LFF 2020: David Byrne’s American Utopia
LFFDavid Byrne’s American Utopia is a seismic blast from visionary director, Spike Lee. The director, who continues his off-season approach of theatre production in the likes of Rodney King, Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth and John Leguizamo: Freak, continues to impress with an artistic and impassioned partnership with Talking Heads frontman, David Byrne.
It is hard to categorise what American Utopia truly is. It’s not quite an outlandish concert or an immersive theatre production experience, but it is both cinematic and empowering nonetheless. It would only be adequate to state that this latest Spike Lee joint is nothing short of an experience – a magnificent one at that.
First and foremost, the production design and composition throughout is stunning. It is intimate enough to feel immersed in the production of choreography but it still remains restrained enough to have the mirror of cinematic intent to encapsulate mood, thought and emotional flow. There is no doubt that this is an utterly transfixing piece of material brought to life by the talents of cinematographer, Ellen Kuras, editor, Adam Gough and the mind of the titular character himself.
This ménage-de-trois filmmaking prowess provides a fantastic array of style and conviction which mediates both a tranquil and visionary piece. It is made all the more compelling by considering the logistical and literal nightmare of crafting the cinematic experience into something that wants to kick and fight its way out of a defined box. Wrestling with genre and output is American Utopia's greatest strength and is balanced to an utter exemplar degree.
But what about the experience itself? Well, it is quite magical. Byrne and co craft a rousing and packed experience that touches on a vast, albeit significant, amount of material. Notable topics of capitalism, death, race and the future are brought forward in majestic and compelling manners through song, dance and monologue. Again, it is this cohesive balance that once more solidifies an extraordinary experience from something so plain-sailing, ordinary and generic when compared to its contemporaries.
David Byrne’s American Utopia is not a defining entry into the filmography of Spike Lee nor the cinematic zeitgeist. However, Lee's film is a warming and exhilarating experience that crafts an engaging and profound palette for fans of David Byrne, The Talking Head's and film fans alike.
