TIFF 2020 film review: 'American Utopia'
The theatrical concert film 'American Utopia' (screening at the 45th Toronto International Film Festival and airing on HBO starting Oct. 17) marries David Byrne's music with subversive performance art as it envisions a hopeful tomorrow.
In short: Filmmaker Spike Lee directs this live recording of the 2019 Broadway performance by David Byrne, based on the album of the same name.
Recorded live performances have always been an odd subcategory of film. While no at-home viewing ever retains the dynamic energy of the in-person experience, most of those other films don't have Spike Lee in the director's seat. This presentation has a vibrant presence that makes the audience at home feel like they're part of the audience in the auditorium - yet also captures the production's more ambitious scale, while offering an intimate perspective inaccessible to any viewer in the builder.
What elevates 'Utopia' above the typical concert film is its confident sociopolitical voice and themes. Bryne doesn't just perform his songs on stage - with its stark, industrial stage and barefoot, suit-clad ensemble band, the show shares a lot of creative DNA with avant-garde performance art. This interpretative layer adds thematic dimension to Bryne and Lee's film, making every shot and number substantial in surprising ways. The production speaks with an urgency to vote, with reverence for immigrants and with a call to action to end police brutality. Bryne's show is unapologetic and firm in its themes, but never lets cynicism take grip. This is a glass-half full aspirational view of America. 'Utopia' is imbued with optimism and hope, even as it calls out areas where society can and must improve.
The production wears its heart on its sleeve, a joyful and thoughtful experience with more than its share of moments that send chills down the spine. But like every album, the film ebbs and flows depending on the individual songs - but even the specific songs that don't exactly click are propped up by some compelling choreography, so there's never truly a boring moment. Some segments are stronger than others, leaving 'Utopia' feeling a little uneven - but the overall experience is net positive and engaging.
Final verdict: This bold audiovisual experience is unlike any other concert film - while tonally consistent, the songs and messages are a scattershot of progressive sentiments.
Score: 3.5/5
'American Utopia' screens during TIFF 2020 and airs on HBO on Oct. 17. This film is not yet rated and has a running time of 105 minutes.
(Image courtesy of TIFF.)
