#HOTDOCS: “THE SPARKS BROTHERS”

By Justin Waldman

Have you heard of Sparks? Have you not heard of Sparks? Quite frankly it doesn’t matter if you know the British/non British band, The Sparks Brothers is an excellent Documentary. Ron and Russell Mael have been making and performing music for over 50 years, going through reinventions of sound and style throughout their career. They managed to create sounds before they became popular, accused of plagiarizing themselves as their sound has inspired countless acts.

With wonderful direction from Edgar Wright, The Sparks Brothers encapsulates all of their music, style, and influence throughout fifty years of music and life. They left the United States to go to the UK where they were incredibly more popular, to creating an entire Synth album in the late ’70s, everything the Sparks have done has been criticized and revolutionary. Wright’s direction is flawless throughout the Documentary, providing every ounce of insight for the audience that is possible for Sparks.

The only issue that lays within this otherwise incredible and fun Documentary is the amount of information we are given. It gives a thorough and extensive look at Sparks throughout their entire career, and what could have changed if one thing or another changed. However, having never known of Sparks (by name) prior The Sparks Brothers, this Film was eye-opening and engaging.