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LOS ANGELES: Beyoncé meticulously orchestrated her recent Renaissance World Tour, comparing its flawless execution to a well-oiled machine. The globally acclaimed singer, deeply invested in every production aspect, from lighting to set design, dedicated nearly 50 consecutive days to ensure the stadium tour surpassed expectations after four years of meticulous preparation.
Exhibiting her perfectionist ethos, Beyoncé, the writer, director, and producer of the film “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” chronicled the extensive tour supporting her seventh studio album. The movie not only captures her spectacular performances but also unveils behind-the-scenes moments, a rare glimpse into the private life of an artist who has seldom participated in interviews over the past decade.
Following the trend of recent concert films, Beyoncé released the nearly three-hour “Renaissance” through AMC Theaters, akin to Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour,” which set a record-breaking $97 million opening domestically for a concert film. In contrast to Swift’s focus on onstage performances, Beyoncé opted for a more personal approach, providing insights into her life beyond the spotlight.
In the film, Beyoncé reveals a more human side reminiscent of her 2019 Netflix documentary “Homecoming,” where she navigated headlining the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This time, she delves deeper into her role as arguably music’s hardest-working performer, balancing motherhood and the demands of a rigorous tour schedule.
Expressing frustration with challenges and reflecting on being a Black woman in the industry, Beyoncé’s tour grossed around $500 million, according to Billboard. Despite facing setbacks like knee surgery a month before the opening show, Beyoncé emphasizes that she is “not a machine.”
The film showcases notable guest performers, including Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, and Diana Ross, but the standout was Beyoncé’s 11-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, who defied initial hesitation to become a background dancer. Blue Ivy’s maturation and resilience, despite social media criticism, become a touching subplot in the film.
The narrative weaves in emotional moments, such as a Houston visit where Beyoncé, along with her mother, Tina Knowles, explored her childhood neighborhood and reunited with Destiny’s Child members. The film also pays tribute to Beyoncé’s late uncle Johnny, who played a significant role in her life.
Throughout the film, Beyoncé expresses gratitude for her BeyHive fanbase and shares intimate moments with her audience. While not every song from the tour made it to the film, “Renaissance” offers a unique perspective into Beyoncé’s life, making it more than just a concert film. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” released by AMC, runs for 168 minutes and earns a glowing four-star rating.
