While she was making her album “The Hope Six Demolition Project” in 2016, musician PJ Harvey did something rare: she opened up her recording process to the public. She and her team built a studio in London in which fans of the musician or just the curious could see Harvey and her musical staff laying down the tracks.
In the chronicles of “A Dog Called Money” this was the culmination of a lengthy workflow. The songs began as writings when Harvey spent time in Kabul, Kosovo, and Washington DC with photojournalist Seamus Murphy, who also directed this picture
In search of inspiration, Harvey visited not only places of plague, but also places of joy, such as a musical instrument shop on the upper floor of a shop window in Afghanistan. She thought about her own privilege – she explored the destroyed records and pieces of furniture in a bombed-out house in Kosovo and remarked: “I step on your things in my expensive leather sandals.”
A scene with a DC gospel choir contributing to one of Harvey’s songs is a bit awkward. Harvey is respectful and kind. But even in the supposedly best of circumstances, white artists who guarantee some form of authenticity by inviting people of color to expand their work can seem a little patronizing.
The most compelling sections of this film take place in this temporary London studio. Harvey is detail-oriented, in a good mood, dedicated and encourages her fellow musicians. The melodies she crafted for the resulting record are complex and eclectic, yet still honor the raw directness of her early work.
A dog called money
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. Take a look at the virtual cinema of the Filmforum.
