Artifact (2012)

I would've given this documentary an 11 out of 10, if that'd been possible. I am part of the new generation mentioned in Artifact that doesn't have to go out of the house and pay for music and whose favourite tracks are only a click away. This huge and extremely fast change and shift between my generation and my parents' generation (they used to buy CDs and cassettes) caused by technology advancement was never so meticulously addressed before using real and iconic practical examples, but Jared Leto had the guts to put his band's future at risk just to protect his/their art and hard work and to reveal the real side of the music business to fans, ordinary people, non- artists or future artists who had not been exposed to any of this. As an ordinary, non-artist person, but with the same idealistic perspective on life as Jared, I found this documentary immensely captivating, interesting, informative, refreshing and even inspirational at the same time! I was surprised to find out that behind 30 Seconds to Mars' 'This is War' album was a greatly talented British music producer. I was surprised to find out that the band hadn't been paid for their albums. I was surprised about the band members' past and I kinda identified myself with the penniless idleness of their youths! To me, this artistic documentary was as much about the implications that declining record companies have on (big) artists, as it was about how small- town musicians find direction and follow their dreams to create something timeless together in spite of economic and personal difficulties. The cinematography, the quotes, the real data, the interviews and the vignettes from the band members' lives were flawlessly put together in this superb documentary on what it's really like to be a signing artist nowadays. A must-watch for music lovers of all genres! Music will forever be the drive! 🎼

This review is slightly different from the normal films adapted from literature that I include on my blog. But this particular film is inspired by true events by a worldwide, well-know alternative rock band and can be used as a valuable tool to anyone contemplating a recording contract and as such is an adaptation (use your own definition of the word here). Keep in mind that not all bands experience what this band has encountered and not all record companies are this greed based. But, after working on their documentary film Artifact for a number of years, Thirty Seconds to Mars has released this 2012 film to the general public. It can be found in some theaters but is available through iTunes as a rental or for purchase in SD or HD. It is an interesting film which shows the band's fight with EMI/Virgin Records, their record label, and the greed of this company and some other parts of the record industry. It might be difficult for some to feel sorry for this world famous band, believing that they have earned a lot of money through the sale of their music, but if the truth be told (and with all the interviews throughout the film who will attest to it) this band was sued by their record company for thirty million dollars and to date have not received any compensation for their albums. This would explain why they are on the road, touring around the world, in order to receive some compensation for their labors. They hold the record for the most days out on tour at 311! Originally, the film was to document the making of their third studio album, eventually entitled This is War, based on the fight with the record label. What transpired throughout all of this was a story of how the band had to finance, by themselves, this album and their struggle with their record company and the ludicrous breach of contract lawsuit of $30 million, which started in 2008. It should be noted here that there is a labor law in California, where the band is based, that states no contract can be longer than seven years. Thirty Seconds to Mars in 2008 had been under contract to EMI for nine years and unfortunately, they had not be paid for their previous two records and were notified that they were in debt to the company. The film breaks down the horrid process which for all intensive purposes can and does hold some bands financially prisoner. Due to this knowledge, Thirty Seconds to Mars, considering the California law, tried to terminate what they considered an unfair contract, but were informed that they did not produce the required five albums that the contract specified and were then sued for the $30 million by Virgin Records. There is a larger issue involved here that the film attempts to document which is what the front man for the band, Jared Leto, states is the unfairness and lack of artistic freedom the musicians are confronting. It is obvious that he cares greatly about this issue and even though the issue with the record company was resolved and, as of today, EMI has been purchased and sold off, there still remains this issue of unfairness and lack of freedom along with the possibility of being sued and not being compensated for artist's art, which is what music is. The film was directed by Leto under the pseudonym of Bartholomew Cubbins, a Dr. Seuss character, and it has won some awards. Leto has also directed other films, mostly music videos under the same name. But as well as this film contains lots of very good substance and content, it has the appearance of a music video and not a documentary film. Yes, it contains the necessary information to inform and it shows the passion of the topic being discussed, but it has too much emotion. Documentary films do just that…document and inform. In my estimation, it would have been better served if an entirely different production team had been hired…from the directing, to the camera work, to the editing. And as well as iTunes is number one for marketing, a larger distribution would have helped this film reach a bigger audience. Keep in mind, not all record companies work the way Thirty Seconds to Mars states, but as I have already said, it is a good film to watch and learn from.

Artifact really opened my eyes to things I never understood about the music industry it broke it down and explained it in a way I have never seen anywhere else.Artists get so screwed by the boys behind the desks who have absolutely no creative input whatsoever.The Artist is there killing themselves pouring out their heart and soul and pouring in their money and time and someone else benefits.It is so wrong.It took 30 seconds to mars to take a stand for their rights and the rights of others and every single Artist owes them a depth of gratitude.The Artist has been screwed time immemorial .Artists just need to create and it is this fact that the vultures hone in on.Seriously Musicians you have no idea what these men have done for you by being brave enough to risk everything to fight for their rights and the rights of others.

From the very moment of the first shot of this documentary, you KNOW it isn't going to be like anything else you've ever seen. A rare, closerthanthis look into the lives of members of the band 30 Seconds to Mars. You embark upon a journey to fight for what's right. To open eyes and ears around the world to what an artist really experiences after having been signed to a label. It's exhilarating to watch Jared Leto and all who stand behind him buck the system & say NO, we aren't going to be taken advantage of anymore. He took a life changing chance, by publicizing his battle, and identifying himself, as well as his band, to record companies around the world. Mars has come out of this war, not just alive, but alive & well. Still making beautiful music & sharing it with the world, with renewed determination. They ARE the shining example of bravery, determination, faith and honesty in a very ugly, greedy, cutthroat avenue of business. I'm honored to have watched it, & to be able to pass it on to others. Thank you Mars! Well done Sirs!