A tragicomic sky clings to bands that light up the sky like a fireworks display and fade. The Norwegian subjects of “a-ha: The Movie” are best known for their 1985 hit “Take on Me”, but seem to be stuck in creative purgatory despite successful shows. The documentary by Thomas Robsahm and Aslaug Holm traverses the band’s career with musings from its three members – Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen and Ken Dollesque vocalist Morten Harket – and key collaborators.
The passionate trio of talented musicians bounced around in synthpop-happy London in the early eighties and got a contract with Warner Brothers. “Take on Me”, with its infectious arpeggios and liberating high notes, made them stars, enhanced by a delightful partially animated music video from Steven Barron (who also made videos for “Billie Jean” and “Money for Nothing”).
Than what? The documentary summarizes the band’s chronology as a servile but occasionally lucid Wikipedia entry. We can’t figure out how a-ha continued to be privileged to release albums (including the denim and shiny shirt phases in both late 1990s) or why thousands of fans kept coming back for more. But we witness a hundred muted shades of gloomy and listless: Furuholmen still seems sad about abandoning the guitar for keyboards decades ago, while Harket talks about needing his space. Waaktaar-Savoy’s attitude can be summed up all at once by a sticker behind him: “No Stupid People.”
There is a slight interest in seeing the grind of recording sessions and fan service. But the film feels promotional enough not to rely on the possible humor of their situation.
a-ha: the movie
Not judged. Running time: 1 hour 49 minutes. In theaters.
