Searching for Sugar Man - B

Rated PG-13, 85 minutes

Touching, fascinating doc of lost artist in "Searching for Sugar Man"

The singer Rodriguez in "Searching for Sugar Man."

"Searching for Sugar Man" is a fascinating documentary about an extraordinary singer who finally gained acceptance, though not in the way he expected. The documentary tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, a talented 1970s folk singer who never found an audience in the United States. Discovered Detroit in the late '60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album (which included the song "Sugar Man," hence the name) which they believed would make him a star. However, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of his death. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, unbeknownst to him, he became a phenomenon in that country. "Searching for Sugar Man" is a remarkable story of a forgotten artist, with an equally absorbing journey to hunt down the singer, who in spite of a failed career, never lost his spirit. "Sugar Man" is directed by one of Rodriguez's seemingly biggest fans, South African filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul, who encountered what seems like numerous obstacles in telling the singer's story, since very little information existed about him. The best part of the film is that it not only tells the singer's story, but it shares much of the singer's folksy, Bob Dylan-esque style music that was popular in the day. "Sugar Man" is not necessarily a biography, but more of a biographical sketch behind the artist and his music. The film is by no means exhaustive; the very modest Rodriguez's three daughters all speak fondly of him but his wife is mysteriously missing from the film. It's also a little sketchy as to the details of who is exactly profiting from Rodriguez's popularity, except for an extremely defensive interview with legendary Motown producer Clarence Avant, who owns the record company who owns Rodriguez's album yet denies receiving any profits. Still, it's nice to see (and hear) that a humble artist such as Rodriguez has finally found an audience, though it's several thousand miles away. "Searching for Sugar Man" is a poignant, absorbing tribute to a gifted singer worth listening to.