If youâre looking for an encyclopedic portrait of Jamaican dub-disco-funk diva Grace Jones, Sophie Fiennesâs Bloodlight and Bami ainât for you. (And, yes, Fiennes is a member of the Fiennes Dynasty.) If you want to know what motivated a black Caribbean woman to cover one of historyâs most unnerving, robotic synth-pop tunes (the Normal's âWarm Leatheretteâ), you'll be disappointed. But if you want explorations into Jonesâs humble Spanish Town roots, her durable family bonds and traumatic history, and ability to navigate the worldâs glitziest nightlife scenes while still making vital music in her 60s, this documentary delivers.
Musical insights are scarce, however, as are observations about the filmâs subject from her band membersâincluding dub legends Sly & Robbie. Nevertheless, the concert footage (featuring exceptional versions of âPull Up to the Bumperâ and âNipple to the Bottleâ) and Graceâs dazzling costumes compensate for these voids.
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami plays at the Egyptian this weekend. For information, visit Movie Times.