“Artifact” is a documentary film that chronicles the battle between the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, led by Jared Leto, and their record label, EMI. The film reveals the intense legal battle over a $30 million lawsuit filed by EMI against the band, accusing them of breaching their contract by trying to leave the label.

The documentary offers an inside look at the modern music industry, the struggles artists face with corporate pressures, and the creative process behind the band’s album This Is War. Beyond the legal disputes, Artifact explores broader themes such as the challenges of artistic freedom, exploitation in the music industry, and the passion for art versus the pursuit of commercial success.

Throughout the film, Jared Leto, his brother Shannon, and guitarist Tomo Miličević navigate the emotional and financial tolls of this intense conflict while balancing their commitment to making music that resonates with their audience.

Art is a form of expression that has been present in human society since the beginning of time. It has evolved and taken on various forms, from cave paintings to modern-day digital art. One such form of art is film, which has captivated audiences for over a century. Among the many films produced, “Artifact” stands out as a masterpiece that not only entertains but also sheds light on the complex workings of the music industry.

Released in 2012, “Artifact” is a documentary directed by Jared Leto, who is also the lead singer of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The film follows the legal battle between the band and their record label, Virgin/EMI, over a $30 million lawsuit filed against them for breach of contract. What makes this film unique is its raw and honest portrayal of the inner workings of the music industry.

The film starts with Leto’s narration explaining how their band, like many others, signed a contract with a major record label hoping to achieve success and reach a wider audience. However, they soon realized that this was not an easy path. As they started working on their third album, they faced numerous challenges from their label, including financial constraints and creative control issues. This led to conflicts between the band and their label, ultimately resulting in the lawsuit.

Through interviews with industry experts and musicians like Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) and Bob Lefsetz (music industry analyst), “Artifact” exposes the harsh reality of the music business. The film highlights how record labels exploit artists for profit and how contracts are designed to benefit the label rather than the artist. It also sheds light on the power dynamics within the industry, where artists have little say in their own work and are forced to conform to what sells.

หนังเพลง คือ หนังที่เนื้อเรื่องหรือธีมหลักหมุนรอบดนตรีหรือเพลง โดยมีตัวละครที่เป็นนักดนตรี ศิลปิน นักร้อง หรือเกี่ยวข้องกับวงการดนตรีอย่างใดอย่างหนึ่ง หนังประเภทนี้มักจะเล่าเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับการสร้างเพลง การก้าวผ่านอุปสรรคในวงการดนตรี หรือการเติบโตของตัวละครผ่านเสียงเพลงหนังเกี่ยวกับเพลงมักจะสร้างแรงบันดาลใจและทำให้ผู้ชมได้สำรวจความรู้สึกผ่านเสียงดนตรี ทำให้เกิดความเข้าใจในความเป็นมนุษย์ที่ลึกซึ้งมากยิ่งขึ้น

หนังเพลง เกี่ยวกับดนตรีไม่ได้ให้ความบันเทิงเพียงอย่างเดียว ภาพยนตร์เหล่านี้ยังให้ข้อมูลเชิงลึกเกี่ยวกับดนตรีในแง่มุมต่างๆ ตั้งแต่ความสำคัญทางวัฒนธรรมไปจนถึงผลกระทบต่อชีวิตของผู้คน ภาพยนตร์เหล่านี้ยกย่องการเดินทางของนักดนตรีและแสดงให้เห็นการต่อสู้ดิ้นรนของพวกเขา ขณะเดียวกันก็ให้ความรู้แก่ผู้ชมเกี่ยวกับแนวเพลงและวัฒนธรรมต่างๆ นอกจากนี้ ภาพยนตร์เหล่านี้ยังทำหน้าที่เป็นแพลตฟอร์มในการสร้างความตระหนักรู้เกี่ยวกับปัญหาทางสังคมและเน้นย้ำถึงพลังของดนตรีในการนำผู้คนมารวมกัน ด้วยความสำเร็จและความนิยมของภาพยนตร์เหล่านี้ จึงสามารถพูดได้อย่างปลอดภัยว่าแนวเพลงนี้จะดึงดูดผู้ชมต่อไปอีกหลายปีข้างหน้า

The title “Artifact” holds significance in multiple ways throughout the film. Firstly, it refers to how music has become a commodity in today’s world, where record labels are more concerned with making a profit rather than promoting art. It also symbolizes the legal battle between the band and their label, where the contract is seen as an artifact that binds them together. Moreover, it represents the creative process of making music, which has become commercialized and controlled by corporate interests.

One of the most powerful aspects of “Artifact” is its behind-the-scenes look at the making of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ third album, “This is War.” The film shows how the band members were heavily involved in the production of their music, from writing lyrics to recording and mixing the songs. This portrays the passion and dedication artists put into their work, which is often overlooked by record labels who only care about sales numbers.

Furthermore, “Artifact” highlights the impact of technology on the music industry. With digital media becoming mainstream, record labels have lost control over how music is consumed. This has led to a decline in album sales and profits for labels, resulting in them exploiting artists even more. However, artists like Thirty Seconds to Mars have embraced this change and use social media platforms to connect with their fans directly.

The film also touches upon themes of perseverance and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges and being tied up in a lawsuit for years, Thirty Seconds to Mars continued to create music and tour, showing their love for what they do and their commitment to their fans. This sends a powerful message that success should not be measured by record sales or awards but by one’s love for their craft.

In conclusion, “Artifact” is a thought-provoking film that exposes the harsh realities of the music industry while showcasing the passion and dedication of artists towards their work. It serves as a wake-up call for both aspiring musicians and consumers of music. It encourages artists to take control of their creativity and not let themselves be exploited by record labels. As for consumers, it urges them to support artists who prioritize their art over commercial success. “Artifact” is not just a film; it is a powerful message that needs to be heard by all.Read more

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/artifact