The Past Is a Grotesque Animal (2014)

In the mesmerizing film, "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" (2014), we dive deep into the tumultuous yet captivating world of Kevin Barnes, the charismatic frontman of the genre-defying indie pop band, of Montreal. This intimate narrative paints an accessible portrait of a man whose unyielding quest for artistic transcendence compels him to prioritize his craft over personal relationships, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and discord. Barnes' relentless pursuit of musical nirvana forms the heart of this story, a journey that sees him wrestling with the complex dynamics of bandmates, family, and friends alike. Each interaction, each note strummed and word sung, further fuels his existential dilemma — is the price of his artistry too steep, or is it the key to his soul's salvation? The film brilliantly delves into the future of the band, as Barnes' internal struggles threaten to fracture the unity that gave birth to of Montreal. At the crux of this narrative is a haunting question that reverberates throughout the film — is his artistic pursuit truly worth the sacrifices? "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" takes us on an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of creativity, self-expression, and personal sacrifice, leaving viewers to ponder the age-old conundrum of art versus life. This is not just a film about music, but a poignant exploration of the human condition and the oft-complicated relationship between the artist and their craft.

The Past Is a Grotesque Animal is a documentary movie featuring Dottie Alexander and directed by Jason Miller.

The Past Is a Grotesque Animal is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Fandor and Fandor Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Past Is a Grotesque Animal on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.