Beyonc?© is known for her diva stage persona, powerful vocals and fierce attitude, but in her new self-directed, self-produced documentary, "Life Is But A Dream," which aired on HBO on Feb. 16, the pop-goddess reveals a raw, emotional side.
The documentary opens with a poorly-lit-close-up of Beyonc?© talking about her rocky relationship with her father and ex-manager. It is clear that the footage is a type of video-journal as opposed to a formal interview as the singer speaks quietly and thoughtfully while occasionally pausing to compose herself. Behind-the-scenes footage of Beyonc?© in the studio, in rehearsals and simply spending time her well-known husband, Jay-Z, and new baby, Blue Ivy, made her undeniably relatable to viewers. She was quick to speak about the pedestal that celebrities are often placed upon, but wanted to emphasize the point that she is normal too.
"We're all going through our problems, but we all have the same insecurities and we all have the same abilities and we all need each other," she said.
In true artist fashion, Beyonc?© bares much of her soul via music, but also kept that rawness in the documentary. Unbeknownst to many, about two years ago she was pregnant and suffered a miscarriage. Beyonc?© was able to reflect about her personal devastation and the steps, mostly in the studio, she took to overcome the tragedy.
Beyonc?©, an industry native, also showed her business-savvy mind and ability to be kind and polite while still making sure things are running smoothly and up to her high standards.
Overall, the documentary did not reveal any life-changing information or make viewers gasp in shock, but for both Beyonc?© fans and those who simply watched in passing it was an interesting, real look into the highly glamorized world of one of the world's biggest stars.
Alexandra D'Aluisio can be reached at alexandra.daluisio@ student.shu.edu
