Can a biopic, about a glam metal band from the 80's, be truly masterful; to the point of becoming indispensable for any respectable list that any cinephile has to see? In my honest, yes, subjective opinion, yes.... The Dirt is more than just another film to glorify a rock band with a certain pedigree and worldwide fan base. It's a fascinating mix of comedy, raw and at times heartbreaking drama, and pseudo-documentary (mockumentary, in the best Blair Witch or Paranormal Activity style).
Personally, I came across this film purely by chance. One day, scrolling through the most famous streaming app in the world, I came across a suggestion. I was looking for real life events, and Netflix interpreted my search with what I like the most (music, bands, and related topics) and suggested what would be a surprise for my expectations. I found a real treasure hidden in plain sight. And you see... Since 2019, it had already been released on the platform but for some unknown reason I had never heard of it before. From the first few minutes, you're totally hooked by the plot and the tone with which the film begins.
Like I said, The Dirt feels like a comedy but has a mockumentary structure and shows the beginnings of Motley Crue.... Which for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about or what I'm referring to, let me tell you that it's about nothing more and nothing less than the most massive and acclaimed glam meta band of the glorious 80s. Excesses, substance abuse, a lot of disorder but above all, a climb from anonymity to the most unbridled success, are part of the very structure of the film. It shows you the cool, cool face of rock and roll and all its honeys, but also what you have to ‘pay’ to reach that lifestyle...
It's funny how a band that I didn't used to listen to much before this film, then became much more relevant. I was always more of a Guns and Roses or Skid Row guy but after soaking in the details I've seen in The Dirt, I've found more of a connection to those kids consumed by the vices of the Reagan generation (same as the yuppies) who at all costs wanted to be famous. Maybe they had no idea what they were about to face, but then again, I guess that's life... Motley Crue, at first sight is a misogynist and somewhat frivolous band that repeats clichés of the genre and looks like a joke but nothing to see... They are the reflection of what was once a symbol of greatness and vigour. It is not for nothing that thousands adored him and followed him.
‘Home sweet home’ was one of the first songs I heard from them. In this film it doesn't have the relevance it could but no Motley Crue song really stands out. What is really important is how we witness their bass player's story of abandonment and success. Or how their vocalist, in the middle of a night of partying in Los Angeles, accidentally causes an incident that will never go away or how a guitarist with chronic back pain creates powerful riffs and gives Motley Crue the sound of distinction that they maintain to this day. Without a doubt, it's The Dirt is easily consumed, it doesn't require being a niche fan and above all it doesn't hide anything and shows several things that not so long ago it wasn't so easy to show in the cinema. A treasure, a gem, a film that I highly recommend you to see. And even more so at this time of year when we have a bit more free time. Enjoy it, you will be grateful.