It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

The first must-see film of the year.

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.

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.

Artifact is one of the best films i've ever watched. This film is for EVERY lover of music! Amazing Refreshing Truthful Inspiring Fantastic Astonishing Courageous TriumphantIt opens your eyes to the music industry and how it works. I'm proud to be a member of the Echelon and am proud MARS won they're battle and went on to produce incredible songs and albums. The film shows the tough world an artist can find themselves in, when being screwed over by their record label. There are scenes where you'll howl with laughter and others where you'll cry with sadness. It let's you experience every emotion!A truly GREAT film which i advise everyone to watch.

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 :DIt is fun,educational and inspiring...