Sometimes movies can do a good job of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. A prefect example is “Senna” director Asif Kapadia's new documentary about Amy Winehouse, “Amy.” The project was first announced with a lot of fanfare a little under two years ago, but now the final product is ready for its debut.
At the time, Winehouse's family said they had agreed to work with Kapadia and producer James Gay-Ress because they would “look at Amy's story sensitively, honestly and without sensationalizing her.”
Winehouse passed away due to alcohol intoxication on July 23, 2011 at the age of 27. During an eight-year career she had won six Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Rehab,” and her 2006 album “Back to Black” sold over 20 million copies worldwide. To many on both sides of the Atlantic, however, she was primarily known for tabloid headlines that focused on her drug abuse, dramatic weight loss, legal issues and health problems. “Amy” promises to shed new light on many of these controversies as it contains footage of Winehouse previously unseen by the public.
It's worth noting that Kapadia and Gay-Rees have an impressive track record and the critically acclaimed “Senna” is considered one of the biggest snubs in the Best Documentary category this century.
As for “Amy,” A24 has come on board to distribute this doc in the United States and have released a brand new teaser trailer embedded at the bottom of this post. “Amy” follows “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck” as the second music documentary to get major theatrical distribution this year. Moreover, with a summer release date there is a chance it may have its worldwide debut at Cannes (maybe).
Check out the new preview and let us now if you're looking forward to “Amy” in the comments section.