![]() ![]() 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. ![]()
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