Asif Kapadia: We’re in a way responsible for Amy’s downfall

Asif Kapadia

BAFTA winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia’s documentary about the life and times of English vocalist Amy Winehouse titled Amy is walking a path almost as tumultuous as the life of its subject. While on the one hand, Winehouse’s family has completely disassociated themselves from the film calling it a “disgrace,” on the other, it received a standing ovation and rave reviews at the recently concluded Cannes film festival where it premiered. Kapadia spoke to us over the phone about what initially inspired him to make a film on Amy’s life, the challenges he faced while making it and how the film is a commentary on society at large.

How did the idea of a film about Amy Winehouse take root?

Amy’s from London and I’m from London. In fact, I lived quite close to where she lived and to me, Amy seemed like the girl next door. When suddenly, the whole world went against her, it was painful to see that. It was painful for me to see why people were being so critical of her, making jokes about her when clearly, she wasn’t well.

You also said that the story of Amy Winehouse is like the story of London. What exactly did you mean by that?  

AK: London is a bustling city, it’s alive with creative people, rich people, poor people, artists, alcoholics, drug addicts and all of them cross each other’s path in some way or the other. It’s pretty much like Amy’s personality and the different facets of her life. It also holds up a mirror to the people around her. We’re in a way responsible for her downfall. It’s a story which is relatable not just to Londoners but people in general.

What was the most challenging aspect about making this film?

Earning the trust of the people who were being interviewed. Lot of people were sad, angry and guilty – they didn’t want to trust journalists, filmmakers, paparazzi which was understandable. So it took them a lot of time to start speaking openly about Amy’s life and their relationship with her, but one by one, they eventually got around to it.

A still from Asif Kapadia’s film, Amy

Do you feel that there was almost a split personality between Amy the singer and Amy the person?
No, I don’t think so at all. I think she was a very honest person and a fantastic singer who poured all her emotions into her music. That is why her music has the effect it does, it is dark in places but there are also glimpses of pure joy in there. She was a young, intelligent and energetic person. In fact, anybody who sees the film would definitely not have any doubts that Amy, the musician, and Amy, the person, were definitely one and the same.

The film ends with Amy’s death. Why did you decide to end it at that point and not follow what happened after her death or play up her legacy?

Because that is the whole point. It doesn’t really matter what happens after her death, the whole idea, as I said, was to portray her life and the troubles she went through while she was living it. The scrutiny and ridicule happened while she was still amongst us. The point at which the film ends is the time to turn it over to the audience and let them ponder over what happened and introspect.

Amy’s father Mitch Winehouse has completely distanced himself from the film and is threatening to take legal action. What is your response?

No comment. My job as a filmmaker was to make an honest film that’s straight from the heart. I’ve tried to be as honest as possible in making the film based on all of the interviews and evidence that I I had. In my opinion, if anyone has any questions about authenticity, then they should watch the film. The film is the answer to all the questions.