‘Eno’ Review: A Dynamic and Evolving Portrait of Music Visionary
Even alongside David Bowie, adorned in his extraterrestrial attire and ever-changing persona, Brian Eno emerged as the quintessential spaceman in the pop-music cosmos. His debut in 1972 as the 24-year-old synthesiser virtuoso for Roxy Music showcased his cosmic influence.
He adorned himself with light blue eyeshadow, pinkish lipstick, and jackets featuring oversized shoulder pads adorned with shiny black feathers. Despite the flamboyance, his thinning hair on top and the long, wispy sides, coupled with his pouting expression, conveyed an otherworldly appearance reminiscent of a passionflower extraterrestrial.
As Eno embarked on the creation of his solo albums featuring ambient music, he maintained his persona as pop’s surreal and eccentric harlequin. In 1976, a pivotal moment saw him shedding his flamboyant image, cutting his hair, discarding glam threads and entering a collaborative phase with Bowie, later recognized as the Berlin Trilogy.
A significant aspect of his allure was his mononymous name, ‘Eno,’ which carried a vaguely interplanetary resonance. However, equally influential was the mystique surrounding the records he crafted during that time and those he would later produce in collaboration with Talking Heads, Devo, U2 and Coldplay.
‘Eno,’ the documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is a cinematic reflection of Brian Eno’s musical spirit, mirroring the experimental nature of his work. Director Gary Hutswit, known for his work on ‘Helvetica,’ crafted the documentary using generative software, resulting in a film that offers a unique version with each viewing.
Eno elaborates on his departure from Roxy Music, citing a disdain for touring as a primary reason. Expressing a desire to return to his preferred creative pursuits, he pays homage to influential figures such as Jamaican reggae producer Lee Perry. Additionally, Eno shares insights into his aspiration to craft sonic creations akin to paintings that unfold over time, illustrating his unique perspective on the nature of music.
-Sushmita Sarkar
