David Byrne's American Utopia

— Wow. Spike Lee’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia” is more amazing than I imagined and a testament to what can happen when two very talented and creative people collaborate. To call this a “concert film” or a “Broadway show film” just doesn’t do it justice. The songs themselves are great, but they’re woven together to form a reflective, purposeful look at connections between people, between cultures, between past and future, and from one perspective to another. The music is occasionally somber but mostly toe-tapping with a techno or what I think of as a Cuban or Brazilian flare, with complex lyrics, and staged and choreographed to perfection. It could have been overtly political, but Byrne’s careful to consider situations instead of assigning blame, so he makes a point for voting, for immigration and diversification, for the value of Black lives, and for responsible environmental stewardship. Technically, it’s interesting that the band is entirely wireless and moving, able to dance around and play without electronic tether. Emotionally, it strikes a hopeful tone. Artistically, it is a joy. [HBO Max streaming.]

---

[2020. 105 min. Written by David Byrne. Directed by Spike Lee. Starring David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo Di Dalva, Daniel Freedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Keiper, Tendayi Kuumba, Karl Mansfield, Mauro Refosco, Stephanie San Juan, Angie Swan, and Bobby Wooten, III.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/david-byrnes-american-utopia-2020