So I was thinking about why the movie was made. Given what the documentary is, I think a lot of people are not unreasonably saying they're being overly dramatic, trying to paint themselves in a good light, and using everything that's happened as a cash in. I don't completely agree with this, but it's not unreasonable.
But what do I think DT's motivations are? There are three primary reasons they did this:
- Making themselves look good. I mean, come on. Maybe it will end up seeming disingenuous, but how can they not do this? Outside DTF, most of the fans want Portnoy back, and they probably aren't pleased with the band for so zealously pushing on without him. For better or worse, DT wants present their side of the story so they don't look like dickheads.
- Money... which I suspect doesn't actually matter that much. None of them are strapped for cash. If they produced this documentary knowing it wouldn't be aired on TV or be a hugely popular piece outside DT fandom, they still would have done it. The money's just a nice upside.
- Selling the new drummer and the band's future to the fans. While the first reason was probably the most pressing emotionally, this was the biggest logical concern. DT knows they live and die based on their intense fan base. Given how controversial this is, they wisely decided to do everything possible to show the auditions were handled the right way. If they don't do the documentary and then say "Hey guys, it's Mike Mangini," the amount of what-ifs becomes overbearing.
"Why not Priester?"
"We totally respect his skills as a drummer, but we felt he didn't handle TSCO the right way and we didn't feel the right vibe when we improvised with him."
"Why?"
"Eh. We'd rather not go into that further. Priester didn't work out, but we don't want to do the disrespect of laying out in detail why he didn't work. It paints him in an unfair light."
"SO GUYS. DREAM THEATER DIDN'T CHOOSE PRIESTER AND THEY CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY. THEY KNOW THEY SCREWED UP AND WON'T ADMIT IT!"
Basically in logical terms, while we might not like the premise or conclusion of the choice, we'll have every reason to understand its validity.
Also, look at it in the context of new media. So much of our lives are public. DT fans especially know this because of Portnoy. And, in American culture we tend to want to see the big media event that sums everything up to fully digest it. United 93 (sorry to go there) and Miracle on Ice are great examples of this. Just hearing about and seeing an event aren't enough, we need to feel it and experience the catharsis. And if you think you're the exception, you're probably lying or not very self-aware. This is why the overly dramatic argument holds no water. They're being no more dramatic than our society in general.
The doc will inspire loads and loads of debate. DT will love that. The fans will love it. Some people will see one of the other drummers audition and feel like he was the better choice. This is inevitable, but better than factless emotion and speculation. But the biggest thing is that most people will see the documentary and accept it happened. The mental tension will go away.
And then Dream Theater won't be Dream Theater minus Mike Portnoy or Dream Theater plus Mike Mangini. It will legitimately be Dream Theater. And more than anything, right or wrong, that's what they want and need to happen to continue their careers. Not a very romantic idea, but likely the most positive experience for everyone involved.