An Exploration of H.E.R.’s “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield”
The documentary titled The Makings of Curtis Mayfield, directed by Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R., may initially mislead viewers with its name, inspired by Mayfield’s beloved ballad “The Makings of You.”This title suggests a deep and personal exploration of the legendary artist, but in reality, the film offers a unique yet somewhat scattered approach to documenting Mayfield’s life and impact.
Premiering at SXSW, H.E.R.’s film relies heavily on dialogues with fellow musicians, producers, and filmmakers to portray Mayfield’s legacy. While moments of brilliance do arise—such as Jimmy Jam’s insight into Mayfield being one of the first Black musicians to reclaim ownership of his master recordings—much of the narrative can feel disjointed and indirect. As a result, viewers might find it challenging to truly connect with the essence of Mayfield as a person amidst a patchwork of testimonies.
For avid fans and music aficionados, this unconventional format might be particularly appealing, standing out amidst numerous documentary offerings that often veer into glorification. The Makings of Curtis Mayfield distinguishes itself as it deftly weaves Mayfield’s biography into an expansive discussion about his creative process.
Biographic Elements and Creative Legacy
The documentary begins with a surface-level overview of Mayfield’s formative years in Chicago, highlighting how his church upbringing shaped his musical inclinations. With his grandmother as a minister and early performances in the youth choir, Mayfield showcased his prodigious talent sans formal training. H.E.R. skillfully integrates archival photos and audio snippets of Mayfield, allowing his own words to narrate his journey.
Following high school, Mayfield faced a pivotal decision: join the military or become a member of The Impressions. Opting for the latter, the documentary quickly transitions from a biographical account to an examination of music history. Featuring the doo-wop group’s iconic 1965 hit “People Get Ready,” H.E.R. invites Carlos Santana to share his thoughts on the song’s profound spiritual messages and its timeless inclusivity. This is complemented by insights from Stephen Marley, son of Bob Marley, who discusses how Mayfield influenced his own music.
A Mosaic of Musical Dialogues
At times, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield feels reminiscent of the podcast and Netflix series Song Exploder, where artists dissect their work. Instead of featuring Mayfield himself—who passed away in 1999—H.E.R. brings together an eclectic lineup of musicians. Their in-depth discussions, exploring themes such as Civil Rights and Mayfield’s signature falsetto, evoke the meticulous storytelling found in Questlove’s recent documentary Sly Lives!, wherein the focus is similarly placed on the intricate elements that contribute to an artist’s lasting legacy.
H.E.R. taps into a shared enthusiasm for Mayfield’s music among her collaborators. She skillfully draws connections between artists, suggesting parallels between Maxwell’s vocal stylings in “Pretty Wings”and Mayfield’s work, while also inviting Dr. Dre to comment on the innovative percussion and wah-wah pedal techniques employed in Mayfield’s soundtrack for Superfly.
Opportunities for Depth
Despite the abundance of insightful moments and informative segments, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield could benefit from a more grounded connection to Mayfield himself. While excessive detail about an artist’s life can monotonize a documentary, a balanced analysis could enhance its depth. For instance, further exploration of Mayfield’s activism—such as the 1967 banning of The Impressions’ hit “We’re a Winner” by several radio stations due to fears of inciting unrest—would have provided crucial context for his music. By addressing themes from his personal experiences, including his near-fatal health struggles and family life, the conclusion could have forged a smoother transition and deeper viewer understanding of Mayfield’s multifaceted identity.