After so many years and so many changes, this film is a love story about a group of "businessmen" who would rather make a celebrity a regular kid - than to make a regular kid a meltdown. They give up the opportunity to make "Believe" yet another sales pitch - and instead focus on what Bieber needs to see about himself.
I am truly amazed at the insight, dedication and integrity Chu shows in this project. It makes me interested in both the next adventure in Bieber's life as well as next films Chu will complete.