R.E.M. by MTV

This is a movie for the fans of REM especially but I hope everyone else finds it and through it finds REM.

I guess that shows how biased I am - I am a fan of REM. My introduction to the band was however a bit slow to warm up: Some friends who's taste in music I respected loved REM but the songs I'd heard on the radio were Popsong 89' and Shiny Happy People and I really did not like either song. When I was made to listen to the Green album however it was the beginning of a long musical relationship.

I'm sharing that story as an illustration of the diversity of the band's music and I did feel that that came through in this documentary. By using mostly (or maybe only) existing footage from the entire career of REM one does put together a picture of a very diverse group of creative people that somehow not only survived longer than most bands but also managed to create some of the most enduring pop music throughout that time.

The film doesn't get bogged down in politics or controversies that have existed but fairly portrays them and while these merit a film of their own it probably makes it more generally palatable and I think a film most people can enjoy.

These guys are dumber than doors and about as hard headed.

You have to sit through nearly 2 hours of boring dissertations from these clowns who (you'll see by the clips) are HORRIBLE live.

Plus they have grey and yellow teeth.

I was revolted.

As someone who's been on board since Murmur, this isn't just a documentary; it's practically a home movie of our own musical lives, filtered through the specific, sometimes bizarre, lens of MTV. R. E. M. By MTV is an absolutely essential compilation, a meticulously curated time capsule that perfectly captures the strange, exhilarating journey of arguably the most important band of their era.

Seeing the band evolve from shy, enigmatic college radio figures into global icons-and observing their complex relationship with the very network that amplified their reach-is incredibly poignant. The film masterfully uses only archival footage, letting the interviews, performances, and award show clips tell the story organically. You witness their growth, their artistic integrity battling commercial pressures, their humor, and their quiet intensity unfold over decades.

For longtime fans, yes, some moments will spark recognition, but seeing them assembled this way provides a powerful narrative context. It's more than just nostalgia; it's a vital historical document showing how a band navigated fame without losing its soul. It captures their initial awkwardness, their peak superstardom, and their reflective later years with equal care.

This is Resurrection Cinema at its finest-bringing back not just the music, but the feeling of discovering and growing with this band. It's like finding a box of perfectly preserved VHS tapes containing key moments of your youth. Absolutely flawless and deeply moving. A must-own for anyone who ever felt the pull of Athens, GA.