Filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul and singer/songwriter Rodriguez talk about the film “Searching for Sugar Man.” Despite critical praise, Rodriguez’s albums bombed in the U.S., and he faded into obscurity in this country, but when a bootleg copy of his album made its way to apartheid South Africa, it resonated with the youth protest movement there. Decades later, two intrepid fans decide to investigate whatever happened to the mysterious musician, and they uncover an unbelievable true story of success, obscurity, politics, and the power of music. "Searching for Sugar Man" opens July 27 at Angelika and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas.
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Comments [4]
I saw this movie at a preview screening last week. Such a wonderful, uplifting story--and uplifting especially because Rodriguez is who he is. Most memorable line from the movie: When the filmmaker asks Rodriguez if he regrets the way his life played out, Rodriguez responds, "Nothing trumps reality."
Thank you Leonard. I grew up listening to Rodriguez, he is one of my top 10 artists of all time. Lucky Americans...it's like you've discovered a priceless treasure in the attic.
I now know that Truman Capote is not dead. He came back as Rodriguez.
Does the artist have an opinion on apartheid?
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