David Byrne’s American Utopia

Name: David Byrne’s American Utopia
Genre: Music, Musical, Documentary
Released: October 17, 2020
Duration: 105 min
Rating: 93
Cast: David Byrne

2020

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 28 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 31 Ratings

See All

7.4

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.4	Your Score
7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 31 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote

Now Playing: American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote

Movie Details & Credits

Home Box Office (HBO) | Release Date (Streaming): October 17, 2020 | Not Rated

Starring: David Byrne

Summary: David Byrne’s American Utopia brings the critically acclaimed Broadway show to HBO in a one-of-a-kind film directed by 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 dreamworldDavid Byrne’s American Utopia brings the critically acclaimed Broadway show to HBO in a one-of-a-kind film directed by 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.… Expand

Director: Spike Lee

Genre(s): Music, Musical, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 105 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Jordan Hoffman

Sep 17, 2020

American Utopia is an outstanding collaboration between two essential artists; I can’t believe there’s anyone alive who won’t be moved by this document. Byrne’s career is a testament to never resting on one’s laurels, to always searching for creative expansion—but more than anything, American Utopia proves how electrifying he still is as a performer. Same as it ever was. Read full review

100

Glenn Whipp

Oct 16, 2020

American Utopia arrives 36 years after Jonathan Demme’s “Stop Making Sense,” which documented three shows the Talking Heads played at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in 1983 and just might be the greatest concert movie ever made. Until, that is, American Utopia. Rank them 1A and 1B. Read full review

100

Empire Beth Webb

Dec 17, 2020

Bolstered by Lee’s trenchant, intimate direction, Byrne reframes a peerless setlist of songs as a testament to hope and humanity that implores himself and his audience to keep going. A much-needed source of comfort and joy. Read full review

Joe Lipsett

Sep 11, 2020

It is as much a celebration of song and contemporary dance as it is a call to action about the need to embrace our humanity and connect with others. Quite simply: it’s a joy. Read full review

Josh Larsen

Oct 13, 2020

This is a work that thrums equally with Dada despair and do-the-right-thing agitprop, while somehow still managing to culminate in liberating exuberance. If American Utopia paints a doomsday scenario of the state of the union, it also offers joyous hope for a national rebirth. Read full review

Steve Pond

Sep 10, 2020

Like all of Byrne’s work, it is sly performance art masquerading as rock ‘n’ roll, or maybe it’s sly rock ‘n’ roll masquerading as performance art; definitions are elusive but the impact is both cerebral and visceral, just the way Byrne likes it. Read full review

The Film Stage Nick Newman

Sep 16, 2020

Great concert films impose a directorial presence onto player and stage alike, but Lee and team seem more content to record. Read full review

SEE ALL 28 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

henryzandt

Nov 1, 2020

This is a successful registration of a stage show by David Byrne, but it is not a documentary, because the makers do not add a lot to that theatre performance. But the stage show itself is great (and beautiful to watch).

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 1 REVIEWS