The Promised End

A feature-length music documentary written and directed by John Ledingham and JP Meldrum and starring Meldrum, Matthew Finn and Maxwell Patterson.

Shot on iPhone, this film follows Meldrum as he prepares for an experimental live music performance with drummer Patterson, while working as a radio DJ. His gig will be a rock opera version of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of King Lear, where he will be performing as the vocalist.

Separated into chapters, the documentary observes him doing his work at the radio station, doing a rehearsal with a couple of guys and performing at the show. While he is at the station, he plays a variety of amusing songs and this is probably one of the highlights of this film.

What does not go well for this film? Well, let's look at the scenes at the station first. For a long period of time, Meldrum is seen working as a DJ, speaking in the microphone, playing songs and interacting with the computer. Learning what the work of a radio DJ involves has its appeal, however spending so much time on this turns into a dull viewing. Then there is the performance at a community centre, where Meldrum sings while Patterson drums. This event is shown from start to finish and unless one is interested in this kind of music, they are unlikely to enjoy it, especially for more than half-an-hour.

Although some might not enjoy the gig, one must acknowledge and commend the energetic performances of Meldrum and Patterson as they carry out the lengthy event.

Regarding themes, this documentary provides a perspective on life as a radio DJ and working in the music industry. Additionally, it is also about having ambitions and pursuing a goal.

This is a feature with many long sequences filmed with the camera being motionless. A guy works as a DJ, prepares for a gig and does it. Not a large variety of things take place and this does not support the duration of one hour and forty five minutes, especially if one has no significant interest in what happens inside a radio station or during a live music performance.