Bananaz: A Film About the Virtual Band, Gorillaz

This was the official website for Gorillaz, documenting the creation of the remarkable real world of Gorillaz, the most successful animated band ever!
Content is from the site's archived pages.

About Bananaz

In the late 1990's Jamie Hewlett met Damon Albarn and the concept of Gorillaz was born sometime after. At the birth of the project, film maker Ceri Levy set about to document this undertaking. The result is Bananaz, 91 minutes inside the remarkable real world of Gorillaz, the most successful animated band ever.

Levy filmed alongside and behind the scenes from 2000 to 2006, from first drawings, animations, music and the musicians, through to the faces behind the voices of Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. The result is an unsanitised, free-wheeling documentary film; an intimate, honest and often hilarious account of the working relationship between Albarn and Hewlett. With appearances by many of those who occasionally pass through this world ; Dennis Hopper, De la Soul, Ibrahim Ferrer, Dangermouse, Dan the Automator, D12, Bootie Brown and Neneh Cherry.

“The Rock n Roll Swindle of our generation”
Jason Solomons Observer

Bananaz, a film about a virtual band Gorillaz will show at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this month.

The film removes the virtual walls of Gorillaz, a cartoon band created by artist Jamie Hewlett and musician Damon Albarn. Audiences see just what Ceri Levy saw over some many and varied months of shooting from 2000 to 2006.

Bananaz is Levy's story of the partnership and community behind Gorillaz. He takes you on the road with this virtual phenomenon and shows a part of Gorillaz never seen before - reality. As one radio interviewer puts it, "It's a parallel universe - these guys aren't in the band but they know the animated characters who are".

Bananaz is an honest, at times hilarious account of the working relationship between Albarn and Hewlett. A free-wheeling film which teams these two likely lads with friend and film maker Ceri Levy.

Featuring Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, Dennis Hopper, De la Soul and Ibrahim Ferrer and Ceri's camera.

Gorillaz is the most successful virtual band ever, fronted by four wildly talented but totally disparate characters: pretty-but-vacant singer 2D, satanic bassist Murdoc Niccals, Japanese guitar prodigy Noodle and amiable man-mountain drummer Russel Hobbs. Formed in 2000, their eponymous debut album was released to international acclaim and 5 million plus sales. Gorillaz were crowned Best Group at the 2005 MTV Europe Awards and received 5 Grammy nominations and 2 Brit Awards nods. Their second album, Demon Days has sold 6 million albums worldwide.

+++

Review

Luke Bainbridge

Saturday 18 April 2009

Drawn to be Wild

How did Gorillaz evolve from private joke into omnipotent pop stars? This documentary explains all, says Luke Bainbridge

Bananaz: Dir. Ceri Levy

Shot over six years until 2006, Bananaz follows the evolution of Gorillaz from an idea hatched one night between two friends, Blur frontman Damon Albarn and designer Jamie Hewlett, to a multi-million selling, Grammy-winning, genre-straddling, virtual pop group. "People take themselves way too seriously in the music industry," explains Albarn near the start - who might at times be included by others in that bracket - "so Gorillaz for us is an antidote to all of that." For example, the constant references to garbage bags and trash cans. Thank Blur for this - we found a huge box of various trash bags in the crawl space at the art studio, and started using them for everything. According to the packing slip they were all part of an order from an online wholesaler that had long since been forgotten. But now they're a blessing. I had no boots, so when it snowed I wore the latest fashion - black boots made from garbage bags. When it rains, none of us have rain gear so we gravitate to the bags. We took a picture of us all wearing trash bag clothing and boots and it says it all. Gorillaz takes that kind of attitude with everything.

Now that Gorillaz and their spin-off simian sibling Monkey have conquered the worlds of pop, art and opera, it's easy to forget how difficult, how alien, the concept was to some at first. "Britpop taught me how difficult it is to be experimental in this country," sighs a frustrated Albarn.

