WE ARE THE SHAGGS screened at SXSW, and I had the opportunity to see it while attending. Here’s my spoiler-free take:
WE ARE THE SHAGGS is a music documentary sharing the details behind the fascinating story of a three-girl, sister band who carried the “scathing reputation” of being considered the “worst in rock and roll history.” Their discombobulated music was “polarizing and provocative.” The film is presented from the viewpoints of the two surviving Shaggs, along with interviews with well-respected producers, musicians, composers, and studio engineers from the music industry, both past and present. Fan opinions were also included to offer a complete picture of who really were THE SHAGGS.
In the late 60’s, Betty, Dot, and Helen Wiggin formed a band after a crazy prophecy was told to their father when they were young girls. He forced his daughters to quit school after buying them cheap guitars and a drum kit. He was a harsh, unrelenting taskmaster. It was not the life the sisters would have chosen for themselves. Their music reflected the questions, hopes, and dreams of the curtailed, diminished, small world they created within the confines of their home in New Hampshire. Their journey was arduous. Tracks of their original music were released on vinyl in 1980, and the music critics panned them. It has taken decades for them to be “rediscovered” once again.
The director, Ken Kwapis, is an award-winning feature film and television director. (A WALK IN THE WOODS, HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, THE OFFICE, THE PAPER). This is his first feature documentary. THE SHAGGS piqued his interest because Kwapis has always been fascinated by their music ever since he heard their only album, PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD. Making this film led to more philosophical insights and discoveries about what differentiates good music from bad. How do people who listen to music know if and why they like certain words and musical notes more than others? What constitutes a hit? Can a song be simple and nothing more? These questions created the foundation and many layers of WE ARE THE SHAGGS.
I found WE ARE THE SHAGGS a fascinating movie. I must’ve lived a very sheltered life because I had never heard of them before. Watching this documentary elicited a myriad of emotional responses. I felt tremendous sadness for these three women. They were not allowed to choose who they would become, yet, in a small way, their questionable talents would influence and disrupt the music industry for years. This is more than most people could ever imagine accomplishing. Perhaps that prophecy was more powerful than most believed. I know I will never forget the yearning, angst, wonder, and pure joy in their music.
