I've always liked the Talking Heads, so it might be natural for me to enjoy the music of that group while watching an extremely stimulating visual performances of 11 other performers on a stage which uses no props, except for the lighting and the chain curtains which surround the three sides. It's brilliant. Genius work from a genius mind of David Byrne. The supporting cast, is amazing, with their various instruments and the interpretive dancers, all dressed up in the same outfits, except David's suit seems a slightly different shade of gray. The use of the cameras also plays a part for you to see the various formations, from above. One of my favorite moments is when they have squares of light that the performers standing in, alternating, but then when the lights go off and back on, they are standing in the new square of light. Another, is at the end, when David leads the troupe out in to the crowd and walks around the theatre. I was shocked to see David touch hands with one of the audience. I thought he had a phobia of germs. Even the ending with the credits are worth watching.
David Byrne's American Utopia
2020
Action / Documentary / Music / Musical
David Byrne's American Utopia
2020
Action / Documentary / Music / Musical
Plot summary
This movie is an intimately shot and thus presented live performance of David Byrne's Broadway show American Utopia which emerged from his album of the same name, the album from which most of the songs performed are taken. The show itself is part concert, part musical theater, part performance art, but always Byrne's commentary on the human condition, largely of humankind trying to find its place in a world that often does not make sense. That place includes finding those much needed connections to each other in his wish, as a naturalized U.S. citizen, for society to move closer to his vision of an American utopia.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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A rarity. Genius performance. Magical.
"Unfortunately, I am what I am."
This thing is nearly impossible to categorize. Concert + Broadway production + "one"-man show + avant-garde performance art + Ted Talk + stand-up comedy + VH1 Storytellers. It's unique and weird, yet utterly unpretentious, a joint celebration and critique of human nonsense. The songs rule, the band rules, the choreography rules, Spike Lee rules, David Byrne rules. I couldn't wait to watch it again, even while I was still watching it.
Wonderfully entertaining
Director Spike Lee captures David Byrne's Broadway show American Utopia on film. The show features many of Byrne's Talking Heads tracks plus solo stuff of his and versions of other people's work. Byrne links all the songs together with narration, especially on social issues.
Brilliant. I didn't know what to expect from this as I didn't have a good idea what American Utopia is. My initial thought was that it was a musical play produced by David Byrne, complete with sets and original songs, a Hamilton-style production.
Turns out it's much simpler than that, and better. Essentially a live performance of a mix of Byrne's musical catalogue, leaning on Talking Heads stuff but with quite a lot of other things thrown in. There's a social narrative running through the production and Byrne contributes some interesting, often profound, commentary between songs.
The music makes the show though. Even though most of the songs are ones you've heard before, especially if, like me, you're a Talking Heads fan, the renditions of them are superb.
The band is excellent - every member is sublimely talented - and everything is perfectly choreographed. This is not simply a live concert where the musicians play their instruments and that's it. No, there's a huge degree of theatre to it all and it takes the performance to another level.
Yet, despite this perfect set-piece display it's clear that this is a whole lot of fun. Amazing talent, creativity and professionalism on display.
A must-watch for all lovers of the performing arts and good music, especially Talking Heads fans.