Growing season: Beyoncé and her daughter Blue Ivy perform on stage during the Renaissance World Tour in Atlanta, Georgia, in August. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
‘I feel full and thankful,” gushes 42-year-old Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé starts, accompanied by the timeless melody of her classic Dangerously In Love.
There is no doubt that Beyoncé is a superstar and her mastery of showmanship is beyond question. She is at the apex of her glittering career. But she may well have been referring to cinemas screening the movie.
I am here on assignment from the Mail & Guardian’s arts editor Charles Leonard, who is sitting next to me, plotting his own take on the film [see right].
This is the first screening of the film, which is being released globally. The theatre is virtually empty because it is midday but the manager has told us he is fully booked for the rest of the weekend.
That trend will probably continue as all Beyoncé’s over-18 fans in Joburg will surely be watching it (yes, it has an age restriction due to some rather strong language). Fans across the world have streamed to this latest cinematic venture by the multifaceted Beyoncé.
Blue Ivy Carter’s mother has seamlessly woven herself into the fabric of pop culture, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Eleven-year-old Blue Ivy herself featured on stage as a dancer during the Renaissance World Tour, on which the movie is based, and also in intimate behind-the-scenes parts of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.
The documentary promises an intimate exploration of Beyoncé’s life, offering a glimpse into the rebirth she is experiencing at this stage in her career.
With anticipation building, she expresses her desire to take fans behind the scenes of the creation of her latest tour, emphasising that it transcends a mere concert — it is a state of mind.
Beyoncé describes her tour as a machine, a complex apparatus designed to deliver an immersive experience.
As the opening images unfold, the devoted Beyhive, her legion of fans, is depicted with sheer adoration on their faces. This is reminiscent of the intense admiration Michael Jackson received during his performances, where a single note could induce shock, tears or even collapse among audience members.
Beyoncé does not disappoint when it comes to delivering a spectacle of grand proportions. She unveils the logistical marvel behind her concerts, revealing that, at any given moment, three stages are in transit, set to be constructed in different countries.
This highlights the colossal nature of her productions, where technology, artistry and meticulous planning converge to create a seamless experience for her global audience.
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé sheds light on the meticulous attention given to factors such as weather conditions and settings.
Beyoncé acknowledges the challenges faced by her crew, emphasising the importance of adapting the show to diverse environments — the “world” tour took in Europe and North America, starting on 10 May in Stockholm, Sweden, and concluding in Kansas City in the US on 1 October.
The 56 shows, in support of her seventh album, last year’s Renaissance, lasted between two and a half and three hours, and were praised for their production values and sheer spectacle.
The dedication to delivering top-tier performances, regardless of external factors, underscores the professionalism and dedication of the entire production team.
A notable aspect of Beyoncé’s behind-the-scenes narrative is her commitment to gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated field of concert production.
The global icon expresses her pride in having witnessed an unprecedented number of women contributing to the construction of a highly intricate stage.
Beyoncé’s emphasis on inclusivity extends beyond the spotlight, making a powerful statement about breaking barriers and providing opportunities for women in the entertainment industry.
She emerges as not just a performer but as a hands-on artist deeply involved in every facet of her concerts. From the nuanced choreography to the synchronisation of lights and the overall stage design, she leaves no detail untouched.
The level of control she exerts over the creative process is staggering, revealing a perfectionist’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for her fans.
While Beyoncé’s involvement in every element of her concerts showcases her commitment to excellence, it also provides an intimidating glimpse into the level of scrutiny she brings to the table.
Viewers may find it awe inspiring, yet somewhat overwhelming, as they witness the artist’s unyielding dedication to perfection. As the credits rolled, we had fun spotting the parts of the filmmaking process in which she did not have the main gig.
While Beyoncé is undeniably eloquent, she remains an enigma. Throughout the documentary, there is a sense that she deliberately maintains a certain level of inaccessibility.
The desire to unravel the layers of Beyoncé’s true self intensifies, yet the artist seems content to stay within the confines of an enigmatic persona. The film, rather than peeling back the layers of Beyoncé’s authenticity, tends to hover at surface level.
Despite the promise of an insider’s look into her life, Beyoncé appears determined to remain politically correct and philosophical at every turn. The result is an awkward experience, as viewers witness a delicate dance between letting people in and keeping them at arm’s length.
There were moments where she shared how her work-life balance has taken a toll on her and we see her having to work through an injured knee, affecting the type of shoes she could wear while performing.
It becomes apparent that, at its core, Renaissance is not just a cinematic journey through the life of an artist but a reflection of Beyoncé’s business acumen.
The documentary serves as a testament to her role as a businesswoman, subtly blending her personal narrative with a strategic brand image. The film did bag $21 million in its opening weekend, over and above the half a billion dollars made by the Renaissance tour.
The documentary, for me, seemed to stretch on indefinitely. As it unfolded, I found myself glancing at my watch, silently wishing for a more succinct storytelling approach. The extensive runtime tested my patience and I couldn’t help but contemplate the prospect of a Friday afternoon nap.
However, my experience was in stark contrast to the enthusiasm of two Beyhive members in the audience who found the film to be an immersive journey rather than a tedious marathon. One of them even expressed a desire for it to continue, deeming it “way too short”.
The other enthusiast exclaimed, “I am in awe as to how a person can keep us engaged for that long!”
A devoted fan since the Destiny’s Child era, he shared his delight with the inclusion of Beyoncé’s old songs seamlessly layered onto new ones.
For him, the experience was nothing short of incredible, a sentimental journey through the evolution of an artist he has followed since the beginning of her career.
In the end, the cinematic odyssey serves as a testament to the artist’s magnetic presence, sparking debate on the delicate balance between endurance and entertainment.
As Beyoncé continues to captivate hearts and minds, the conversations surrounding the length of her artistic offerings only add to the multifaceted allure of her enduring legacy.