The film "American Utopia" will be released nationwide from May 7th at TOHO Cinemas Chanter Cine Quinto and other theaters.
The idea for this film was based on the album "American Utopia," released by David Byrne in 2018.
After a world tour in support of the album, a reimagined Broadway show opened in the fall of 2019, garnering rave reviews for its innovative content. Envisioning the possibility of adapting the book for the big screen, David Byrne approached Spike Lee, who would later co-direct the film, and the film adaptation began.
Byrne's previous live performance film was the masterpiece Stop Making Sense (1984, directed by Jonathan Demme) made during his time with Talking Heads, but this time, through the happy collaboration between Byrne and Spike Lee, a new style of live performance film has been created that is neither a documentary nor a chronicle.
At the beginning, David Byrne appears with a plastic brain and begins to talk about the evolution of the brain. "The connections between neurons in the human brain weaken as we grow." Byrne begins to talk about these shocking research results.
Through this show, he questions various contemporary issues: the importance of communication, the significance of elections, racial issues... He tells a story that will shake the consciousness of modern people living in turbulent times.
For this performance, Byrne consciously chose an empty space, without microphones, drum kits, or wires, and moved freely across the stage with 11 musicians and dancers, all barefoot and clad in matching gray suits. The innovative choreography, which incorporates elements of pantomime and dance performance, was created by Annie B. Parson, who has worked with Byrne on previous productions. Alex Timbers, who has also worked with Byrne, served as production consultant.
The 11 members who took to the stage were of various nationalities, and at the climax they passionately sang "Hell You Talmbout," a protest song calling for Black Lives Matter. A total of 21 songs were performed, including five from the album "American Utopia" and nine classics from his Talking Heads days. Veteran Byrne powerfully sang and danced throughout the ecstatic 107 minutes.
In advance of the film's release, the trailer has been released. Check it out first.
The music used in the film is also a must-listen. The album of songs from the film is available on Spotify.
The idea for this film was based on the album "American Utopia," released by David Byrne in 2018.
After a world tour in support of the album, a reimagined Broadway show opened in the fall of 2019, garnering rave reviews for its innovative content. Envisioning the possibility of adapting the book for the big screen, David Byrne approached Spike Lee, who would later co-direct the film, and the film adaptation began.
Byrne's previous live performance film was the masterpiece Stop Making Sense (1984, directed by Jonathan Demme) made during his time with Talking Heads, but this time, through the happy collaboration between Byrne and Spike Lee, a new style of live performance film has been created that is neither a documentary nor a chronicle.
At the beginning, David Byrne appears with a plastic brain and begins to talk about the evolution of the brain. "The connections between neurons in the human brain weaken as we grow." Byrne begins to talk about these shocking research results.
Through this show, he questions various contemporary issues: the importance of communication, the significance of elections, racial issues... He tells a story that will shake the consciousness of modern people living in turbulent times.
For this performance, Byrne consciously chose an empty space, without microphones, drum kits, or wires, and moved freely across the stage with 11 musicians and dancers, all barefoot and clad in matching gray suits. The innovative choreography, which incorporates elements of pantomime and dance performance, was created by Annie B. Parson, who has worked with Byrne on previous productions. Alex Timbers, who has also worked with Byrne, served as production consultant.
The 11 members who took to the stage were of various nationalities, and at the climax they passionately sang "Hell You Talmbout," a protest song calling for Black Lives Matter. A total of 21 songs were performed, including five from the album "American Utopia" and nine classics from his Talking Heads days. Veteran Byrne powerfully sang and danced throughout the ecstatic 107 minutes.
In advance of the film's release, the trailer has been released. Check it out first.
"American Utopia" Soundtrack
The music used in the film is also a must-listen. The album of songs from the film is available on Spotify.
[Movie Information]
"American Utopia"
Opens nationwide from May 7th at TOHO Cinemas Chanter, Shibuya Cine Quinto, and other theaters.
Director: Spike Lee
Producers: David Byrne, Spike Lee
Starring: Musicians: David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo di Dalva, Daniel Friedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Kapor, Tendai Kumba, Ka David Byrne's Samerican Utopia (2020)
"American Utopia"
Opens nationwide from May 7th at TOHO Cinemas Chanter, Shibuya Cine Quinto, and other theaters.
Director: Spike Lee
Producers: David Byrne, Spike Lee
Starring: Musicians: David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo di Dalva, Daniel Friedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Kapor, Tendai Kumba, Ka David Byrne's Samerican Utopia (2020)
