A film about the life of Pauline Black seems long overdue. The spotlight of the 2-Tone scene is often pointed at her male contemporaries like The Specials or The Beat, so now it’s time for Black to tell the story in her own words. Part biography, and part road documentary of her musical second act, Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story is a study in duality.
From her early childhood adopted into a white family in Essex to joining The Selecter in Coventry, through to returning to powerhouse performances again in her early 70s – Black has consistently found identity and expression through music and community. “I think you grow your identity over time…when I look back over my life, it’s full of scenes and stories all knit together.” she reflects
As music docs go, it’s a decent enough, but unremarkable film about a remarkable performer. Director Jane Mingay has a background in photography, and close ups on Pauline Black shot in black and white break help home in on her storytelling. But there are far too many talking heads. Do we really need male music journos explaining stuff best told by the archive or Pauline Black herself? Or random asides from famous fans like Jools Holland? Pauline Black is a magnetic presence, with impeccable style who tells her story with brutal honesty and at times, blunt wit – particularly about the racism and neglect she faced at home and the sexism of life on the road with The Selecter.
Aside from Black’s narration of her story, and the archive of The Selecter performances, it’s her enduring friendship with Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson that gives the film real warmth. There is genuine love and affection between the old friends. Gaps seemed to look out for Pauline, others around in the band were jealous and even violent. Hendrickson died in June 2024 and the film is dedicated to him. At 71, Pauline Black has navigated the highs and lows of working as a musician and actor. Watching her give energetic performances at this point in her life is pretty damn inspirational, long may it continue.