David Byrne's American Utopia (2020)

October 18, 2020 11:16 AM

Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name. Old songs, new songs, beautiful movement, suits, and bare feet. Even a cover of Janelle Monáe's “Hell You Talmbout.” Probably the panacea you need right now. Currently found on HBOMax. Preview.

NYT: ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Review: Opening a Wide, Wonderful World

NPR: David Byrne And Spike Lee Conjure Up A Joyous Vision Of 'American Utopia'

WaPo: ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ is a raucous, rousing paean to cultural pluralism

posted by Stanczyk (4 comments total)

I just saw this last night and loved it. It wasn't quite as magnetic to me as Stop Making Sense, mainly because of the speeches, but they really deepened the meaning of what I was seeing and made it more important. What a wonderful piece of art, it was well done and Byrne still really has a great voice.
posted by Carillon at 5:02 PM on October 22, 2020

I loved this so much. His band seemed to be having such a great time and Spike Lee's camera work and editing added so much without being intrusive. I've been on a little high ever since I've watched it last night.
posted by octothorpe at 12:04 PM on October 24, 2020

I was lucky enough to see the show at the Hudson Theater before it closed. It made my heart swell in a way that no other piece of art has done before. The show was beautiful and timely and I'm fairly convinced that the energy I took in that night has helped sustain me through these last few months of darkness. I am reluctant to watch the video version because I don't want to taint my memories, but I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who needs a shot of joy and goodness in their day.
posted by amelliferae at 5:51 PM on October 24, 2020

Just saw this live and enjoyed the hell out of it. Presumably in the privacy of your own home you can dance more easily than at a Broadway show with elderly attendees.
posted by praemunire at 9:13 PM on November 23, 2021