Alright, my fellow Unruly Folk, get ready for some epic news that’s going to rock your world—literally. Placebo, the band that was the soundtrack to many of our lives in the ’90s, has just announced their second feature-length documentary, This Search For Meaning, coming to theatres this September 2024. And trust me, this isn’t just another rock doc.
The film, directed by the Scottish award-winning filmmaker Oscar Sansom, promises a raw, intimate look into the themes that have shaped Placebo’s music and their evolution as artists and humans. If you’ve been following them since the days of ‘Nancy Boy‘ and ‘Bruise Pristine,’ you know Placebo has never shied away from tackling the heavy stuff. From the body politic and human rights to the ever-growing epidemic of apathy, they’ve been asking the questions no one else dares to. Now, they’re daring us to find our own answers.
Oscar Sansom, known for his trailblazing work in music films, takes a fresh approach here. Instead of giving us the usual origin story, he dives headfirst into contemporary themes like surveillance, culture, sexuality, gender identity, addiction, trauma, and even the climate crisis. These heavy-hitting topics are explored through new interviews with Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, as well as conversations with a diverse crew of admirers and collaborators, including Shirley Manson (Garbage), Robbie Williams, Yungblud, and Joe Talbot (IDLES). It’s like being a fly on the wall at the most fascinating dinner party ever.
The narrative isn’t just talk, though. The film is peppered with incredible, brand-new performances of tracks from Placebo’s latest album, Never Let Me Go, captured at the iconic Twickenham Film Studios. That’s right, the same place where The Beatles crafted their magic in Peter Jackson’s ‘Get Back’. And if that’s not enough to get your heart racing, there’s also exclusive, never-before-seen footage spanning their entire career, including their legendary collaboration with David Bowie.
This film isn’t just for the die-hard fans; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost and is searching for their place in the world.
So, mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for more updates. You can sign up for the latest news about This Search For Meaning on Placebo’s website.
Stay curious, stay unruly, and rock on.
