Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami

Perhaps trying too hard for documentary innovation, Sophie “sister of Ralph and Joseph” Fiennes winds up with a nearly impenetrable, two-hour fan-only experience in Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami.

Like the recent Itzhak, the film is also an observational look at a famous figure, but Fiennes’ portrait of the titular musician/model/actress comes off as far more unfocused, lingering on scenes too long and letting them run beyond logical cutting points, assuming the viewer wants to see lengthy conversations play out.

Shot with a slightly hazy lens that makes it feel made in the early-mid ‘90s, the contemporary work turns encounters with the legendary Sly and Robbie into meandering slogs, though excels as an excuse to see Jones’ spectacular stage shows.

Full of excellent productioh design and the singer’s tremendous presence, augmented by intriguing costumes, the concert film within the film is such a success that one wonders why the off-stage portions are so dull.

Grade: C. Not rated, but with nudity, adult language and content. Now playing at Grail Moviehouse

(Photo: Kino Lorber)