What is evident from the early footage is that the pair were also partly making it up as they went along, and the gestation and birth of Gorillaz was as testing as that of any group. From embryonic sketches, we see the characters and personalities of 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russel develop and how their caricatured relationships are as fractured as those in any other band. "Murdoc put Gorillaz together, it was his idea," explains Hewlett, "[but] he didn't actually get the job of being the lead singer, because he isn't very handsome. So 2D got the job, which is always going to piss him off."

The subplot involves the relationship between Albarn and Hewlett -half innovative alchemists and half chain-smoking, tousle-haired, early middle-aged, competitive alpha males, who can't believe that millions have bought into their private joke.

After pulling off a live Gorillaz show at the Apollo in Harlem with a cast including De La Soul, Shaun Ryder and an endearingly nervous Dennis Hopper, even Albarn is a little lost for words. "It's another wow, really... in a series of wows."

Bananaz is online from 20 April at www.babelgum.com and released on DVD on 1 June

More Background On Bananaz & The Virtual Band, Gorillaz

"Bananaz" is a fascinating documentary that offers an intimate look into the creation and evolution of the virtual band Gorillaz. Directed by Ceri Levy, the film spans six years of behind-the-scenes footage, capturing the journey from the band’s conception to its rise as a global phenomenon. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the history, insights, and critical reception of "Bananaz," providing a thorough understanding of its significance in both music and film.

The Genesis of Gorillaz

The story of Gorillaz begins in the late 1990s when musician Damon Albarn, known for his work with Blur, and artist Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of the comic series "Tank Girl," conceived the idea of a virtual band. Their collaboration was born out of a desire to create a unique musical experience that satirized the contemporary music industry. Albarn and Hewlett’s brainchild, Gorillaz, debuted with an eclectic mix of music and striking visual artistry, setting them apart from traditional bands.

Bananaz: A Unique Documentary

Directed by Ceri Levy, "Bananaz" documents the real-life creation of this virtual band. The film provides an unsanitized, free-wheeling look at the band’s journey, capturing everything from initial sketches and animations to recording sessions and live performances. Levy’s approach is raw and honest, offering a glimpse into the chaotic and creative processes behind Gorillaz.

Critical Reception

"Bananaz" has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its candid portrayal of the band’s development, while others found its unstructured format less engaging. The documentary was first shown at several film festivals, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Indie Lisboa Film Festival, before being released digitally and on DVD in 2009.

The Making of Gorillaz

The film showcases the evolving dynamic between Albarn and Hewlett. Their relationship is depicted as both collaborative and competitive, reflecting the creative tension that fueled Gorillaz’s innovative music and visuals. Through interviews and candid footage, "Bananaz" reveals the personalities behind the virtual characters—2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs.

Behind the Scenes

"Bananaz" offers a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes moments. Viewers are treated to the early stages of character design, recording sessions, and the band’s first live performances. Notable appearances include De La Soul, Dennis Hopper, and Ibrahim Ferrer, who contributed to the eclectic sound and unique appeal of Gorillaz.

Impact and Legacy

The release of "Bananaz" coincided with a period of significant growth for Gorillaz. The band’s first two albums, "Gorillaz" (2001) and "Demon Days" (2005), were commercial and critical successes, solidifying their status as pioneers in the music industry. The documentary captures this transformative period, highlighting the innovative approach that Albarn and Hewlett brought to their project.

Gorillaz Live Performances

One of the highlights of "Bananaz" is its coverage of Gorillaz’s live performances. The film features footage from their groundbreaking shows, including the live debut at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. These performances were a testament to the band’s ability to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world experiences, captivating audiences with their blend of music and visual art.

Critical Insights

Critics have noted that "Bananaz" provides a rare look into the inner workings of a band that has often shrouded itself in mystery. The documentary’s candid approach contrasts with the highly stylized and controlled image that Gorillaz typically presents. This dichotomy offers fans a deeper appreciation of the effort and creativity involved in bringing the virtual band to life.

