Watch Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?

Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless? is a 2016 music documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes into the life and creative processes of the eponymous alt-country and rock musician. Directed by Gorman Bechard, the film stars Lydia Loveless herself, alongside her bandmates, including Todd May and Benjamin Lamb, offering an intimate look at the artist both on and off the stage.

The film explores the essence of who Lydia Loveless is, not just as a musician but as a vibrant, complex person with a relentless spirit and a unique voice in the music industry. It follows her journey of self-discovery, her struggles with the challenges of the music business, and her unwavering pursuit to craft songs that resonate with honesty and emotional depth.

Lydia Loveless, born Lydia Ankrom, hails from Columbus, Ohio, and emerged onto the music scene in the late 2000s. By the time of the documentary's release, she had garnered a following for her blend of country-punk energy, raucous performances, and the raw, lyrical storytelling evident in her albums. The documentary doesn't just linger on her as a performer; it peels back the layers of her songwriting craft, revealing the inspirations and the sweat that go into her beloved albums.

The movie refrains from following a standard biographical format, choosing instead to frame Lydia's story with a cinema verité style that reflects the honesty found in her music. It features candid interviews with Loveless and her entourage, including fellow musicians and family members, who shed light on her background, her influences, and the dynamics within her band. These discussions are interwoven with footage from live performances, studio sessions, and day-to-day life, showcasing the energy and emotion she brings to the stage and capturing the quieter moments of reflection and creation that few fans have the chance to witness.

The camera follows Loveless as she embarks on the creative process for a new album, providing insights into her songwriting sessions, where she turns her personal experiences into heart-wrenching melodies and lyrics. Viewers are given a chance to observe the collaborative nature of her work with her bandmates, including the interplay between her sharp, articulate voice and the instruments that drive the melodies. Todd May and Benjamin Lamb, featured in the film, are pivotal players in translating Loveless's visions into the sonic landscapes her fans adore, and their contributions to her music are given a spotlight in the documentary.

Throughout the film, Loveless confronts the expectations and pressures of being a female artist in a male-dominated industry. The documentary doesn't shy away from discussing the stereotypes and the objectification that often hinders women's careers in music. Loveless addresses these issues head-on with her characteristic feistiness and determination, offering an empowering message for other women in music and beyond.

One of the film's strengths is in its portrayal of the music industry from the perspective of an artist who operates primarily under the mainstream radar. The documentary highlights the trials and tribulations of touring, the financial struggles that accompany a commitment to art over commercial success, and the personal sacrifices made in the name of creativity. Through Loveless's eyes, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to persist and thrive in such a demanding field.

As a visual experience, the documentary avoids an over-polished aesthetic, opting instead for an organic feel that complements the grit and authenticity of Loveless's music. Cinematography and editing choices enhance the storytelling, immersing the audience in the world of a touring musician, from the neon lights of a crowded venue to the quiet solitude of a hotel room.

Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless? is not just for fans of her music; it's for anyone who appreciates the power of songwriting and the passion of an artist who stays true to herself in an industry notorious for its compromise. The film is a celebration of one woman's artistic integrity and a testament to the kind of perseverance that creates enduring art. Through joyful moments and trials alike, Loveless's raw talent and forthright personality shine through, culminating in a documentary that echoes the spirit of her music: undeniably real, fiercely independent, and unmistakably human.

Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless? is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.