Cast
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Poly Styrene
as Herself (Archive Footage)
Celeste Bell
as Self/Narrator
Ruth Negga
as Poly Styrene (voice)
Neneh Cherry
as Self
Youth
as Self
Bruno Aleph Wizard
as Self
Kathleen Hanna
as Self
Thurston Moore
as Self
Vivienne Westwood
as Self
Don Letts
as Self
Jonathan Ross
as Self
John Robb
as Self
Vivien Goldman
as Self
Tony Wilson
as Self (Archive Footage)
John Cooper Clarke
as Self (Archive Footage)
Crew
Director
- Paul Sng
- Celeste Bell
Writer
- Zoë Howe
- Celeste Bell
- Paul Sng
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Paul Sng brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Long Live Rock... Celebrate the Chaos, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rammstein: Völkerball and August Rush explore similar territory, Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 27, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 36m
Where to Watch
