- Writer
- David Byrne
- Director
- Spike Lee
- Rating
- n/a
- Running Time
- 105 minutes
- Release Date
- October 17th, 2020
Overall Score
Rating Summary
This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences are striving for any sense of normalcy. Perhaps this is the reason why we are seeing less traditional releases such as the filmed performance of Hamilton on Disney+ back in July. Now thanks to Spike Lee and David Byrne, David Byrne’s American Utopia is the next filmed Broadway show performance upon us (coming soon to HBO). It should come as a surprise to no one that this concert film, based on the album and tour of the same name, was made for fans of Byrne and Talking Heads but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have something for everyone. Though the music was certainly there, the show was something much more than that.
Essentially, American Utopia was not only a celebration of the music but it is also an entertaining showcase of the sheer creativity and genius that is David Byrne. From the non-traditional staging, to the costumes, and the inventive choreography, the show was an engaging watch from beginning to end. Meanwhile, the show also saw Byrne inject some of his personality and perspective, touching plenty of current events, which at times were insightful and hilarious. Throughout the show, it is clear to see the talent and the work put in to create such a physically demanding show and the camaraderie these musicians and performers have with one another. Regardless if one is a fan of Byrne and his music or not, it should be applauded for that fact alone.
However, if there was one negative to be said about American Utopia, it would be the few instances of poor camerawork that may pull some viewers out of the experience. Despite this, it is still something that is best experienced on a big screen and with a great sound system. Either way, it will be a good time.
stills courtesy of TIFF
If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.
The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.