Watch Jobriath A.D.

Jobriath A.D. is a documentary film that follows the spectacular career of an American musician and songwriter named Bruce Wayne Campbell, who later adopted the stage name of Jobriath Salisbury. The film is directed by Kieran Turner and was released in 2012. Jobriath Salisbury was born in 1946 in Pennsylvania, and from a young age, he showed a great interest in music. He was a talented pianist and studied classical music, but he was also drawn to the sounds of rock and roll. In the late 1960s, he moved to New York City, where he began performing in various clubs and coffeehouses.

Despite his undeniable talent and unique style, Jobriath struggled to find success in the music industry. He was often dismissed by record labels and producers who didn't know how to market his music. However, he eventually caught the attention of Jerry Brandt, a music executive who saw something special in Jobriath and signed him to Elektra Records.

In 1973, Jobriath released his debut album, which was titled simply Jobriath. The album was a groundbreaking work of music, featuring a mix of glam rock, cabaret, and classical music. However, it was also met with controversy and backlash from some critics and fans who found Jobriath's music and image to be too unconventional.

The documentary takes the audience through the rise and fall of Jobriath's career, his brief stint as a pop icon, and his untimely death from AIDS in 1983. Along the way, the film features interviews with people who knew Jobriath, including his friends, family, and fellow musicians.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way it explores Jobriath's sexual identity and how it affected his career. Jobriath was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was still largely taboo in mainstream culture. His sexuality was often the subject of controversy and ridicule, with some critics accusing him of using his sexuality as a gimmick to sell records.

However, the film also shows how Jobriath's sexuality was an integral part of his artistry. His music, videos, and live performances featured gender-bending imagery and themes that challenged traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Jobriath embraced his sexuality as an essential part of who he was and used it as a source of empowerment and creativity.

The documentary also sheds light on Jobriath's struggles with addiction and mental illness. He was a sensitive and artistic person who often found it difficult to fit in with mainstream society. He struggled with depression and anxiety, and his drug use eventually led to his downfall.

Throughout the film, we see Jobriath's immense talent and ambition, but we also see the obstacles he faced in pursuing his dreams. The music industry can be a brutal and unforgiving place, and it often rewards conformity over creativity. Jobriath's story is a reminder that sometimes the most innovative and groundbreaking artists are the ones who don't fit neatly into a box.

In conclusion, Jobriath A.D. is a fascinating and poignant documentary that tells the story of a truly unique and talented artist. The film explores the complexities of Jobriath's life and career, from his struggles with sexuality and addiction to his artistic vision and legacy. It's a must-see for anyone who loves music, art, or just good storytelling.

Jobriath A.D. is a 2014 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 58.