Circus Maximus

So upfront I'll say that I don't listen to the artist who stars in this movie. I don't know any songs he sings, I only saw this movie because my son wanted to go see it. Walking into the theater I had no expectations for this movie, I had no idea what is was about (and honestly, I still don't.) I did read the synopsis of the movie online right before it started and I must say that it was not accurate. I read that it was a psychedelic, visual, mind bending experience, and I must disagree. This was a bunch of poorly executed shots of different places, an odd conversation between the music artists and producer Rick Rubin with a weird and bad lip sync performance to end the hour and 15 minutes of trying to stay awake... I would pay $5k to a lawyer to get the $60 back that I paid for the 2 tickets. When you see a bad movie, it's disappointing but it is what it is- some are good and some are not but this was different- my son felt like he was tricked. He said the movie was marked to be something it wasn't, not even close. Yes, even my son (who does listen to this artist) was dumbfounded at how bad this was.. I only gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it was time I got to spend with my son. That's it. Wow, just wow this was horrible...

The title basically says it all.

I loved Utopia as an album, I thought it was great, and that the features, instrumentals and performance were amazing. And this was supposed to go like hand-in-hand with the album and explain it all.

And in a way, I guess it did, but there's not a whole lot here. It's cleanly shot, almost all of the segments have incredible quality.

Each of the segments.fit their respective tracks quite well, but underneath it all, there's not a whole lot here.

It's painfully boring, there's essentially no plot, what there is is just a couple subplots for a few minute long segments that lead to nothing. I enjoyed the album, but I can take and leave this.

"Circus Maximus" a directorial collaboration with visionaries Kahlil Joseph, Valdimar Jóhannsson, Harmony Korine, and Nicolas Winding Refn, isn't merely a movie-it's an audiovisual journey that plunges its audience into a mind-bending, psychedelic exploration of the artist's road to Utopia. This cinematic masterpiece, deeply inspired by Alejandro Jodorowsky's "The Holy Mountain" (La montaña sagrada), delves deep into the enigmatic concept of Utopia while unraveling the notion that its attainment is merely a fleeting illusion, emphasizing that the true essence lies within the journey itself. Seamlessly weaving together striking visuals, hypnotic soundscapes, and introspective storytelling, "Circus Maximus" offers an unparalleled immersive experience that transcends conventional movie genres.

The film's core message is a contemplative one: Utopia, that seemingly unattainable state of perfection and contentment, is a mirage. Travis Scott and his team employ their collective artistry to illustrate the paradox of the pursuit, inviting the audience to ponder the nature of desire and the ever-elusive search for fulfillment. Through a series of mesmerizing sequences, viewers are taken on a whirlwind voyage that mirrors Scott's own creative evolution and personal growth.

What sets "Circus Maximus" apart is its profound connection to Travis Scott's latest album, intricately exploring the symbiotic relationship between music and visual storytelling. Each track is not only heard but experienced through the lens of the film, with every lyric and melody given deeper meaning within the context of the narrative. As the movie unfolds, the audience gains fresh insights into the artist's emotional landscape, underscoring the thought and intention behind each composition.

The visuals of "Circus Maximus" are a kaleidoscope of ethereal landscapes, vivid colors, and surreal imagery. The psychedelic visuals draw viewers into a trance-like state, mirroring the trippy, otherworldly quality of Scott's music. This synergy of sight and sound acts as a catalyst for introspection, allowing the audience to delve into the underlying themes of the human condition, desire, and the pursuit of something greater.

At its core, "Circus Maximus" is a testament to Travis Scott's artistic vision and his ability to provoke thought through his craft. It transcends the realm of a traditional movie, instead becoming a multisensory experience that engages both the conscious and subconscious mind. With its rich symbolism and intricate storytelling, the film becomes a canvas for individual interpretation, encouraging viewers to find their own connection to the narrative.

In conclusion, "Circus Maximus" is a captivating odyssey that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Through its mesmerizing blend of music, imagery, and narrative, it transcends the ordinary, inviting audiences to question the nature of Utopia and the significance of the journey. Travis Scott and his co-directors' audacious exploration of the human psyche and the pursuit of an ideal resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to experience this immersive masterpiece.

20 minutes of some interesting, some annoying, and some creative visuals that aid the UTOPIA experience. The human pyramid one and the one set in an African country stood out.

Other than that, the remainder is just a boring 55 minutes of Travis performing the rest of the album live in an old arena, nothing interesting or worthwhile. What's even the point of a live performance that takes up 75% of the "film" if you're going to play the studio recordings over the whole thing.

Simply an over-bloated music video, it's a shame cause it started off really good, then they ran out of ideas. But, I understand that this supposedly should've been the first time fans are exposed to the album and its world, watching it after having the album for weeks now doesn't add much of a value to the overall experience.

Travis Scott, one of the most prominent names in the contemporary music scene, recently treated his fans to an immersive audiovisual experience titled "CIRCUS MAXIMUS." This 1-hour and 15-minute short film serves as a visual journey through his latest work, the album "UTOPIA," offering a unique blend of music videos, live performances, and thought-provoking narrative.

Strengths:

Incredible Visuals: "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" captivates from the very beginning with its stunning visual aesthetics. The art direction and design create a surreal world where futuristic elements intertwine with hints of dystopia, transporting the viewer into Travis Scott's stylized vision of utopia.

Masterful Cinematography: The cinematography is a masterpiece in itself. Scenes are skillfully framed and lit, capturing the raw energy and immersive atmosphere of the "UTOPIA" world. Each shot seems thoughtfully composed to convey specific emotions, while the color palette intensifies the sensory experience.

Hidden Meanings: Travis Scott is known for layers of symbolism in his creations. "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" is no exception, as it carries hidden meanings and metaphors, allowing for a deeper interpretation of the visual narrative. Visual elements often have a double entendre, inviting viewers to unravel the mysteries behind the images.

Travis Scott's Music: The heart of the experience undoubtedly lies in Travis Scott's music. Music video clips from the "UTOPIA" album are seamlessly integrated into the visual narrative, creating a synergistic fusion of sound and imagery. Scott's catchy beats and distinctive lyrics find new visual life, enriching the understanding of the songs.

Weaknesses:

More Show than Film: While the blend of music videos and live performances is exhilarating, "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" sometimes leans more towards an extended concert than a cohesive short film. This might leave viewers seeking a more traditional narrative somewhat disoriented.

Tied to Travis Scott: Those who aren't fans of Travis Scott or the genre might find it challenging to connect with the film. Given the central nature of Scott's music, the experience is heavily centered around his aesthetic and style, which could exclude those who aren't attuned to his work.

In summary, "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" is a hypnotic and captivating journey into Travis Scott's creative mind. With incredible visuals, lush cinematography, layers of meaning, and an immersive soundtrack, it offers an experience that delves deep into the unique vision of "UTOPIA." While it leans more towards extended concert territory, those who appreciate Travis Scott's music and aesthetics will find this short film to be a truly immersive audiovisual experience. However, it's important to note that this experience might not be as appealing to those who don't resonate with the musical style or the artist in question.