Adam Ant: The Blueblack Hussar

Many with long memories of the New Romantics period of British pop music in the 1980s—or of the early days of music videos on MTV—may recall the swaggering, playful presence of Adam Ant (“Goody Two Shoes”), whose personal story turns out to be rather horrific. He was “sectioned” (i.e., detained under England's Mental Health Act) three times for bipolar disorder, derailing his career, and costing him some 15 years. Veteran filmmaker Jack Bond's documentary centers on the artist's return from the wilderness a few years ago, as he goes on a tour of small venues in the U.K., reacquaints himself with audiences, gives interviews, and connects with various random celebrities (including actress Charlotte Rampling, and producer-musician Mark Ronson). Sadly, however, most of the film is deadly dull, a fly-on-the-wall look at not much at all besides Adam Ant holding forth about life and music while wearing a hat well-suited for a 19th-century British naval officer. Little is revealed here except that the 58-year-old musician has many opinions, and a sense of humor, and the sparse footage of him in performance is hampered by poor-quality audio. Presented in stereo, extras include bonus live performances (including one with Boy George) and a Q&A with Bond and journalist John Robb. Antmusic fanatics may appreciate, but for most this is an optional purchase. (T. Keogh)