The rise and fall of pop duo Milli Vanilli is the subject of a new feature-length documentary coming to Paramount+. The documentary, titled “Milli Vanilli,” explores the story of Robert “Rob” Pilatus and Fabrice “Fab” Morvan, whose pop superstardom was abruptly cut short following a lip-syncing controversy. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and seeks to provide new insight into the origins of the con that led to the duo’s downfall.
One of the highlights of the documentary is an exclusive audio interview with Pilatus, which was recorded in a rehab clinic just two months before his death. This interview offers a never-before-heard perspective on the events that transpired and sheds light on Pilatus’ personal struggles. Additionally, the documentary features never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with music industry executives who were involved with the deception. These interviews reveal that the lip-syncing scandal was a much larger deception with more people involved than previously assumed.
The German-French duo, Rob and Fab, experienced a meteoric rise to fame. Despite impoverished upbringings, their first album in 1989 went platinum six times, and their hit single “Girl You Know It’s True” sold over 30 million copies. In 1990, they even won a Grammy for Best New Artist. However, their success was short-lived when it was revealed that they did not sing the vocals on their album. This revelation led to the revocation of their Grammy and a public backlash that tarnished their reputation.
The documentary has received positive reviews, with critics praising its exploration of the scandal and its impact on the music industry. The Hollywood Reporter quipped, “Have I been thinking a weird amount about Milli Vanilli since watching this documentary? Reader, you know it’s true.” The film provides an opportunity for audiences to revisit the Milli Vanilli story with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place.
“Milli Vanilli” will be available for streaming on Paramount+ on Tuesday, October 24. The documentary is directed and produced by Luke Korem and produced by Bradley Jackson, MRC, and Keep On Running Pictures in partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios. Its inclusion in the Tribeca Film Festival lineup speaks to the significance of the Milli Vanilli scandal and its lasting impact on popular culture.
In conclusion, the new documentary “Milli Vanilli” delves into the rise and fall of the infamous pop duo. With exclusive interviews, unseen footage, and insights from music industry executives, the film sheds light on the origins of the lip-syncing controversy. The documentary explores the impact of the scandal on Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, offering a fresh perspective on their story and the deception that led to their downfall. Audiences can look forward to experiencing the documentary on Paramount+ and gaining a deeper understanding of the Milli Vanilli phenomenon.
