The world needs something to lift its spirits. 2020 has been rough, to say the least, with a global pandemic leaving so many people tragically dead, political turmoil in governments around the world, and civil unrest as systemic racism becomes headline news. Maybe “David Byrne’s American Utopia” is being released at the perfect time.
As seen in the new trailer for “David Byrne’s American Utopia,” the concert film is directed by Spike Lee and gives viewers a peek into a performance of the acclaimed Broadway show by musician David Byrne. The songwriter is the former frontman of The Talking Heads and is one of the most influential musicians over the past several decades. And in ‘American Utopia,’ he performs a mixture of classic songs and new, all with the goal of delivering hope in a time when people might need it most.
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We saw the film as part of this year’s TIFF, and in our review, we said, “‘American Utopia’ is the rare concert film whose importance extends beyond the songs. Because Lee hasn’t just captured a few performances and stitched them together. By never shying away from the frank discussions the music engenders, he’s given us a little borough of hope amidst our ongoing struggles.”
“David Byrne’s American Utopia” will premiere on HBO and HBO Max on October 17. You can watch the new trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
David Byrne’s American Utopia brings the critically acclaimed Broadway show to HBO in a one-of-a-kind film directed by Oscar and Emmy-winner Spike Lee. Recorded during its run at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre in New York City, David Byrne is joined by an ensemble of 11 musicians, singers, and dancers from around the globe, inviting audiences into a joyous dreamworld where human connection, self-evolution, and social justice are paramount.