No. 71 (2021) UNDER THE VOLCANO (Cinefest Oz 2021) AUGUST 28th.

 

Film No. 71 (2021)  August 28th.  6:00 PM  The Heart ,  Margaret River.   W.A. 

"It was George Martins idea to take Artists out of their normal environment and put them in harmony with nature. Our BROTHER IN ARMS album was done in a few days" (Mark Knopfler reflects on the influence of Martin and what it meant to Dire Straits).

Young Western Australian film-maker Cody Greenwood listened to stories told by her mother, artist Frane Lessac about a recording studio she lived near on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. The more Cody researched the subject the more determined she became to make a film profiling the George Martin "love child", AIR Studios. UNDER THE VOLCANO is an engrossing documentary of world music history and hopefully not Greenwood's last.

Martin built the studio (a story in it self) in 1977 as a unique haven of sound production for the likes of Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Mark Knoffler, Duran Duran and The Rolling Stones. One assumed it wasn't cheap, but the film uncovers some great stories. The tale of Elton  John coming as a reluctant artist and being motivated to create 2 LOW FOR ZERO is one story told. Then there was local, Lenny, talking of the relationship he built with Sting as he taught the legend how to wind surf.

While Greenwood turned the key to start the project, her decision to bring Gracie Otto on board to direct UTV was a masterstroke. "Gracie had the experience to bring balance to the film and moulded a great relationship amongst all of us" was how Cody reflected on Otto's directorship. I can relate to the passion she must have had for the stars who make this documentary so compelling. This is likely not to be the case for those younger than the baby boomers. The subject matter may not hold the same appeal.

AIR Studios only existed from 1977 to 1987. The icon that was AIR disappeared as quickly as it was created. The volcanoes of the Soufriers Hills had a say in the future of AIR Studios and, in fact, Montserrat it self, mores the pity. But had they not, maybe the legend that was created in the 10 years of it's existence wouldn't have generated the romance depicted in UNDER THE VOLCANO. 10GUMS.