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Paul Simon: Under African Skies

Name: Paul Simon: Under African Skies
Director: Joe Berlinger
Released: 2012
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2012

Not Rated

Director

Joe Berlinger

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Joe Berlinger’s documentary offers a sophisticated exploration of racial and post-colonial dynamics, moving beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to present a multi-vocal dialogue among diverse histories. However, the film’s narrow focus on the male-dominated musical landscape limits its gender diversity and excludes LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, the work succeeds as a complex examination of social structures, despite focusing primarily on a traditional musical history.

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Category Breakdown

Does Paul Simon: Under African Skies have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the musical history of the Graceland era but does not include any LGBTQ+ narratives or non-traditional gender identities.

How does Paul Simon: Under African Skies portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on the male-dominated history of the Graceland era, lacking significant roles for women in the central musical discourse.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Paul Simon: Under African Skies?

Excellent

The film highlights the collaboration between Western pop and South African choral traditions, giving South African musicians significant influence over the music.

How does Paul Simon: Under African Skies represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary explores post-colonial themes and the tension between global capitalism and local identities, presenting the Graceland controversy as a nuanced debate.

Does Paul Simon: Under African Skies include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not address disability or neurodivergence as central themes or character arcs.

Present on Screen

Highlights the intersection of racial and ethnic identities through South African musical collaboration.
Gives significant influence to South African musicians in the musical narrative.
Explores complex post-colonial themes and the ethics of cultural exchange during the Apartheid era.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of non-traditional gender identities or LGBTQ+ narratives.
Focuses heavily on a male-dominated historical perspective.
Does not address disability or neurodivergence as central themes.

Official Synopsis

Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the incredible journey of his historic Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime. On the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon's GRACELAND, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger offers a glimpse at the controversy surrounding the decision to record the album in South Africa despite a UN boycott of the nation, which was aimed at ending apartheid. In the run-up to an eagerly anticipated reunion concert, Simon, Quincy Jones, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney and others reflect on the decision to record with local artists in South Africa, and the cultural impact of the album that delivered such hits as "I Know What I Know" and "You Can Call Me Al."

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