Depeche Mode - It's Our Hobby

Like most Brits, I associate Depeche Mode with good, but slightly past it synth-pop. Something to be revered in a distinctly 80’s way, like day glo socks or a pair of Reebok Pumps. Hence I was rather shocked to learn of their fanatical support elsewhere, especially Eastern Europe. Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode’s lead singer, who could spend all day walking around his home town of Basildon without anyone batting an eyelid, is apparently somewhat of a God outside the UK. Legions of young followers, Depechists, follow Dave religiously – even, if you can believe it, marching on his birthday.

Apparently not every Brit is as ignorant of Depeche’s legendary status as I was. Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller and collaborator Nicholas Abrahams found it so interesting that they made a film about it. The Posters Came From the Walls is a fascinating insight into their fans. But it is more, much more, than just a fan flick. The film transcends Depeche Mode themselves and becomes a genuine insight into one of the most important generations of our time; the youth of the ’89 revolution. This youth embraced Depeche Mode’s music as the music of change - the soundtrack to the fall of the Berlin Wall. I doubt, sadly, Depeche themselves realise this.

The film starts with a focus on a pair of rather cringe-worthy pair of US teenagers, but soon develops into a really touching, and heart-warming, expose into the fans who consider Depeche Mode an integral part of their culture. When the film focuses on a group of thirty-something Germans, recounting their first experience of live western music (hence the title of the film) when the band played East Berlin in ’88, you start to realise the pivotal, if accidental role, they probably played in the revolution.

Photo: Michael Putland

The Posters Came From the Walls is easily one of the best films I’ve seen all year. When, at the end of the film, a homeless British man recounts how his only possessions for years were a Sony Walkman and a copy of 101, and how this, he believes, helped him to get back onto his feet, I genuinely felt moved to tears. Deller and Abrahams have far more than just created another music documentary; they have created an exquisite and engaging account of one of the most important cultural phenomena of our generation.

The Posters Came from the Walls isn't on general release, but the directors hope to get it distributed more widely soon. For more information see the documentary's official site.