Copeland

Stewart Copeland is regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, his name ranking amongst the likes of John Bonham, Keith Moon, and Neil Peart. Although Copeland is best known for the smooth, reggae-inspired grooves he recorded with The Police, his career and musical ability far exceeded his tenure with Sting and Andy Summers. In Copeland, director Pablo Aragüés takes audiences on a journey through the artist’s accomplishments, spanning his early years as a session drummer to composing multiple operas. Told in Copeland’s own words, the documentary is a bombastic tribute to its subject that highlights his evolution as a musician and composer. While it’s all riveting stuff, the film lacks a central thesis and explores little of what makes Copeland’s drumming so iconic.

The feature opens with Copeland showing audiences around his LA studio. The room is lined with guitars, horns, and percussion, which he excitedly presents to the camera like a child on Christmas morning. The feature matches Copeland’s high energy, always driving forward at a brisk tempo as it moves from one chapter of his life to the next with enthusiasm and passion. Each section is overflowing with amusing anecdotes. He talks about performing as Klark Kent on Top of the Pops with masked Police members as his backing band, recording drums in a cage surrounded by starving lions, and his experiences working with orchestras.

More than anything else, Copeland talks about how he discovered various forms of music, from his early exposure to jazz and classical from his parents and stumbling upon reggae after hearing a Bob Marley record, to falling in love with music from other countries and cultures. In this regard, the documentary is about how the multitude of influences has shaped him as an artist. At one point, he questions if he’s “a guy who bangs shit” or someone who scores orchestral arrangements. However, this angle is never explored in any detail. Likewise, while audiences are treated to the musician’s virtuosic drumming at several points, not discussing his technique and sound feels like a massive missed opportunity.

Copeland’s infectious personality takes centre stage in a documentary that chronicles his diverse career. Although Aragüés succeeds in delivering a crowd-pleasing insight into the drummer’s legacy, those expecting a deeper dive into the musician may come away from Copeland underwhelmed.