Wham !

Wham! burst onto the music scene in the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark with their infectious pop hits and larger-than-life personalities. The WHAM! documentary, made up of existing footage and voice-over commentary, offers an entertaining but somewhat limited exploration of the band's meteoric rise and the unique bond between Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael.

Wham! was a successful British pop duo formed in 1981 by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. From 1982 to 1986, they shot to fame with a series of chart-topping hits, becoming a cultural phenomenon of the 1980s. George Michael, principal songwriter and outstanding singer, was supported by Andrew Ridgeley, who contributed backing vocals and guitar. Blending pure pop hedonism with elements of rap and political commentary, their music exuded an irresistible energy, memorable melodies and youthful charisma that resonated with fans worldwide. Despite a relatively short career, Wham! had a lasting impact on the music industry and remains an iconic representation of the vibrant 80s pop scene.

For just four years, from 1982 to 1986, Wham! enjoyed unprecedented success, churning out hit after hit and carving out a place for themselves among pop music's elite. The film shows the duo's astonishment and immense joy at their success, as well as their sincere friendship, which goes back to their school days in Bushey, Hertfordshire. While the film focuses mainly on Andrew and George, it sadly neglects the perspectives of backing singers Dee C Lee, Helen "Pepsi" DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman.

It was obvious that George was the main talented songwriter and producer, and that he was destined for solo stardom. Andrew, in numerous interviews, graciously acknowledges this fact. Despite media speculation, there is no reason to believe that Andrew's acceptance of this dynamic was insincere. However, the film doesn't delve into Andrew's post-Wham! journey, leaving unanswered questions about his own destiny, his view of fame, the pop world and his relationship with George.

By examining the lyrics of the song Young Guns (Go For It", the film draws attention to its relevance in reflecting the emotional bonds between Andrew and George. The complexities of their friendship, with George's struggles with his sexuality and Andrew's unwavering support, remain subtly woven into the narrative. This documentary, cleverly structured around Andrew's mother's albums, highlights the sheer joy of Wham! music and their ability to blend pop hedonism with rap and political commentary. It nostalgically transports viewers back to the 1980s, but misses the opportunity to explore deeper themes such as friendship, sexuality and the impact of their music.

One of the refreshing aspects of WHAM! is that it avoids the uncontrolled outburst and exaggerated hyperbole often found in music documentaries. Instead, it presents a more introspective and conscious portrait of the band's history. Using extensive archival audio recordings, the film allows George and Andrew to reassess their past and acknowledge their own shortcomings. This adds a layer of depth that goes beyond the superficial image of Wham! as a catchy pop duo known for songs like Club Tropicana and Last Christmas.

Although the documentary sometimes strays from chronology and some moments seem repetitive, WHAM! remains a fascinating film. George's sharp wit, conveyed through his narrations from archival recordings, captivates the audience. The film candidly explores the rise of ego that accompanied George's fame, and his internal struggle when his solo career eclipsed the duo. It also highlights their calculated decisions, such as the historic show in China, designed to capture the attention of the American market. In addition, it explores the dichotomy between George's reserved identity in his Wham! days and his later role as a gay icon and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Wham!
Directed by Chris Smith
Produced by John Battsek, Alex Black, Simon Halfon
Starring George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley
Edited by Gregor Lyon
Music by Tim Atack
Production companies : Netflix, Ventureland
Distributed by Netflix, Altitude Film Distribution
Release dates : 17 June 2023 (DocFest), 27 June 2023 (United Kingdom), 5 July 2023 (Netflix)
Running time : 92 minutes

Viewed on 01 July 2023

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