Adam Ant - “The Blueblack Hussar” DVD

Serious look at troubled eighties post-punk icon

Seemingly near-forgotten as a major player in the 80s music and style scene, Adam Ant (and his previous post-punk band, Adam & The Ants) have unjustly become just side-notes during “80s retro” playlists. Jack Bond’s film “The Blueback Hussar”, isn’t a full-on documentary of the inspirational Adam Ant, but rather a behind-the-scenes look at Ant’s 2011 return “tour” of England. And scattered it is.

After he dropped from public consciousness in the early 90s, Ant had a series of troubles related to his bipolar disorder that landed him in the courts and basically belittled him to little more than tabloid fodder. Bond’s look at Ant is unflinching and only a bit sympathetic, allowing Ant’s larger than life charisma and swinging personality to take over. At times, it’s sort of sad, seeing Ant (known to his parents as Stuart Godard) parading around like he was a major rock star still. At other times, it’s refreshing to see him retaining his persona through it all. His swagger and unapologetic personality is infectious and somehow inspiring.

A must-see for serious fans, or anyone interested in seeing a detailed and unflinching “where are they now” portrait of an eighties icon.

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"The World Of Z" DVD (director: Brad Besser and Vince Clemente)

Genius or madman? Seems that quite often, there's a distressingly fine, even undetectable line between the two. I had never heard of him before, but Zbigniew Fiks, using the "easier" trade name "Z", crosses both lines. This sympathetic and loving documentary shows the duality of Z well.

A Polish-American immigrant, Z has been a life-long artist, crafting everything from poems to brilliant visual arts and sketches. He's also been diagnosed with manic-depression, and his bouts with his affliction have led to divorce, estrangement from his children, and health issues. "The World Of Z" candidly shows Z's fluctuations and extremes, from a rambling alcoholic madman to a kind, well-spoken, and intelligent artist. 

His ex-wife and children are interviewed, along with doctors and friends. There are plenty of classic old home movies and photos, adding to the mystique of this "outsider artist" who is ultimately engaging and brilliant. "The World Of Z" is a fascinating and immersive look at the life of a troubled, but ultimately likable, personality on the fringes. Recommended. (City Pigeon)