Libertines: There Are No Innocent Bystanders, The (2011) - Synopsis
THE LIBERTINES: THERE ARE NO INNOCENT BYSTANDERS is an engaging and honest music documentary by legendary photographer turned filmmaker, Roger Sargent. The film offers an intimate look at the band’s 2010 reunion with unrivalled access, starting at Sargent’s NME cover shoot announcing the big festival appearance at Reading and Leeds, through the rehearsals and celebrated warm up shows, to being on stage on the big night.
Sargent’s relationship with the band has enabled him to create the definitive film about arguably one of the most influential groups of its generation, exploring the passion, drive, love and laughter of The Libertines’ story. He successfully unlocks the personalities and relationships of the band and navigates the viewer through the tensions behind this most celebrated and hotly debated of reunions.
Narrated by the band in their own words, the film spans the period of time from the announcement of the reunion to the weekend of the Reading and Leeds festivals – their first ‘on the road’ experience together for six years. With this as a backdrop, Sargent explores the history of the band, allowing them to intimately discuss how they became what they are and revealing untold stories along the way.
