Gary Numan: Android in La La Land

Steve Read and Rob Alexander's documentary examines British musician Gary Numan's career, beginning with a look back at Numan's work in the late-1970s. Other electronic artists had come before him, such as Kraftwerk, but few enjoyed the same degree of chart success, most notably for his New Wave mega-hit “Cars.” Numan (born Gary Webb) describes himself as a synth-rock star. But while his first three albums conquered the charts, he felt isolated by his fame, due in part to Asperger syndrome. And then his music stopped selling and he couldn't get a record deal. But he never stopped recording, wound up overspending on touring, and eventually went into debt. His father, Tony Webb, who managed his career, warned him that the elaborate and expensive tours couldn't continue indefinitely. Father and son had a falling out, which contributed to Numan's move to the U.S. (fortunately, the pair make up before film's end). In 1997, Numan married longtime fan Gemma, but she was unable to conceive until undergoing IVF treatments. Now, they have three daughters, including two who Gemma dubs “lucky accidents.” In 2013, the family moves to Los Angeles, where Numan sets up his studio and works on the new album Splinter, trading files with producer Ade Fenton in Nottingham. The rest of the film tracks his re-entrance into the active music scene. If the documentary sometimes feels like a promotional vehicle, Numan is candid to a fault, although fans may regret the lack of information about his early years. Extras include bonus scenes. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)