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(2012)

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9/10
A fascinating David versus Goliath story
MediaboyMusings16 October 2012
Artifact originally started off as a document of the recording of 30 Seconds To Mars' third album - pretty standard stuff that wouldn't attract much interest beyond the alt rock band's fan base. What ultimately emerged was a fascinating David versus Goliath exposé of the music industry that will appeal to a much wider audience, revealing the band's ugly battle against an unfair and outdated business model that has been screwing over artists since the industry began. Actor and 30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto directed Artifact under the pseudonym of "Bartholomew Cubbins" (the name of a Dr. Seuss character) and the film took home this TIFF's Blackberry People's Choice Documentary Award. The recognition rather surprised me, not because the film isn't worthy, but because the award is based on voting from ticket holders of a film's screenings. I saw Artifact's second of three TIFF showings the afternoon after its world premiere and the upper balcony section at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema was only about one quarter full (mind you, the two- tiered Bloor balcony seating area is quite large).

Only a small portion of the documentary features any biographical information about the group (also including drummer and Jared's brother, Shannon, and guitarist Tomo Milicevic...any mentions of "Leto" hereafter will be referring to Jared) and the many hours of footage shot of the third album's L.A. recording sessions with producer Flood. That album's eventual title, This Is War, reflects the contentious legal battle between the band and their recording label (Virgin/EMI) that comprises most of Artifact's content. The protracted legal conflict began when the band asked to re-negotiate their contract, as their first two albums had sold almost six million copies combined and the band was somehow still in debt to the label. Virgin/EMI declined to restructure the deal and ended up suing the band for $30 million in 2008 for breach of contract when they failed to deliver their third album. Where did the $30 million figure come from? Aside from the label (who won't say), no one seems to know, but that number is too much of a coincidence and one has to assume it's some sort of clumsily conceived figure at least partly chosen for its symbolism. The lawsuit drags out for over 200 days, during which the stress can be seen on Leto and his bandmates as they take meetings with Virgin/EMI, their management (headed up by legendary manager Irving Azoff), and try to create This Is War, which they're financing themselves. Best line of the film: Leto threatens to drag his feet on handing in the album, saying they'll "Chinese Democracy this motherfuc*er".

Easy-to-digest graphics helpfully illustrate the warped accounting practices and profit sharing structures of the music industry, explaining the one-sided business relationship almost all newer acts toil under. Interviews with a number of industry figures add extra insight into the dire state of the business, with artists like Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and System Of A Down's Serj Tankian helping to represent the artist's perspective outside of the focal band. Enlightening first-hand accounts from former Virgin/EMI executives also aid in giving a more well-rounded picture of how the litigation was handled from the label's end, as well as discussing the purchase of Virgin/EMI by a UK equity firm that further complicated the lawsuit.

Leto makes an engaging main subject who I developed a new respect for with his band's principled stand against a long-entrenched system of greed. Several times, Leto questions whether or not the system is too big to fight, but the band refuses to cave. I wasn't very familiar with 30 Seconds To Mars before watching Artifact, only hearing a song or two that hadn't inspired me enough to explore them any further. Like I'm sure many have, I partially dismissed the group as another vanity side project from an actor, and we all know the dubious track record of those. Leto's musical credibility also took a hit with me when he released an extremely creepy video last year of himself dressed as Kurt Cobain while playing Nirvana's "Pennyroyal Tea". Truthfully, the 30 Seconds To Mars music heard in the film hasn't turned me into a fan, but I came away from Artifact with an appreciation of Leto's passion and dedication to his musical pursuits. It seems to be his focus right now and I was struck by the fact there was hardly even a mention in the documentary that he acts - the only acknowledgements of it are when he's recognized for his film work by fans on the streets in New York City and Miami.

