Liam Gallagher & Noel Reunite at Venice Film Festival
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Liam and Noel Gallagher Lock Arms at Venice Premiere of ‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger’
The reunion of Liam and Noel Gallagher has been a long time coming. Their tumultuous history is well-documented – the public feuds, the sibling rivalry that nearly destroyed one of the most beloved bands of all time. But with the release of Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, a documentary chronicling their 2022 reunion tour, it’s clear that this chapter in their careers is not just about nostalgia or milking past glories.
Directed by British filmmakers Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, who have built a reputation for crafting insightful music documentaries, Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger does more than simply capture the energy of the band’s live performances. It humanizes them, stripping away the myth of the Gallagher brothers as larger-than-life personalities to reveal two complex individuals navigating their complicated past.
The documentary focuses on the relationship between Liam and Noel, following the brothers across 12 concerts on three continents. By doing so, Southern and Lovelace create an intimate portrait that’s both revelatory and respectful. We see glimpses of the pair’s early days as Oasis pioneers, but also moments of tenderness and vulnerability – like their first joint interview in over two decades.
The Venice Film Festival premiere was a fitting backdrop for this reunion. The event had all the trappings of an Oasis concert: chants of “Oasis! Oasis!” echoing through the Sala Grande theater, fans waving banners and signs. Liam and Noel’s presence added to the electric atmosphere, their entrance almost feeling like a stadium performance rather than a formal premiere.
The documentary’s release marks a significant milestone in the Gallagher brothers’ careers. With Disney giving it a limited theatrical run followed by a streaming release, Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger is poised to introduce their music and story to new audiences. The film also raises questions about the future of this reunited band – will they continue to make music together, or is this just another chapter in their storied careers?
At the premiere, Liam Gallagher was characteristically candid when asked about his feelings on the reunion. “Venice is a lovely place,” he said, but beneath the surface lies a more profound message: that sometimes, even the darkest of pasts can give rise to something beautiful.
The Venice Film Festival will continue through September 12th, with Maggie Gyllenhaal leading the competition jury as they hand out top prizes at the closing-night awards ceremony. As for Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, it’s a film that promises to leave audiences cheering long after the credits roll – and maybe even inspire us all to take another look at our own complicated histories.
The Gallagher brothers’ journey is far from over, but with this documentary as a testament to their bond and their music, one thing’s for certain: Oasis will continue to live forever.
Reader Views
- TLThe Lens Desk · editorial
While it's clear that the documentary is a labor of love for the filmmakers, one can't help but wonder about the long-term implications of this reunion. Will Oasis be able to sustain momentum without the emotional weight of nostalgia? And what does this mean for Liam and Noel's respective solo careers, which have been quietly flourishing in recent years? These questions are not addressed in the documentary, but will undoubtedly become crucial as Oasis' 2022 tour is revisited on screen.
- TSTomás S. · wedding photographer
The Gallagher brothers' reunion documentary is more than just a nostalgia trip – it's a testament to their enduring influence on Britpop and beyond. But let's not forget that this movie is also a savvy business move by Noel, who has long been the driving force behind Oasis' creative direction. The film's focus on Liam's emotional journey might humanize his public image, but it doesn't necessarily make up for the band's lackluster output in the 2000s. Fans of the era should still be excited to see this documentary – but those expecting a comprehensive look at Oasis' entire discography might be disappointed.
- ANAria N. · street photographer
The reunion of Oasis is more than just a nostalgic cash-grab – it's an opportunity for Liam and Noel to confront their complicated past head-on. The documentary doesn't shy away from exploring the toxic dynamic between the brothers, but also shows glimpses of tenderness that humanize them in a way that's both refreshing and unexpected. What's striking is how Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger captures the band's live performances without sacrificing nuance – it's a testament to the filmmakers' skill that they can convey the raw energy of an Oasis concert while also conveying the emotional depth beneath.