Strange Powers, a documentary which took directors Kerthy Fix and Gail O’Hara ten years to make, provides an intimate look at both Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields. While the focus is on Merritt’s relationship with longtime pal Claudia Gonson (Magnetic Fields manager and keyboardist), the film also chronicles his music-making process, with observations from well-known fans such as Peter Gabriel, Neil Gaiman, Carrie Brownstein, and Sarah Silverman.
For fans of the Magnetic Fields, highlights include footage from the band’s early years, rare firsthand stories from Merritt (a rather reclusive songwriter), and plenty of screen-time for his beloved chihuahua, Irving Berlin.
Visit the official website, become a fan on Facebook, read an interview with Stephin Merritt and Gail O’Hara, and find a screening near you. Note: If you live in New York, check out Gatherings at Country Houses, a film series curated by Merritt that starts tonight at the 92YTribeca.
Click through below for a gallery of images from Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields.
Stephin Merritt. Photo credit: Angel Ceballos
Stephin Merritt. Photo credit: Emma Straub
The Magnetic Fields perform. Photo credit: Mike Fusco and Emma Straub
Stephin Merritt holds Irving. Photo credit: Gail O’Hara
Claudia Gonson. Photo credit: John Woo
John Woo. Photo credit: Emma Straub
Stephin Merritt. Photo credit: John Woo
Sam Davol. Photo credit: Angele Ceballos
Stephin Merritt. Photo credit: Gail O’Hara
Claudia Gonson. Photo credit: John Woo
Stephin Merritt. Photo credit: Marcelo Krasilcic
Shirley Simms. Photo credit: Emma Straub
Stephin Merritt. Photo Marcelo Krasilcic