Teenage dream

It’s Katy Perry! In 3D! And you’re almost certainly not going to see it! But for most of those who are, this is probably as good as cinema is going to get this year, or perhaps ever. Indeed, this documentary about Ms Perry’s rise to pop hyper-stardom is — to steal the title of her third studio album — a teenage dream. For many teenage girls (and younger), this is a chance to see their heroine’s life in exacting high definition. For many teenage boys (and older), it will be something else entirely. And in 3D too!

But first some background information for those who are unfamiliar with Katy Perry and her work. The basic points are: she’s 27; she’s discovered a niche in the music industry as a kind of sexy cartoon character, all eyelashes, cleavage and wacky costumes; and she’s outselling almost every other singer in town, notably becoming the first female artist to have five songs from the same album go to No.1 in America.

And now this, her big screen documentary. If you want to see a better film this week, then The Hunter is opening as well. But Katy Perry: Part of Me is a concentrated shot of what the kids are drinking nowadays, so it probably contains more insight about where our world is heading than a thousand worthier films. Or at least that’s one way to justify buying a ticket. Don’t worry, there’s another justification coming later on.

Looked at from a distance, the film is very simple. It follows Ms Perry around as she tours her latest album, offering up interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and on-stage performances as it goes along. But none of that describes the effect it has on your eyes and brain up close, which is altogether more complicated and degenerative.