Artifact is an eye-opening film that further reinforces the shady reputation of the music business via the engrossing story of one cog in the machine. 30 Seconds To Mars eventually settled their legal matter by signing a more favourable deal with Virgin/EMI, which included a clause allowing them to release Artifact.
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9/10
A must-see for anyone who loves music
juliea34419 September 2012
I was one of a handful of people who had the privilege of seeing this movie on its premiere night in Toronto at the Toronto International Film Festival. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going in and I was nervous that my friend (who had never heard of 30 Seconds to Mars) would be bored. Within five minutes of the film I knew we were in for a great movie. Jared, Shannon, and Tomo open their lives up to the viewer during what is probably the most tumultuous time during the life of their band. This movie is entertaining, informative and heartwarming all at the same time. The band managed to create an award-winning documentary which contains beautiful imagery and appearances from some of the most influential people in the industry, all with a 30 million dollar lawsuit looming over their heads. In the spirit of full disclosure it should be noted that I am a Jared Leto fan from way back, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this film to anyone.
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7/10
Artifact Movie Review
sjohnson134-878-95503823 December 2013
This review is slightly different from the normal films adapted from literature that I include on my blog. But this particular film is inspired by true events by a worldwide, well-know alternative rock band and can be used as a valuable tool to anyone contemplating a recording contract and as such is an adaptation (use your own definition of the word here). Keep in mind that not all bands experience what this band has encountered and not all record companies are this greed based. But, after working on their documentary film Artifact for a number of years, Thirty Seconds to Mars has released this 2012 film to the general public. It can be found in some theaters but is available through iTunes as a rental or for purchase in SD or HD. It is an interesting film which shows the band's fight with EMI/Virgin Records, their record label, and the greed of this company and some other parts of the record industry. It might be difficult for some to feel sorry for this world famous band, believing that they have earned a lot of money through the sale of their music, but if the truth be told (and with all the interviews throughout the film who will attest to it) this band was sued by their record company for thirty million dollars and to date have not received any compensation for their albums. This would explain why they are on the road, touring around the world, in order to receive some compensation for their labors. They hold the record for the most days out on tour at 311! Originally, the film was to document the making of their third studio album, eventually entitled This is War, based on the fight with the record label. What transpired throughout all of this was a story of how the band had to finance, by themselves, this album and their struggle with their record company and the ludicrous breach of contract lawsuit of $30 million, which started in 2008. It should be noted here that there is a labor law in California, where the band is based, that states no contract can be longer than seven years. Thirty Seconds to Mars in 2008 had been under contract to EMI for nine years and unfortunately, they had not be paid for their previous two records and were notified that they were in debt to the company. The film breaks down the horrid process which for all intensive purposes can and does hold some bands financially prisoner. Due to this knowledge, Thirty Seconds to Mars, considering the California law, tried to terminate what they considered an unfair contract, but were informed that they did not produce the required five albums that the contract specified and were then sued for the $30 million by Virgin Records. There is a larger issue involved here that the film attempts to document which is what the front man for the band, Jared Leto, states is the unfairness and lack of artistic freedom the musicians are confronting. It is obvious that he cares greatly about this issue and even though the issue with the record company was resolved and, as of today, EMI has been purchased and sold off, there still remains this issue of unfairness and lack of freedom along with the possibility of being sued and not being compensated for artist's art, which is what music is. The film was directed by Leto under the pseudonym of Bartholomew Cubbins, a Dr. Seuss character, and it has won some awards. Leto has also directed other films, mostly music videos under the same name. But as well as this film contains lots of very good substance and content, it has the appearance of a music video and not a documentary film. Yes, it contains the necessary information to inform and it shows the passion of the topic being discussed, but it has too much emotion. Documentary films do just that…document and inform. In my estimation, it would have been better served if an entirely different production team had been hired…from the directing, to the camera work, to the editing. And as well as iTunes is number one for marketing, a larger distribution would have helped this film reach a bigger audience. Keep in mind, not all record companies work the way Thirty Seconds to Mars states, but as I have already said, it is a good film to watch and learn from.
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10/10
A must see for everyone, artist or otherwise
RebeccaHaslam1 September 2013
Little has often been understood about the depths of the music industry and just what it means to be part of it. Artifact, a project Jared Leto worked on for five years before its online premiere yesterday, is a true testament to the pressures, stresses, strains and conflicts that come from such a business that affects the lives of so many. Over the course of just under two hours, Artifact details, with opinions from industry insiders, producers, artists and the band themselves, the battle Thirty Seconds To Mars endured in standing up for what they felt was right for them. Facing a lawsuit of 30 million dollars, the band took it upon themselves to finance and create the album which would go on to become This Is War themselves, placing themselves in all but financial ruin in the process. Jared in particular describes time and time again, in conversations with lawyers and his manager, the huge task before them, blunt in his views on those that have placed him and his band-mates in their predicament. Although the lawsuit is finally settled, with MARS successfully negotiating the terms they wanted, over the course of over 100 days, the trio and everyone working alongside them are put through the ringer - it is a testament to the band, their unity in the face of huge adversity, that what they went on to create such an impressively powerful piece of work with This Is War. Anyone who is a fan of music, has been to a concert, bought or downloaded a CD or single needs to see this film. It is the most accurately honest piece of work about the industry so few understand ever to have been made in my opinion. Artist, music fan or not - if you want to know what it means to put everything on the line in order to stand for what you believe is right, then see this, and be as I was; incredibly impressed and so proud.
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10/10
Excellent Real Life Documentary
fld1420 September 2012
I was in attendance for the first showing of Artifact at the Toronto Film Festival.I went with my son who is a huge 30 Seconds To Mars fan whereas I didn't really know them. The film accurately shows the struggle that many artists have in the music business.It follows the band 30 Seconds to Mars in a real life documentary which starts as a film about the making of their album into all out war with EMI.It allows the audience to see deep into the music business and will 'shock' all who see how corrupt things can be. It was deeply moving to see the effect this had on the artists. I have rated it 10/10 as it was excellent in every way. The only negative is the constant strong language which is understandable due to the stress they were under but would make it unsuitable for children. I voted for it at the TIFF and was really pleased it won the peoples choice. They deserved it. Well done boys.
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10/10
A must see eye-opener film
yadigonz131 September 2013
Overwelming and a mind blower, Artifact The Film opens your eyes to the harsh reality of the music industry through the eyes of Jared Leto and his band, 30 Seconds to Mars. It is a must see for everyone, specially musicians, singers, producers and everyone involved in show business. This film is amazing, a roller-coaster of emotions that took me from laughter, to tears; from frustration to anger, to hope. It is such a respectable effort to say what has to be said about the actual music environment where technology has taking over and artists have to struggle in order to economically survive while trying to make their music. After watching, I respect the band and Mr. Leto even more for fighting so passionate for what is right, for standing up for what they believe in.
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10/10
Informative, Inspiring, beautiful
andriar98919 September 2012
I was lucky enough to attend the first ever showing of Artifact at the Ryerson for TIFF. This documentary is an inspiring documentary about fighting for what is right. It not only is informative about the music industry it is also beautifully made. It takes the audience on a journey of struggle against a corporate machine and into the compromise that must happen in order for MARS to continue to do what they love, which results in a magnificent documentary and also the creation of the epic album This is War. Anyone who sees this will walk away with a new found respect for what a musician goes through to create the music that enhances our lives.
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10/10
A documentary about the music business and what it means to fight for your dreams.
nina-charlotte-k1 September 2013
A few hours ago I saw the official premiere of Artifact on the platform VyRT. It made me very emotional and thoughtful, and I still am. This makes a good movie, if you can not let go, even hours later.

