Bananaz (2008) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A behind-the-scenes documentary tracing the visual and musical creation of Gorillaz across six years.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

From Sketches to Animation

The documentary follows the early visual development of Gorillaz, including its first drawings and animations. It presents the project taking shape behind the scenes.

Key Events

• Filming Begins — The director begins documenting the Gorillaz creators over a six-year period. Location: Behind the scenes
• Early Visual Development — The documentary follows the earliest drawings and visual development for Gorillaz. Location: Behind the scenes
• Animation Takes Shape — Footage documents the creation of animations for the virtual band. Location: Behind the scenes

Building the Sound

The film records musicians working on the music for the Gorillaz albums. It offers a behind-the-scenes view of the recording process.

Key Events

• Music Recording — The film shows musicians recording music for the Gorillaz albums. Location: Recording sessions
• Album Gorillaz — The documentary includes footage of the creators making the Gorillaz album. Location: Behind the scenes

The People Behind the Voices

The documentary reveals the people behind the virtual characters' voices and includes interviews with collaborators. These elements broaden its account beyond the animated figures.

Key Events

• Voices Behind Characters — The film shows the people behind the voices of the virtual characters. Location: Behind the scenes
• Collaborator Interviews — Interviews with various Gorillaz collaborators provide additional perspectives. Location: Interview settings

From Studio to Stage

Footage covers the making of Demon Days and includes backstage material and live concert performances. The film brings its six-year behind-the-scenes record toward a public presentation.

Key Events

• Demon Days Production — The documentary follows the making of music and visuals for Demon Days. Location: Behind the scenes
• Live Concert Footage — Backstage footage and live concert performances show the project beyond studio work. Location: Concert backstage and performance settings
• Berlin Festival Premiere — The documentary premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on February 7, 2008. Location: Berlin Film Festival

Story Breakdown

• Documenting Creation — The film records the creators at work from 2000 to 2006.
  • Six Year Record — The director films the project over a six-year period.
  • Behind The Scenes — The documentary follows the work behind the virtual band.
• Visual Development — The film documents the development of the band's visual identity.
  • First Drawings — Footage follows the earliest drawings.
  • Animation Work — The documentary shows animation being created.
• Music Production — Recording footage shows musicians making music for the albums.
  • Recording Sessions — The film captures musicians recording music.
  • Gorillaz Album — The documentary includes the making of the Gorillaz album.
• Voices And Creators — The documentary connects the virtual characters with the people behind their voices.
  • Voices Revealed — The film shows the faces behind the characters' voices.
  • Creator Footage — The creators are filmed during the project's development.
• Collaborator Perspectives — Interviews add contributions from people associated with Gorillaz.
  • Contributor Interviews — The film includes interviews with various collaborators.
  • Project Context — The interviews form part of the documentary's account of the project.
• Demon Days Production — The film also follows work on the second named album in the reference.
  • Album Visuals — The documentary covers visuals being made for Demon Days.
  • Album Music — The documentary covers music being recorded for Demon Days.
• Live Performance — Backstage and concert footage shows the project in live performance settings.
  • Backstage Footage — The documentary includes backstage material from live concerts.
  • Concert Performances — The film includes footage of live performances.
• Festival Release — The documentary premiered in Berlin before screenings at other festivals.
  • Berlin Premiere — The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on February 7, 2008.
  • International Screenings — The reference lists later festival screenings in Austin, Lisbon, and Edinburgh.

Directed by

Ceri Levy

Key Cast

• Damon Albarn — Self
• Jamie Hewlett — Self
• Nelson De Freitas — Self / 2-D
• Phil Cornwell — Self / Murdoc Niccals
• Haruka Kuroda — Self / Noodle