LFF Review: ‘American Utopia’
Spike Lee directs a filmed version of David Byrne’s Broadway musical, American Utopia. It’s a mystical musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to their global community. It’s a beautiful collaboration between David Byrne and Spike Lee, and the outcome is something purely joyful.
From the very beginning, David’s voice is striking and mesmerizing as he throws you into this call for reconnection and inclusion with the performers who can move so freely. He is trusted with the power of owning the stage like no other. He brings together songs from his entire career which go hand in hand to make something so passionate and remains infectious throughout. He leads the band effortlessly while remaining engaged with the audience. This, along with the hypnotizing choreography constructs this energy, even in the most emotional flashes.
This is made so special with Spike Lee’s vision of the performance as a film which remains so in tune with American Utopia. It is truly elevated from stage to screen, with such inventive flare in a cheerful two hour running time. His direction gives another layer to the show with such fantastic close-up and hand held shots which makes you feel like a member of the audience. These directional decisions flourish throughout, and compliments the individual performers.
Despite the cast in full grey suits, the musical elegantly portrays such bright excitement. The focus is to create this ideal world, one that audiences will be drawn into. It acts as an ode to an individual’s contribution to the collective, as you are embedded into something that perfectly balances between critique and a clear vision of a better future. It explores how music has the power to create the spaces for any kind of feeling.
There is a slight moment where the film slips in the middle, but they manage to quickly pick it up and keep the audience engaged. This is shown especially from its attention grabbing finale. Even with some slight dragged moments, the show is impossible to resist.
There is always more to a David Byrne or Talking Heads concert film than just documentation and this remains to be no exception. Even though this film was created a year ago, it feels so fitting for the ear of 2020. It touches on the importance of voting and Black Lives Matter, reminding the audience of its importance to interact with one another in the current moment. It provides us with hope, enthusiasm and art during a time where these things feel most at risk. It also makes us happy that we live in a world where David Byrne and Spike Lee exist. – Charlotte
Rating: 4.5/5
David Byrne’s American Utopia screened at the 2020 London Film Festival.