Altitude Film DistributionMoving away from fictional movie-making and into the realm of documentary and it's impossible to avoid mentioning Amy, Asif Kapadia's film about the incredible British singer Amy Winehouse who tragically died at the age of 27 after years of substance abuse. Like so many other musicians who unfortunately joined the 27 Club, Winehouse demonstrated a talent which is rarely seen; a gift for songwriting and a unique and mesmerizing voice which puts to shame most of the corporate manufactured pop stars who take up air time on the radio. Uncomfortable with fame from the beginning, it was perhaps inevitable that she would seek escape from the constant media attention by turning to drugs. Inevitably this form of escapism would take its toll, and Winehouse was discovered dead in her apartment in 2011. Asif Kapadia is careful not to apportion blame to anyone in particular, although it's hard not to come away with the impression of the paparazzi as an unscrupulous bunch who profited from her mental decline.
