Bieber Generation is 2018 documentary that attempts to analyse the dynamics of a massive fan-base, focusing on the Beliebers.
In 1841, philosopher Thomas Carlyle, published a collection of lectures in which he discusses at length the concept of ‘hero-worship’, detailing a pattern in our lengthy human history about the influence of ‘Great Men’, something that might seem like an odd start to a review of a documentary about Justin Bieber. What it means is that with most anything that has any sort of wide exposure, there will be those that find some kind of connection beyond what others do, even as those others find ways to break down everything about it. That is basically the bedrock of any kind of fanbase, be it for a sports team, an actor, an author or whatever. We all have something that reaches us, and while most rarely take it to such lengths, for centuries, music seems to have the most rabid sort of followers, (nowadays) the elixir of young attractive performers singing what often feels like words meant solely for us an irresistible appeal for many, especially, as promoters and managers long figured out, preteen girls.
With Jennifer Van Gessel‘s latest Bieber Generation, the film attempts to explore this phenomenon by pointing her camera at a group of fans who call themselves ‘Beliebers’, followers of singer Justin Bieber, a former YouTube startup who became an international sensation, a recording artist and social media superstar, complete with myriad controversies one is subject to under such intense scrutiny and throngs of haters who look to pick apart anything they can to topple him. He’s not alone, of course, the business rife with entertainers in the same boat, and no matter what anyone thinks of any of them, it can’t be an easy thing to take to day in and day out.
With Bieber Generation, the film is not really about Bieber at all, Justin himself seen briefly only in clips and such, never actually interviewed on camera. This is about his followers, and as such, is entirely about Bieber fans, mostly young women (and a very few men) sitting on sofas, who take to defending their attraction to what Justin does and stands for, at least in their eyes. What we get are basically personal accounts of how Bieber has had influence on them, from how his songs got them through some rough times in their lives to inspiring them to donate or work for charitable events, the latter something the film puts a lot of effort into documenting.
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Since Justin gets no voice in this, it’s left to his Beliebers to prop up whatever they can to justify their commitment to him, again defending him in the face of critical media attention that many who are not Beliebers certainly think he deserves. This leaves the film mostly populated with sycophants who see him in an elevated state, naturally subscribing more to him than he could possible be, which I suppose is expected. At about an hour long, with low production value, looking a lot like they could be YouTube clips of fans relishing the chance to talk about their hero, this is truly a film built just for them, and surely, those who didn’t get on camera will find much to relate to, probably wishing they could share their stories as well. All others though will hardly be swayed.
The Grateful Dead have The Deadheads. Aerosmith have The Blue Army. Katy Perry has Katy-Cats. The Beatles have the The Apple Scruffs. All successful musicians have tenacious followers and in truth, it’s a good thing. We need heroes. We need to find and make connections. These singers bring people together in community, to see that their joys and sorrows can be shared. I’m not a Belieber and even after this, won’t be, but those that are, well, good for you. He’s obviously touched many in positive ways. Belieber Generation might not be the Justin exposé you hope it is, but it will at least make you feel happy about what you ‘beliebe’ in.