I've learned a lot about the music business and this documentary also explains what it means to fight for your dreams and your right and not give up, even when the situation seemed hopeless. Artifact is a documentary about the struggle of 30 Seconds to Mars against the record company and how they still held on to their dreams.

So if you are a musician, trying to break through, if you've already done, or if you are just a music lover, then you should watch Artifact. It will open your eyes about many things.
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10/10
Brialliantly Informative
lisassssss2 September 2013
I had never really thought about what goes on in the record business, but after watching this film I am horrified that the "suits" can treat the artists this badly and think nothing of it. My eyes were opened, now I will do whatever it takes to support the artist (be it singer, painter, writer, etc) and not support the corporations that continue to try to take all that the artist is. To know that these million selling artists actually make very little to nothing off of their art is sickening to me. I applaud 30 Seconds to Mars for standing up for their dreams and showing the world what it is really like to try to go for your dreams. Everyone that enjoys art of some form, be it music or books or paintings or movies, needs to see this film. Thank you Bartholomew Cubbins.
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Exposing the corruption of the system without giving a solution doesn't say anything
UncleLukee28 October 2020
It's good that the show the corruption of the music industry but why don't they give the right message and they just talk about their war with the label? People already knew about the music industry, artists have being talking about it for years, the point is to give the right message to the youth, that before you sign a deal with a major label you gotta have leverage, so you can have the ability bargain a good profit split deal and not a royalty split deal. Exposing the corruption of the system without giving a solution doesn't say anything, it's like being a communist, you want anarchy but you don't know how to face it, like come on straight up!
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2/10
Interesting thematic but very confused delivery + way too long
keenast7 December 2014
Yes, the thematic is interesting but it is totally unclear what the whole thing's supposed to be. It's endlessly stretched by putting in 'statement' after 'statement' of people who say something about something that has nothing to do with the story, if there is one. People are badly introduced, it takes forever for the audience to figure out who is who. Lots, the majority actually, seems to be filmed after the fact, playing like it was 'documented' at the time which it is not.

