“I AM A CLICHÉ”

PUNK ICON POLY STYRENE NEW FILM IS ACE

I Am A Cliché – a new, emotive documentary narrated by Celeste Bell, daughter of Poly Styrene AKA Marianne Elliot Said. Watched ‘I Am A Cliché” for Mothers Day, though came out earlier in March. Far from out & out celebration of iconic lead singer & founder of X-Ray Spex life and work, film is a frequently sad, painfully truthful and sometimes uncomfortable story which includes thwarted self-expression, mental illness and straight-up tough poverty and prejudice. These realities are delightfully skewered with Poly’s bravery, genius creativity & instinctive wit, then later by love and connection with her daughter. Directed by Paul Sng and Celeste Bell.

OH BLONDAGE!

UP YOURS!

I watched ‘cos I love Poly Styrene, her voice, her style and X-Ray Spex songs. Film showed me yet more of why Poly wasn’t simply a Punk- her intuitive style was far too clever and deft to compare to most peers, as was her music. Challenging thinking and norms, focusing on issues unseen by many, decades ahead, and running a thread of art based confrontation throughout her work- this is madly remarkable stuff, executed with combined innocence and insolence. Bloody hell- she was so special.

IDENTITY POLY-TICS

Opera trained, her unique voice sometimes flat and harsh, effortlessly shifting through squealing and keening, upwards to thrilling discords. Discord is a prevailing theme for much of Styrenes work and life. I salute you Poly Styrene/Marianne Elliot, and the makers of this film.

£10 to watch for 48 hours is bargain, but gonna be banging on bout it far longer, so better brace yourselves. Check it (clicky)

Stubbs out.