The Dirt: One of those hidden gems in the Netflix catalogue [A Motley Crue's Review Film]

Can a biopic about an 80s glam metal band really be masterful, to the point of becoming essential on any respectable cinephile’s watchlist? In my honest, yes, also subjective opinion, yes. Without a doubt, the answer is yes. The Dirt is more than just another film meant to glorify a rock band with a certain pedigree and fans all over the world. It is a fascinating mix of comedy, raw and at times heartbreaking drama, and a pseudo documentary style, a mockumentary very much in the vein of The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity.

Personally, I stumbled upon this film by pure chance. One day, scrolling through the most famous streaming app in the world, I came across a suggestion. I was looking for real life events, and Netflix interpreted that through what I like most, music, bands, and related topics, and suggested what would turn out to be a surprise beyond my expectations. I found a true hidden gem in plain sight. You see, since 2019, it had already been released on the platform, but for some unknown reason, I had never heard of it before.

From the very first minutes, you are completely hooked by the story and the tone that sets the film in motion. As I said, The Dirt feels like a comedy, but it has a mockumentary structure and shows the beginnings of Motley Crue. And for those who do not know what I am talking about, let me tell you this, it is nothing more and nothing less than the most massive and acclaimed glam metal band of the glorious 80s. Excess, substance abuse, chaos, but above all, a rise from anonymity to wild, unrestrained success, are part of the film’s very structure. It shows you the cool, dazzling face of rock and roll and all its pleasures, but also what you have to pay to reach that lifestyle.

It is curious how a band I did not really listen to much before this film has now become far more relevant to me. I was always more into Guns N Roses or Skid Row, but after soaking in the details shown in The Dirt, I found a deeper connection with those guys consumed by the vices of the Reagan era generation, the same one of the yuppies, who wanted fame at any cost. Maybe they had no idea what they were about to face, but I guess that is life. Motley Crue, at first glance, might seem like a misogynistic and somewhat frivolous band that repeats the genre’s clichés and comes off like a joke, but not at all. They are the reflection of what once symbolized greatness and vigor. It is no coincidence that thousands adored and followed them.

Home Sweet Home was one of the first songs I heard from them. In this film, it does not have the prominence it could have, but no Motley Crue song really stands out. What truly matters is how we witness the story of abandonment and success of their bassist. Or how their vocalist, in the middle of a party night in Los Angeles, accidentally causes an incident with no turning back. Or how a guitarist with chronic back pain creates powerful riffs and gives Motley Crue the distinctive sound they still carry to this day. Without a doubt, The Dirt is easy to watch, does not require you to be a niche fan, and above all, it hides nothing and shows things that not long ago were not so easy to portray in film. A treasure, a gem, a movie I absolutely recommend you watch. Especially around this time, when we tend to have a bit more free time. Enjoy it, you will be glad you did.