Of all the Motown documentaries I have seen, this is probably the best, maybe because Berry Gordy Jr., the man who created that legendary record company, was also behind the production. I admit that I was a bit skeptic, considering that a man as controversial as Gordy were the center of the film, but he is definitely the heart of the story, the motor of the enterprise and the visionary business man who followed his principles, convictions, dreams and his whims too. A true "influencer".
Many persons can still deny the importance of Motown, as many rock and roll fans, critics and historians who prefer to see that story from the point of view of white boys playing a guitar... but at this point who cares what they believe? The facts are there and those who have been open enough to listen and appreciate, know what role Motown played in music, sociology, politics and civil rights in the United States.
I guess that what makes it all more interesting is the fact that Berry Gordy is quite a host, a funny story teller who receives great help from his best friend, colleague and artistic accomplice William "Smokey" Robinson.
The film also leaves out all the feuds, gossips and sarcasm (for example, Mary Wilson has more screen time than Diana Ross, who only appears in archive stock). In this way the Motown story becomes a celebration of love, effort, friendship and collaboration, with revealing sides to the story: Gordy's inspiration to develop his business model, his own tender perception of the love he had for Ross always tied to business, his initial refusal to accept the genius of Norman Whitfield and Marvin Gaye, his failed attempt to conquer Hollywood with Ross, which in the long run meant the musical downfall of the company.
However, the legacy is intact, and "Hitsville" is a magnificent homage to all the men and women that rode along with Gordy in this journey of American success.
