Fame, fortune, Grammys, and MTV glory – these were the things that Milli Vanilli had at their disposal by the end of 1989. However, it all vanished before 1991 commenced. The rise and fall of this hit group which brought to us such catchy songs as “Girl You Know It’s True,” “Blame it on the Rain,” and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” is a fascinating subject for Girl You Know It’s True, a new movie from Simon Verhoeven (Welcome to Germany). In other words, it has similar vibes as other successful musical biopics like Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody or even Elvis by Baz Luhrmann. This film is simple in terms of following; its plot moves quickly. There is so much drama to keep you stuck to your screen.
The essence of this drama lies in Robert Pilatus’ and Fabrice Morvan’s (Tijan Njie and Elan Ben Ali) innocent hearts full of wonder. The former was from Munich while the latter hailed from Paris. When they were young dancers in the clubs around Munich back then Farian discovered them they still retained their young looks and appeared mesmerized as ever. Actually he was riding high after producing some big hits with Boney M among whom Rasputin has recently gained attention once again.
Hence, no wonder that this duo had no choice but say yes for almost every suggestion made by Farian, including singing 2“Girl You Know It’s True” by Numarx – an obscure Baltimore band — with just lip movement visible only in videos. That did not prevent them from producing more videos or songs though; they simply did not sing any single word for themselves because everything was done by someone else instead of them. However later on this would blow up in their faces.
As time passes and the movie points out dramatically ,the pair’s freefall happened in 1990. There was a live MTV tour in which Milli Vanilli participated, against Farian’s wishes. And that was when the needle jumped during their performance revealing that they were miming all along. At first, it appeared as though they would get through it, but then Farian betrayed them by outing them without warning.
Verhoeven has skillfully captured both the times and real danger inherent in the plot, while providing a backdrop of his characters. Moreover he is amazing for referring to Pilatus and Morvan themselves as narrators of their own story thereby taking back their narrative power. At first glance such a technique might set off some alarm bells; indeed it raised ours however, here, the narration serves its purpose well since it reveals different aspects of these guys that we tend to forget about. Scandals have a way of doing that; they dilute one’s soul or character. Verhoeven wants you to view these young men swept up in the music industry machinery because they came from nowhere yet this kind of life still exists for many people today.
As much as Tijan Njie and Elan Ben Ali do an incredible work almost at everything about the original duo, one thing has to be said. The Matthias Schweighöfer is just too much for this film not to fizzle out. Oppenheimer as well as the star of Army of Thieves disappears into the character Frank Farian a bipolar genius or lunatic. He embodies the essence of the tortured artist, with whom he shared a Zoom conversation before his death in January 2024. This dysfunctional troika — Farian, Pilatus, Morvan — clicked straightaway. Ingrid “Milli” Segieth (played by Bella Dayne) also adds to the allure here. That’s correct, Farian’s loyal assistant gave her band its name.
If you are into music biopics that can send you on a roller coaster ride of emotions then Girl You know It’s True is definitely something that you must watch. Among others things, there are great production values, pacey storytelling and editing as well as showbiz scenes (music arenas, recording studios, swank hotel rooms). In addition to this, it deserves our respect thanks to a cast that does justice to their roles all through this movie set during 1980s.
It teeters off here and there indulging in itself and telling its story. Do you remember what music videos from 1980s felt like? There was always some kind of irony in them so that it seemed like everyone knew they were partaking in creating a video particularly designed for them as viewers. But even then there is no denying themes such as dreams of making it big time; enticements; failures; tight friendships found along the way run through.
Afterwards however nobody wanted Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan any more when the scandal broke out but Farian remained okay throughout it all and continued with his career pretty-well. In 1998, Pilatus was found dead of an accidental overdose. He was only 33. Ironically enough, today we live on top of glowing screens composed by TikTok lip-synching, Instagram’s image-obsession and reality TV as a whole. Everyone wants to be a star (some even want to be President). Fake is the new real. The movie in some ways does show how this shocking turn came about.
So could it be true? Is Milli Vanilli more relevant now than ever? It seems as if the entire world has become mini Vanillis. Last but not least, it has been reported that Fabrice Morvan is releasing his own remixes for some of these songs by the group itself. We all look forward to that one too. Meanwhile, Girl You Know It’s True is a very refreshing – funky-good interesting and relaxing watch. This strikes just the right note of cultural importance. Additionally, there are some bite-sized portions of group material amongst them you will have a few tracks stuck in your head for days to come.).
Watch free movies on Fmovies
