‘Too Much Sugar’ Review: Robert Greene’s Playful, High-Energy Doc Marshals a Revealing Family Moviemaking Project
Everyone’s a main character in “Too Much Sugar,” a scrappy, agitated, spikily entertaining study of an extended family with a whole community’s worth of backstory, present-tense drama and diverging plans for the future. Only one person in it, however, has main character syndrome.
The documentary "Too Much Sugar" is making waves with its playful and high-energy portrayal of an extended family's dynamics, and music lovers will appreciate the way the film weaves together a complex narrative that's both revealing and entertaining. By focusing on the intricate relationships within this family, director Robert Greene creates a cinematic experience that's reminiscent of a sprawling album, with each family member serving as a distinct character with their own story to tell.
What's striking about "Too Much Sugar" is its ability to capture the chaos and energy of family life, much like a live concert or a behind-the-scenes music documentary. Greene's filmmaking style is akin to a music producer, expertly blending disparate elements to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The result is a film that's both a character study and a commentary on the power of family dynamics, with music serving as a subtle but effective thread throughout.
As the documentary world continues to evolve, "Too Much Sugar" stands out for its innovative storytelling and its willingness to experiment with form. Music fans will be eager to see what Greene does next, and whether he'll continue to explore the intersection of family, music, and documentary filmmaking. With the music documentary genre showing no signs of slowing down, it's exciting to think about what other stories are waiting to be told, and how filmmakers like Greene will choose to tell them.
Originally reported by variety.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.