Conclusion

"Bananaz" is more than just a documentary about a band; it’s a journey into the creative minds of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. By stripping away the virtual façade, the film reveals the real people and the hard work behind Gorillaz. For fans and newcomers alike, "Bananaz" offers an engaging and insightful look at one of the most unique musical projects of the 21st century.

Popularity

"Bananaz" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its candid portrayal of the band's development, while others found its unstructured format less engaging. According to reviews from sources like SlashFilm, the documentary was described as somewhat insular and best suited for die-hard fans of Gorillaz. The film had a limited theatrical release and was later made available on DVD and various digital platforms.

The Making of Gorillaz

Behind the Scenes

Impact and Legacy

Gorillaz Live Performances

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Despite its mixed critical reception, "Bananaz" has maintained a cult following, particularly among Gorillaz fans. The documentary’s candid approach contrasts with the highly stylized and controlled image that Gorillaz typically presents, offering fans a deeper appreciation of the effort and creativity involved in bringing the virtual band to life. The film’s availability on various streaming platforms and its screenings at notable film festivals have helped maintain its relevance in pop culture discussions.

Audience

"Bananaz" is primarily targeted at fans of the virtual band Gorillaz and those interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of innovative musical projects. The documentary appeals to several distinct groups:

Gorillaz Fans: The primary audience consists of devoted Gorillaz fans who are eager to learn about the band’s origins, creative process, and the dynamic between its creators, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The film’s insider look at the making of Gorillaz’s music and animations provides fans with a deeper connection to the band.
Music Enthusiasts and Documentarians: Those with a keen interest in the music industry and documentary filmmaking will find "Bananaz" intriguing. The film's raw and unfiltered portrayal of the creative process offers valuable insights into how unconventional music projects come to life.
Animation and Art Fans: Given Jamie Hewlett’s background in comic book art and animation, the documentary also attracts viewers who appreciate visual storytelling and character design. The film showcases the detailed work behind the animated personas of the Gorillaz members.
General Documentary Viewers: While the film has a niche appeal, it also reaches a broader audience interested in unique documentaries that provide an authentic look at creative endeavors and partnerships.

Popularity and Critical Reception

"Bananaz" has received mixed reviews, reflecting its niche appeal. Critics have noted that while the film is a treasure trove for hardcore fans of Gorillaz, its loose structure and insider focus might not engage general audiences as effectively. According to reviews on platforms like SlashFilm, the documentary’s unstructured approach can feel self-indulgent, making it best suited for those already invested in the Gorillaz phenomenon.

Despite these criticisms, "Bananaz" maintains a cult following among Gorillaz enthusiasts. The documentary's candid and behind-the-scenes footage resonates with viewers who appreciate an unpolished look at the creative process. It captures the chaotic and often humorous interactions between Albarn and Hewlett, highlighting the collaborative tension that drives their innovative work.

The film has been showcased at several notable film festivals, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Indie Lisboa Film Festival, which helped boost its visibility among international audiences. Additionally, its availability on digital platforms and DVD has allowed it to reach a wider audience beyond the film festival circuit.

Viewer Engagement and Insights

"Bananaz" offers a unique viewing experience that blends elements of music, art, and documentary filmmaking. The film's raw footage of studio recordings, animation sessions, and live performances provides an authentic look at the world of Gorillaz. This approach appeals to viewers who seek an immersive and honest portrayal of the band’s creative journey.

The documentary’s impact is further enhanced by the appearances of various collaborators, including De La Soul, Dennis Hopper, and Ibrahim Ferrer, which adds depth to the narrative and showcases the diverse influences that shape Gorillaz’s music. The eclectic mix of personalities and creative talents featured in the film underscores the collaborative nature of the project and its success as a groundbreaking musical venture.

Conclusion

"Bananaz" is a documentary that primarily caters to fans of Gorillaz and those fascinated by the intersection of music and visual art. Its candid and unstructured format provides a unique look at the creative process behind one of the most innovative bands of the 21st century. While it may not appeal to everyone, its authenticity and insider perspective make it a valuable film for those interested in the artistry and collaboration that define Gorillaz.

BananazFilm.com