Summary: could have been really good but it's so not. Cut it down in half at least, explain for crying out loud what the real issues are - if they got sued for 30 million dollars would you please so kind and explain why exactly? Everything's so nebulous and unclear it's really tiring to watch. Well, I made it to the end and it took efforts to hang in for so long, be prepared.
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10/10
An Epic Insightful Documentary on the Music Industry and Mars
candyobandy7721 September 2012
I was privileged to see the sneak preview of this film at The Hive in 2010 and honored to see the Premiere at the Ryerson Theatre and a second viewing at the Bloor Cinema. I came a long way from Charlotte and I was not disappointed. When you think documentary you probably imagine you will be bored, but this was far from the case. You don't need to be a 30 Seconds to Mars fan to enjoy the drama and humor that is artfully revealed. Brutally truthful, Jared Leto a/k/a Bart Cubbins took you behind the scenes to experience the making of This Is War, through a 30 million dollar lawsuit. It was an eye opener on how the record companies have made the Rock Star extinct and how they get away with it. Just when I thought I would cry feeling Jared's pain and helplessness, the film would make me laugh so hard that I cried in a different way. Thank you, Jared, Shannon and Tomo for sharing this! Provehito in Altum!
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10/10
I lost all my words to describe
hip-hop-dance1 September 2013
I've seen the documentary last night and it was beautiful. These man fight for their own rights and I will support them with everything I can. They made their dreams come true and not one thing could stop them. I have to learn things from them to do the same things. To follow my dreams like they did. I cried when I got the ticket as a gift to attend the premiere. It was f*cking incredible. This is their story behind This Is War, a rough road. I fight to the end and conquer. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am now. Thanks to their music, their road to become who they are, their story behind it all. You can start without having anything and become so big. With words coming straight out of my heart I truly can say with all honesty I love these guys. Thirty Seconds To Mars are the true leaders of the Echelon, and I'm proud to be a part of it!
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10/10
Ugliness of the Industry, beautifully portrayed
lisacosta771 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
From the very moment of the first shot of this documentary, you KNOW it isn't going to be like anything else you've ever seen. A rare, closerthanthis look into the lives of members of the band 30 Seconds to Mars. You embark upon a journey to fight for what's right. To open eyes and ears around the world to what an artist really experiences after having been signed to a label. It's exhilarating to watch Jared Leto and all who stand behind him buck the system & say NO, we aren't going to be taken advantage of anymore. He took a life changing chance, by publicizing his battle, and identifying himself, as well as his band, to record companies around the world. Mars has come out of this war, not just alive, but alive & well. Still making beautiful music & sharing it with the world, with renewed determination. They ARE the shining example of bravery, determination, faith and honesty in a very ugly, greedy, cutthroat avenue of business. I'm honored to have watched it, & to be able to pass it on to others. Thank you Mars! Well done Sirs!
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10/10
Commerce & Art - A Marriage made in hell
Stageact13 December 2013
I'm glad that I've found out about this soon enough to sign it with my name and am proud to be at least a very small part of it. It's a subjective story from and about Thirty Seconds To Mars being sued for 30 Million Dollars by their label and the making of "This Is War". Apart from that other musicians and former and present music executives have their say and show that the music industry uses an antiquated business-model that's not compatible with any form of art...let alone music. Artifact is compelling from beginning to end, very emotional, very funny and very informative. It sets the bar very high for every further music documentary.

