93. Rebel Dread; movie review

 

REBEL DREAD

Cert 15

83 mins

BBFC advice: Contains very strong language, drug misuse, racism

Does Don Letts do voiceovers? If not, he should.

His narration of his life story, in parallel with the history of some of the biggest names in the punk rock scene, is relaxed, alluring and intelligent.

And his voice is so crystal clear and even sexy. I can certainly understand how this fella's looks and beguiling words have attracted some very beautiful women.

Letts has ploughed a very individual path during an incredible life which has seen him be a fashion trend-setter, a band manager, pop star and creator of more than 400 rock videos.

First generation Black British, Letts walks us through what it was like to grow up in west London in the late 60s and early 70s.

Complemented by contemporary photos and footage, he tells of the vibrancy of Brixton and later King's Road but also of the racism, unemployment and tension of the time.

But William E. Badgley's documentary really comes into its own when the punk scene emerges.

Names such as Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood, John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) and even Bob Marley were part of Letts' circle in the mid to late 1970s.

Letts give some wonderful anecdotes before moving on to the The Clash and how he became part of their inner circle and was given the chance to be director of their iconic London Calling video.

Later he formed Big Audio Dynamite with Mick Jones who had been sacked by The Clash.

Letts was not only a witness to significant moments in music history, he was a central part of it. There are contributions during Rebel Dread which testify to that.

Meanwhile, the man himself is causally excited to tell his story but also admits to his failings - notably around women and his children.

The day before watching Rebel Dread, I saw the opening act of the Kayne West trilogy.

The differences are stark. The former is considered but sharp, casual but riveting and its music meant much to me as someone who is only a few years younger than Don Letts.

The latter is none of those things.

Reasons to watch: Cool insight into 70s/80s music scene

Reasons to avoid: A bit of background knowledge required

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Did you know?  In 1984, Don Letts co-founded the band Big Audio Dynamite with Clash guitarist Mick Jones, acting as the group's sampler and videographer.

The final word. William E. Badgley: "Through it all, Don seemed to know that becoming who you truly are means having the courage to be someone who has never been before." 

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