This Much I Know To Be True (2022)
Directed By: Andrew Dominik
Starring: Nick Cave, Warren Ellis
Plot Summary: Shot on location in London & Brighton, Andrew Dominik’s new feature documentary THIS MUCH I KNOW TO BE TRUE captures Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ exceptional creative relationship as they bring to life the songs from their last two studio albums, Ghosteen (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) and Carnage (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis). In this documentary of their first ever performances of these albums, filmed in spring 2021 ahead of their UK tour, we see the two, accompanied by singers and string quartet, as they nurture each song into existence.
In order to get into the scope of this documentary, I think some context is in order as director Andrew Dominik and musician Nick Cave follow up their sorrow drenched documentary, One More Time With Feeling. That film showcased the creation of Cave’s sixth studio album Skeleton Tree, which acted as a way of channeling the musician’s pain after losing his 15-year-old son. In this way, This Much I Know To Be True acts as a fitting companion piece, as well as next phase. What’s really interesting is the documentary provides an intimate and rare glimpse into Cave’s work with fellow musician Warren Ellis. In this way, fans of both artists will no doubt be spellbound by the creative process.
Though not shown in great detail, we do get a real sense of Ellis and Cave’s relationship as well as artistic methods. Taking this intimate portrait one step further, Dominik and the audience are invited into Cave’s studio to get a peek at Cave’s amazing sculpting work. On first watch, this seems random, and it is, seeing how it is one of only a few times in the film that isn’t directly related to creating music or the live concerts (more on that later). But upon reflecting, I thought it was a nice touch and helped give some insight into other ways the musician channels his emotions. Cave also talks about the advice he gives via his website The Red Hand Files. This is, of course, a nod to a track on his LP Let Love In (a personal favorite of mine). Horror fans will no doubt recall it being the un-official theme song for Wes Craven’s seminal horror film Scream (and later used in other sequels). It’s in this segment that we get Cave’s musing on life in a way that felt thoughtful but also organic and not forced.
The bulk of the runtime, and what makes this film so fascinating, is the concert footage, which was filmed in what can only be described as a warehouse-looking space. For most, this could be a stumbling block, however not for Dominik. With all the tools in his cinematic bag he uses this blank canvas of a space to craft a haunting and touching atmosphere in which Cave and Ellis shine. Adding to this are grand sweeping shots that glide through like a specter. With everything on full display, it is really hard not to be totally transfixed when both men are in their element and the director is capturing it all perfectly. Already being a huge fan of Nick Cave’s previous music, this hit exactly the right notes, giving a mix of somber yet hopeful.
Despite some sadness that haunts this film, I think this could be seen as the brighter side to One More Time with Feeling. Indeed, there is something that is optimistic, without giving fully into corny sentiment. It very much feels like a next chapter not only musically for Cave and Ellis but also a mediation on personal growth since the last documentary.
This Much I Know To Be True is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Trafalgar Releasing.
Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.