I was around musicians most of my life. As a producer, editor and interviewer of my own radio show I've had a common knowledge of the music industry and how it works. Befriended bands had and some still have oppressive contracts, which don't allow them to take their own decisions, but on the other hand they have to finance almost everything on their own. I thought I knew it all, but even I learned something new. This movie is important. It's time for a change !!!
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10/10
engaging
hhampton201212 December 2013
Artifact invites you into the experience the band went through while making an album and their surreal battle with EMI. From interviews from artists to professionals in the record industry to vulnerable showing of the band's emotional roller coaster-you'll be glued to the film the entire time. The documentary leaves you with the message to not give up; to fight for what is right and what you believe in. I am so glad I bought it and will watch it many more times. I would share this with friends, co- workers, and my children. Life is neither fair nor perfect no matter how "famous" you are.With my own legal struggles for my kids, I could relate to feeling out of control over something that you brought to life and was every bit a part of your love, energy, and being. And once you make it through the flames, you are forever changed. But in the case of 30 Seconds to Mars, this documentary and the album "this is war" will continue to inspire whether you watch it today, tomorrow, next month, or in 10 years.
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10/10
loved it!
debbie_swift15 December 2013
Interesting,funny,honest and passionate. 4 words that describe this movie for me. I have recommended this to fans of 30 seconds to mars and fans of music. I really enjoyed watching the process of how this is war was put together They are so determined. I knew from other stories of other artists having bad contracts in the music business and its ridiculous how it still goes on today. If you love music and 30 seconds to mars watch this movie. And if you like the beautiful scenery of America. Where they live looks amazing. Obviously Jared is an actor so he is used to being in front of the camera. This is a really well done movie.
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10/10
Absolutely amazing
joanadacostamarques15 December 2013
Loved the whole documentary!

It is absolutely amazing!

Even not being a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars I strongly suggest you to see it!

Shows us that the life of an artist is not as easy and fantastic as many think ... most artists really need to work hard and make big choices to get some positive feedback or not!

In this particular case they made a new agreement and 30 Seconds to Mars made a successful album, but it could had ended badly.

After seeing this documentary I think people will respect more the artists and their work.
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9/10
Eye Opening, Fantastic!
dallasryan28 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A very well made documentary about the band 30 Seconds to Mars' struggle with their record label. A very informative documentary that opens your eyes to the shysters in the music business. Redundant at times, but it needs to be redundant to show the audience what a stressful ordeal and struggle it is to come to a compromise with the shady record label.

Jared Leto is very talented, an excellent singer and a true artist all around. I have a much bigger respect for him now. Hopefully more people will see this documentary and will come together as a whole to be the change in getting these money hungry record labels to change the way they do business. I feel very sorry for musicians now, I had no idea it was like this. 30 Seconds to Mars could have kept fighting, but they understood you have to pick your battles. And they won in what they wanted and they also won on an even bigger scope by showing the world in this documentary how awful record labels are.

On a final note, I can truly say Jared Leto seems like a really cool guy. I was an actor in a short film once and he was cool with letting the production shoot right outside his house. Not many actors/musicians would be cool with that kind of thing. He truly does fight in many ways for the little guy. Not many like him in the business. He deserves all of his good fortune. Do yourself a favor and see this documentary right away. It's fantastic!
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10/10
My fav documentary
barmaco_hzby2 October 2013
I have watched it many times, and never got bored though it is a documentary :p amazing work. ..i have learned a lot from it. ..very helpful for people who want to enter business specially in the music industry,it shows how music record companies fool the musicians and write hidden or small things in contracts that those musicians don't know about and then take their money and lie to them. .. The directing is very good, music in the movie is well chosen and many amazing stars are included. .what is better than seeing jared leto, shannon, tomo, robbie williams "for few seconds" , chester from linkin park and serj all in one place? :D I highly recommend watching it :D

