Review:
"Have You Got It Yet": A Fresh and Insightful Look at the Life and Legacy of Syd Barrett.
I attended the London film premiere of "Have You Got It Yet - The Story of Syd Barrett & Pink Floyd" and was asked by the ‘Pink Floyd Collectors’ Facebook group to share my thoughts without giving away any spoilers. Here are my impressions:
Firstly, you need to watch this film in the movie theatre.
I know it might sound like a cliché, but it's true: if you want to fully appreciate this documentary, you need to watch it on the big screen. The immersive experience of seeing the stunning visuals and hearing the high-quality sound on a big screen is simply unparalleled. Trust me; it will give you goosebumps and make you feel like you're right there in the moment. Watching it on your TV, computer, or YouTube just won't do it justice.
What sets this documentary apart from other Syd Barrett documentaries and TV programs is the fact that Storm Thorgerson co-directed it. He knew all of the individuals interviewed in the film, having been there since Syd's childhood and was there when they moved to London. As a result, you can hear his voice asking questions and double-checking facts behind the camera, offering a different version of the facts and sometimes disagreeing but always showing respect. Additionally, there is a lot of Storm Thorgerson-style imagery in the film, which adds to the overall psychedelic and dreamlike feel of the documentary.
The documentary features never-before-seen footage and photos, which add a layer of depth to Syd's story that had been previously unexplored. I must say that one of the most impressive highlights for me was the segment where Syd Barrett visits the Abbey Road Studios during the recording of "Wish You Were Here."
Also, the documentary features interviews with individuals who offer a new perspective on Syd Barrett's life and legacy. They shed light on events and facts that were previously misrepresented, providing fresh and insightful revelations.
In addition to the high-quality visuals and sound, the editing and storytelling progression in this documentary are also flawlessly executed. The way the story is told and presented kept me engaged and glued to my seat. It's clear that a lot of thought and care went into the creation of this film. The directors of the documentary, Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson, along with the editor, Karen Skloss, did an excellent job.
I understand that some members of our community may have concerns that certain aspects were not included in the film. However, I believe that this did not detract from the overall quality and impact of the documentary.
While I appreciated the diversity of perspectives offered in the documentary, I personally found some of the interviews with lesser-known American musicians to be less engaging. However, I recognise that this is a matter of personal preference, and others may find these interviews to be just as insightful and interesting as the rest of the film.
As for the message of the documentary, it's up for interpretation. Is it a happy story, a sad one, or a blend of both? It's up to you to determine after watching it. For me personally, I felt moved and even shed a few tears at the end. It made me appreciate and respect Syd even more.
In conclusion, "Have You Got It Yet - The Story of Syd Barrett & Pink Floyd” is a must- watch for any Syd Barrett or Pink Floyd fan. It's a touching tribute to one of the most talented and enigmatic musicians of our time, and it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. I will return to the cinema once it reopens in May 2023, probably many times.
Cheers,
Marcelo Paulo de Souza (London, April 2023).
"Have You Got It Yet": A Fresh and Insightful Look at the Life and Legacy of Syd Barrett.
I attended the London film premiere of "Have You Got It Yet - The Story of Syd Barrett & Pink Floyd" and was asked by the ‘Pink Floyd Collectors’ Facebook group to share my thoughts without giving away any spoilers. Here are my impressions:
Firstly, you need to watch this film in the movie theatre.
I know it might sound like a cliché, but it's true: if you want to fully appreciate this documentary, you need to watch it on the big screen. The immersive experience of seeing the stunning visuals and hearing the high-quality sound on a big screen is simply unparalleled. Trust me; it will give you goosebumps and make you feel like you're right there in the moment. Watching it on your TV, computer, or YouTube just won't do it justice.
What sets this documentary apart from other Syd Barrett documentaries and TV programs is the fact that Storm Thorgerson co-directed it. He knew all of the individuals interviewed in the film, having been there since Syd's childhood and was there when they moved to London. As a result, you can hear his voice asking questions and double-checking facts behind the camera, offering a different version of the facts and sometimes disagreeing but always showing respect. Additionally, there is a lot of Storm Thorgerson-style imagery in the film, which adds to the overall psychedelic and dreamlike feel of the documentary.
The documentary features never-before-seen footage and photos, which add a layer of depth to Syd's story that had been previously unexplored. I must say that one of the most impressive highlights for me was the segment where Syd Barrett visits the Abbey Road Studios during the recording of "Wish You Were Here."
Also, the documentary features interviews with individuals who offer a new perspective on Syd Barrett's life and legacy. They shed light on events and facts that were previously misrepresented, providing fresh and insightful revelations.
In addition to the high-quality visuals and sound, the editing and storytelling progression in this documentary are also flawlessly executed. The way the story is told and presented kept me engaged and glued to my seat. It's clear that a lot of thought and care went into the creation of this film. The directors of the documentary, Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson, along with the editor, Karen Skloss, did an excellent job.
I understand that some members of our community may have concerns that certain aspects were not included in the film. However, I believe that this did not detract from the overall quality and impact of the documentary.
While I appreciated the diversity of perspectives offered in the documentary, I personally found some of the interviews with lesser-known American musicians to be less engaging. However, I recognise that this is a matter of personal preference, and others may find these interviews to be just as insightful and interesting as the rest of the film.
As for the message of the documentary, it's up for interpretation. Is it a happy story, a sad one, or a blend of both? It's up to you to determine after watching it. For me personally, I felt moved and even shed a few tears at the end. It made me appreciate and respect Syd even more.
In conclusion, "Have You Got It Yet - The Story of Syd Barrett & Pink Floyd” is a must- watch for any Syd Barrett or Pink Floyd fan. It's a touching tribute to one of the most talented and enigmatic musicians of our time, and it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. I will return to the cinema once it reopens in May 2023, probably many times.
Cheers,
Marcelo Paulo de Souza (London, April 2023).
Glad you are able to go. No news yet of further UK screenings.
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