As the movies states, you are either a huge fan of the Magnetic Fields, or you have never heard of them before. I fell into the latter group. I had never heard of The Magnetic Fields or their music prior to this movie going experience, but with a band name like “The Magnetic Fields”, I was intrigued.

The film began with what seemed like a dry interview with lead singer and songwriter Stephin Merritt. Though at the start of the movie it seemed that Stephin Merritt was just a dull and monotonous individual, we soon learned that though he may be quiet, he is clever and witty in contrast. Merritt says in an interview in the film that he often goes to gay bars to sit and write songs, finding the disco music the perfect inspiration to write his music. He also added that he has yet to write anything close to a disco tune. It was funny comments like these that made Merritt likeable in the movie.

We begin to see a bit more of his quirky side when he shows Claudia Gonson, Merritt’s childhood friend and other half who is also the band’s manager and pianist, what kind of sounds can be created from “ordinary” household “instruments.” The vast array of instruments and sounds that The Magnetic Fields put into their music is what sets them apart from other bands.  Also unique about The Magnetic Fields, is that they record all of their music in Merritt’s cramped and chaotic apartment in New York City.

But, the combination of instruments used was not the thing that stood out about their music. I found their lyrics to be very strange and unlike any I have heard before. I found some to be extremely crude and disturbing.

The movie took a more serious turn, when discussing Merritt’s controversial blog reputation as a racist. I think it comes with the territory of being in the public eye that some will love you and some will try to expose your flaws or try to create some.

At the end of the film Merritt moves to Los Angeles. He expressing his discomfort towards recognition, but it seems to me that if he really did not want to be recognized he probably should not have allowed a documentary to be released about him and his band. Merritt’s quiet demeanor throughout the film is what keeps the audience intrigued, and I found myself wanting to know more about him after the movie.