It is fun,educational and inspiring...
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10/10
A genuine work of art! Real story of signing artists in modern business era
missrri25 August 2016
I would've given this documentary an 11 out of 10, if that'd been possible. I am part of the new generation mentioned in Artifact that doesn't have to go out of the house and pay for music and whose favourite tracks are only a click away. This huge and extremely fast change and shift between my generation and my parents' generation (they used to buy CDs and cassettes) caused by technology advancement was never so meticulously addressed before using real and iconic practical examples, but Jared Leto had the guts to put his band's future at risk just to protect his/their art and hard work and to reveal the real side of the music business to fans, ordinary people, non- artists or future artists who had not been exposed to any of this. As an ordinary, non-artist person, but with the same idealistic perspective on life as Jared, I found this documentary immensely captivating, interesting, informative, refreshing and even inspirational at the same time! I was surprised to find out that behind 30 Seconds to Mars' 'This is War' album was a greatly talented British music producer. I was surprised to find out that the band hadn't been paid for their albums. I was surprised about the band members' past and I kinda identified myself with the penniless idleness of their youths! To me, this artistic documentary was as much about the implications that declining record companies have on (big) artists, as it was about how small- town musicians find direction and follow their dreams to create something timeless together in spite of economic and personal difficulties. The cinematography, the quotes, the real data, the interviews and the vignettes from the band members' lives were flawlessly put together in this superb documentary on what it's really like to be a signing artist nowadays. A must-watch for music lovers of all genres! Music will forever be the drive! 🎼
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10/10
I enjoyed every minute of ARTIFACT!
flieder119 February 2014
This documentary is technically and artistically well made and I never got bored during the entire film! Loved the acoustic part at the end, too, which was added as a sort of extra for fans of 30 Seconds to Mars music. Even if you've never worked in the industry and are not an artist yourself, you will enjoy this film as the way it's been edited makes it very entertaining to watch. The film basically gives insight into the fight for an artist's rights and the making of the 30 Seconds to Mars album "This is War". One could say ARTIFACT is an indictment of biz practices in the record and music industry screwing artists and basically robbing them of the yields of their work. I have watched the "Special Edition" version and can recommend watching it.
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10/10
A review of Artifact
jolieme12312 December 2013
Artifact really opened my eyes to things I never understood about the music industry it broke it down and explained it in a way I have never seen anywhere else.Artists get so screwed by the boys behind the desks who have absolutely no creative input whatsoever.The Artist is there killing themselves pouring out their heart and soul and pouring in their money and time and someone else benefits.It is so wrong.It took 30 seconds to mars to take a stand for their rights and the rights of others and every single Artist owes them a depth of gratitude.The Artist has been screwed time immemorial .Artists just need to create and it is this fact that the vultures hone in on.Seriously Musicians you have no idea what these men have done for you by being brave enough to risk everything to fight for their rights and the rights of others.
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10/10
An inspiring story of fighting for what's right.
prinsessjilly-762-8754988 January 2014
"Sometimes you have to fight in order to be free." These words spoken by Jared Leto are the heart and soul of this film. ARTIFACT is an amazing account of the thirty million dollar lawsuit brought against Thirty Seconds to Mars by their own record label. It documents the band's highs and lows of trying to make their third studio album 'This Is War' while simultaneously fighting against an antiquated industry for a more fair and balanced contract. This film while very personal, documents the plight of all professional artists. It's smart, informative, brave, powerful, and emotionally raw. Band members Jared Leto, brother Shannon Leto, and Tomo Miličević share feelings of anger and discouragement to moments of humor and ultimately accomplishment and satisfaction. ARTIFACT is a brilliantly told poignant story of optimism that art and commerce can coexist when hard work and the belief in one's self are equally demonstrated. I absolutely loved this film and highly recommend it. While I am a huge fan of the band (an Echelon) and of Jared Leto's acting and film making, you don't have to be a fan to appreciate this film. Provehito In Altum.
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10/10
The moment to fight...
kasxiki2002-922-36617512 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Downloaded ARTIFACT this morning from VyRT, a unique insight into the exploitation artists suffer at the hands of the big record companies; how signing a record deal and working relentlessly to make incredible music, might bring success, but the price of that success is to be forever in escalating debt to corporate giants who want to own every note you play, every lyric of every song... 30 SECONDS TO MARS (Jared, Shannon, Tomo) stood their ground and fought back against this injustice and made an amazing album, "This is War". I just finished watching, I laughed, I cried, I was inspired!!! Congratulations on a great film/documentary Jared Leto !!!
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