Though it features material from the past 40+ years, American Utopia addresses the present moment in the country's history by talking about immigration, voter turnout, and victims of police violence.
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The movie is directed by Spike Lee, who mixes theatrical elements from the performance - like the live audience, headset microphones, and set changes - with more traditional film elements like close-ups and a wandering camera. Byrne is accompanied by an international 10-person band who perform live music and choreography with him on stage. The music is new wave pop with elements of South American and African music woven in. American Utopia is not a traditional musical, because it has no plot, but a theatrical concert featuring songs from throughout Byrne's career as a solo artist and with his former band, Talking Heads.
At 68, the enthusiasm and artistry he exhibits on stage is hard to rival, along with the contagious energy he shares with his phenomenally talented band.Parents need to know that David Byrne's American Utopia is a concert film of the Broadway show of the same name.
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Uplifting, immersive and full of joy, David Byrne’s American Utopia is a real antidote for the post-lockdown soul, celebrating creativity, community and collaboration. Byrne’s social commentary is well woven throughout the show, never feeling preachy or insincere, along with his vision for a connected sense of community. It’s a passionate and emotional call to end the brutality, a strong notion which brought Byrne and Lee together. This final track is admirably brought to life with a signature Lee flourish after chanting the names of the minority victims killed by police violence, he cuts to shots of family members holding their photographs front and centre. Personal highlights include “Burning Down the House”, “Road to Nowhere” and the triumphantly powerful cover of Janelle Monáe’s protest song “Hell You Talmbout”. They really do come together as one, personifying the unity Byrne so often calls for in his music.įeaturing a number of infectious Talking Heads hits, alongside Byrne’s solo and collaborative material – there’ll definitely be something for everyone in the film. The sheer energy and stamina on display is also hugely impressive. Each of the hugely talented musicians brings their own unique layer and stamp to the tracks, which are wonderfully brought to life through a number of tightly choreographed dances and performances. Between songs he often affectionately speaks to the audience whether that’s to introduce the members of the band or passionately talk about the importance of voting – adding to the sincerity of the show. Prepare to be sucked into the whole quirky-ness of the stage show too there’s something so unique and welcomingly warm to it, particularly with Byrne’s Mr Rogers-esque persona. It genuinally feels like having a concert in your own home, complete with the toe tapping and dancing!
As someone who loves experiencing live music and performances, this felt like such a welcome return to that environment. Overhead camerawork is also a real treat affording us a unique perspective of the show that’s never been seen before. The close framing of the musicians immersively draws you in, subsequently transporting you directly into the packed theatre, with cleverly interspersed shots featuring a dancing audience reinforcing this notion. Thanks to Spike Lee’s dynamic direction and clever positioning of the various cameras, there’s a real intimacy to Bryne and the band’s performance.
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