Depeche Mode: 2008–11 “Usual Thing, Try and Get the Question in the Answer”

This film records a loose, often technical conversation with Depeche Mode as they talk through how they approach recording, arranging and producing their music. Rather than following a chronological life story, it stays close to the microphone, letting Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher trade memories about specific sessions, gear choices and studio moments. Those interviews are cut with personal archive footage from past album sessions, giving viewers a peek at candid rehearsals, console work and rough takes. The result is more of a workshop snapshot than a dramatic documentary, aimed at listeners who want to hear what happens behind the glass without a lot of external narration.

Released in 2009, the film compiles material from 2008 to 2011 studio periods and archival clips, presenting an intimate, conversation-driven view of the band rather than a formally directed biopic. It’s structured around in-studio talk and session archives, with the band members credited as themselves.

The film didn’t pick up major awards or mainstream festival prizes, and there’s no record of significant nominations. Its circulation stayed mostly within fan channels and specialist screenings, so award recognition was limited compared with bigger music documentaries.

Among Depeche Mode fans and synth-pop communities this title has been picked up as a useful reference, especially for those interested in analog and digital production techniques. It hasn’t had broad cultural penetration, but the archive footage and technical detail make it a point of interest for collectors and music historians working on late 2000s electronic pop.

Critical response and viewer reaction have been mixed, reflected in a low average score of 4.0 out of 10. Reviewers and viewers who like the film point to its frank studio talk and archival value, while others find the format too narrow and conversational for casual audiences. The main themes are craft, collaboration and the practical side of making records, so it really rewards viewers who care about studio process.