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This autobiographical documentary of the prog rock band lead by Peter Gabriel, and then Phil Collins for many years, is extremely watchable, well-paced, with great video, with participation and reflections from band members, especially the three who were the foundation of the band through most of the years, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks.
We hadn't watched this video in quite some time, so it was enjoyable all over again the other night when we viewed our VHS copy that has held up extremely well. From the earliest days of the band, including outdoors shots of the school where they met and get together, with Phil Collins on scene. Clips of Genesis in the early days with the eccentricities and flamboyant theatrics of Gabriel are included, and musings by each member as to what Genesis is really about, the musical transitions through the years, presents an ever-engrossing and mesmerizing account of the group.
Many fans of the earliest incarnation of Genesis, as conceived by founding member Peter Gabriel, didn't want the band to change. They wanted the band to continue to toe the line that Gabriel created, with oblique lyrics and long, instrumental, classically oriented passages, and not veer away from it. However, if you have an appetite for a rich, varied musical palette, then you can probably enjoy more than one style of music, as the band themselves obviously can too. Also, we would argue, there's really nothing inherently wrong with going through transitions and for a band to morph into something different than they were when they were conceived. This is a healthy process that stimulated continued growth and interest, both by real fans and also by the band members themselves.
And this fact is part of what makes this History so captivating. If Genesis had remained the same from their inception to the recent reunion tour of the three primary members (and not sure if the reunion included additional great drummer Chester Thompson or not, who was used for double drumming between Collins and Thompson in many concert tours), then likely this autobiographical documentary of the band would seem too much, too long of the same thing from start to finish.
But this video has highs, lows, excitement and depth.
If you are or were a fan of Genesis, or if you would like to know more about them, then GENESIS: A HISTORY is an energetic, active documentary that will both inform and entertain you.
I think I'll watch it again. Soon.
Unbelievably not available on DVD.
