'Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D' review
Published Jul 2 2012, 00:01 BST | By Lewis Corner
Director: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz; Starring: Katy Perry, Shannon Woodward, Lucas Kerr, Rachael Markarian, Johnny Wujek, Todd Delano; Running time: 97 mins; Certificate: PGKaty Perry serves as both the main star and producer in her first ever concert film, a genre that has stepped up from arty festivals and one-off theatre showings since Justin Bieber's Never Say Never proved that money can be made from a worldwide mainstream release last year.
The documentary follows the pop starlet around the world for her 124-date California Dreams tour in a year that delivers professionals highs and personal lows. Perry invested heavily into the project financially, which explains why she felt it was important to give an honest portrayal.
The film is cleverly constructed around 3D performances from Katy's tour, while an off-stage backstory from her life reinforces the narrative of each song. As such, each track is set up like a chapter of the star's life, which Perry herself describes at one point as being like a "fairytale".
It's a classic rags-to-riches tale that is both endearing and fascinating.
However, it's the star's latter hits that soundtrack the more highly-publicised parts of her life - including her marriage and divorce with Russell Brand. It's the traditional scenario of an independent woman trying to balance a career and a relationship, except this isn't a soppy rom-com with a predictable happy ending; it's real life.
A rendition of 'Not Like The Movies' poignantly acts as a backdrop to her marriage breakdown. Tears, exhaustion and her friends and family's concern adds heartbreakingly raw drama, but satisfies the modern obsession with voyeurism that keeps millions hooked on shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Nevertheless, the pressures of being an international superstar are powerfully highlighted when Katy puts on a smile for a set in Brazil, despite cracking up from depression seconds earlier. It's a stark reminder that behind the make-up, pyrotechnics and flamboyant costumes is a woman dealing with a personal blow.
Performances lifted from the California Dreams tour are beautifully and impressively shot. Moments of slow-motion action emphasise the surreality and epic nature of headlining an arena, while the 3D effects emphasise the scale of the show.
The balance between the on-stage spectacle and the off-stage ups and downs is nicely judged, while sharp editing helps to keep the pathos of Katy's lifestyle at an accurate speed. Whether you are a fan of Katy Perry's music or not, Part of Me 3D offers a captivating glimpse into a superstar's life with fun and heart-rending honesty, that rarely feels contrived.
4 stars GTFO
July 5th 2012 at 6:19pm(+1 like)
I was there on the first night at the Staples Center when they filmed this (it was done over two nights, the second night we were all invited back for free), and have to admit I enjoyed Ellie Goulding in support a little more than the main attraction... does any of her performance make it in?
July 4th 2012 at 12:13am
"124-date California Dreams tour in a year"
4 months dating, a 1 year marriage. 1 third of the year performing. Music about it and a film too.
Anyone else think Russell was just a puppet?
Or maybe the two of them are just glorified Jordans and Peter Andres?
July 3rd 2012 at 9:31pm
Kylie did an exact type documentary about her touring comeback after beating breast cancer in 2007 called "White Diamond", which was shown in cinemas around the world and what did we get from her? Courage, dignity and utter grace with sparkles, music and fairy dust thrown in...
What a difference in two women. One who is just getting her own back at her ex-husband who wasn't there to defend himself, in her one-sided indulgant tirade... The other was from a woman who's been in the music spotlight for 25 years, came through a near fatal disease with the whole world praying for her, and who has more class and poise in her little finger than Katy Perry will ever have in ten lifetimes. This is from an ex Katy Perry fan.
July 2nd 2012 at 2:50am(+1 like)
So she is not aloud to put her side of her marriage breakdown out there even though there is huge demand for her to speak about it i think she has gone about it with dignity and respect for both herself and him regardless of if you like it or not and not being funny Russell is pretty candid when it comes to his life and issues im sure if he had the chance he would spill too and using Kylie as a comparison is ridiculous as its two completely different scenario's.
July 2nd 2012 at 11:47am(+1 like)
Russell has been given several opportunities and has refused every time, he has class unlike Katy.
July 2nd 2012 at 12:27pm(+1 like)
He has class please Russell Brand class he has as much class as KFC it is her prerogative to talk about it and she is sensible enough to see people want to know about it so rather than things be fabricated she can put her own side out there there is nothing wrong with that so get off your pedestals and get over yourselves.
July 2nd 2012 at 12:46pm(+1 like)
Not heard a word from Russel Brand about the divorce. Katy Perry on the other hand hasn't shut up about it. Using her divorce to help promote the film is just pathetic.
July 2nd 2012 at 4:45pm
To be fair nobody cares anymore, there isn't really need for it.
July 2nd 2012 at 5:08pm
shouldnt you watch the film before judging what it's like?
July 5th 2012 at 1:03pm
Good movie or not, I still believe she could have gone to Comcast: 'E!'. She could have arguably set a record for viewership in the network, and could have kicked Kardashian butt.
July 2nd 2012 at 12:18am