Katy Perry: Part of Me - review
- By Hannah Mahony -
- Jul 13, 2012
Admittedly, 2011 was a huge year for Katy Perry – what with hit after hit, wig after wig and er, that divorce from a certain British comedian/ notorious bad boy. An issue which one might think had been preferred to be kept under wraps as opposed to being covered in a film-documentary about the life and times of Katheryn Hudson, aka K-Pez.
Not all misery and peeking through backstage curtains at a tearful Katy (voyeurism at its finest), much of the film is made up of brilliantly filmed footage from her ‘California Dreams’ tour. A year long effort spread over 5 continents totalling 124 shows. With a ridiculously large stage production, and more costumes than you can shake a candy-cane stick at, the film follows Katy and her entourage as they visit new countries, work themselves silly and take the occasional day off to visit the waterpark.
Alongside the live performances are confession-esque interviews with those closest to the 27 year old pop sensation. From her strict-Christian preacher parents (of whom her father now slightly resembles Bono), to best friends, her sister (and employee) – to my favourite personality in the entire movie, Katy’s 90-something Las Vegas based Grandma.
Even Adele, Rihanna and Jessie J have their moment to sing (not literally, sadly), their praises to Katy in short interviews.
Old video footage of a fresh-faced, doe-eyed 18 year old Katy (she’s aged brilliantly), is also played out in the film. In her youthful naivety she talks of her struggles to be herself, her extremely strict Christian upbringing (MTV and rock music were a no-go) and her humble beginnings as a Christian singer. You’re pretty much given the A-Z of Katy’s musical career as she’s bounced around from label to label until her big break.
Despite pulling at a few heartstrings when the audience are supposedly given an inside look at a distraught and worn-out Katy, my suspicions over the legitimacy of the footage are high. Although admirable the way in which Perry has turned her unfortunate divorce into a successful film, she's still faced vast criticism over the seemingly obvious way she’s exploited her marriage.
Despite the some-what cringe worthy YouTube clips of children talking of how Katy has inspired them to be themselves - the costumes, insight and behind-the-scenes tour production more than makes up for the more sombre parts of the film.
From fart jokes, to costume changes, to Japanese cat cafes – not to mention the unavoidable catchy soundtrack – Katy Perry: Part of Me, will at least, at times, make you ‘lol’.
6/10
By Hannah Mahony. Social engagement executive, Virgin Group Digital. Tweets @hannahmahony
