The 2012 documentary, "Greenwich Village: Music That Defined a Generation", explores the depths of the greatest generation of musicians. This documentary is unique, delivering commentary from the singer-songwriters that were a part of this time.
To provide some background information, music created in Greenwich Village in the 1960s was powerful enough to change the world. Folk musicians gathered in this leftist neighborhood, where activism and art went hand-in-hand. Music was a tool utilized not only as a sociopolitical commentary, but as a means to drive people to action. Singers such as Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Pete Seeger performed songs in coffee shops in famous cafes such as Cafe Wha? and The Gaslight Cafe. They wrote songs that addressed their viewpoints on the world at that time and provoked social change. There were countless movements in that time period, ranging from issues on civil rights to to the protests on the Vietnam War. Greenwich Village was a place where people with similar ideologies came to promote their ways of seeing in innovative ways, such as with music. Singer-songwriters in 1960s Greenwich Village made a global impact by promoting messages through art.
This documentary allowed many of the participants in the Greenwich Village music scene to reflect on their lives there. Many famous singers shared their thoughts on the impact folk music had not only on their lives, but on the world as a whole. The consensus is a true belief that folk music changed the world. Folk musicians were able to create a voice for the new generation in their music. Songs were written highlighting the social and political turmoil in the 1960s, and sparked a desire for change. Music was able to define and promote the ideals of a new generation. Folk singers were more than musicians- they were activists. The folk scene is Greenwich Village did not merely display their disgust in politics at the time- folk music displayed the hope in change.
The documentary told the story of Greenwich Village across a decade or so. It weaved the history of what was happening with commentary from participants. It also showed footage of performances and moving photographs from the sixties. There is an impressive collection of folk singers featured in this documentary. Throughout the entirety of the documentary, I was wishing I was in Greenwich Village in this revolutionary time. There isn't exactly a new take on this point in history brought to the table, however that did not bother me. Many people agree that this was a wonderful time in history for musicians and liberals alike. There isn't much risk taken with this documentary, but it does highlight the beauty of this part of American history. I would recommend it to anyone with a passion for cultural, political, or social awareness- and of course music lovers. 1960s Greenwich Village- I can't think of many topics as fascinating as this one. Although this documentary doesn't break many boundaries in the world of cinema, it is certainly worth checking out.
