![]() Some of this might be that Talking Heads was more than just Byrne, but I suspect there’s something more to it that’s harder to articulate without sounding like a grouch. American Utopia strips away the discomfort and in the process loses something. Stop Making Sense was strange and wondrous, not in the manner of a Broadway stage production, but of a musical act pushing the limit of what rock music could be and a filmmaker doing his damndest to capture it. ![]() ![]() Maybe that film couldn’t be replicated by Byrne at this point in his life. American Utopia is the work of an artist presenting the wisdom of years, while the early Byrne was still a searcher. But that is precisely the dissonance that I experienced in watching American Utopia, especially when contrasted with the classic 1984 Talking Heads concert film directed by Jonathan Demme, Stop Making Sense. While the music is strong and the intentions noble, it’s hard for me to come away from American Utopia not feeling slightly underwhelmed, as both the political messaging and the performances fall short of the promise the collaboration of Byrne and Lee would suggest.īyrne is a consummate artist, and his songwriting is so strong that, especially when he leans on his past hits, one can’t help but find the musical element engaging I will never not love any version of “Once in a Lifetime:” its urgent exclamation of “How did I get here?” when confronting the dissonance between one’s expectations and the accumulations of life experience resonates deeply. The diverse group of musicians and the hopeful appeal of both Byrne’s banter is meant, as the title suggests, to point toward a vision of a better America. The other notable element of the production is the 11 dancers and musicians on stage with Byrne, all in identical grey suits and barefeet, playing the show live with wireless instruments. Presenting a mix of hits from his former band, solo pieces, and covers, the film is interwoven with Bryne’s asides, addressing the politically fraught state of contemporary America. Appropriately, as the title suggests, Byrne himself is the central attraction. It is a filmed version of the new stage production by the former Talking Heads lead singer. David Byrne’s American Utopia is a concert film, directed by Spike Lee, created by two artists who mean a great deal to me. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |