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David Byrne's American Utopia

Original title: American Utopia
  • 2020
  • TV-14
  • 1h 45m
IMDb RATING
8.2/10
5.6K
YOUR RATING
David Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
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.
Play trailer0:46
5 Videos
15 Photos
DocumentaryMusicMusical

Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.

  • Director
    • Spike Lee
  • Writer
    • David Byrne
  • Stars
    • David Byrne
    • Jacqueline Acevedo
    • Gustavo Di Dalva
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.2/10
    5.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Spike Lee
    • Writer
      • David Byrne
    • Stars
      • David Byrne
      • Jacqueline Acevedo
      • Gustavo Di Dalva
    • 57User reviews
    • 77Critic reviews
    • 93Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 2 Primetime Emmys
      • 4 wins & 18 nominations total

    Videos5

    Official Teaser
    Trailer 0:46
    Official Teaser
    American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote
    Clip 0:42
    American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote
    American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote
    Clip 0:42
    American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote
    American Utopia: Creating American Utopia (Featurette)
    Featurette 4:39
    American Utopia: Creating American Utopia (Featurette)
    American Utopia: The Evolution Of American Utopia (Behind The Scenes)
    Featurette 4:05
    American Utopia: The Evolution Of American Utopia (Behind The Scenes)
    American Utopia: New York City In The 1980'S (Behind The Scenes)
    Featurette 3:20
    American Utopia: New York City In The 1980'S (Behind The Scenes)

    Photos14

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    + 9
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    Top cast13

    Edit
    David Byrne
    David Byrne
    • Self
    Jacqueline Acevedo
    • Self - Percussion
    Gustavo Di Dalva
    • Self - Percussion
    Daniel Freedman
    • Self - Percussion
    Chris Giarmo
    • Self - Vocals…
    Tim Keiper
    • Self - Percussion
    Tendayi Kuumba
    • Self - Vocals…
    Karl Mansfield
    • Self - Keyboard & Band Leader
    Mauro Refosco
    • Self - Percussion & Drum Section Leader
    Stephane San Juan
    • Self - Percussion
    • (as Stéphane San Juan)
    Angie Swan
    • Self - Guitar
    Bobby Wooten III
    • Self - Bass
    Joseph Fusco
    Joseph Fusco
    • Theater Usher
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Spike Lee
    • Writer
      • David Byrne
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews57

    8.25.6K
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    Featured reviews

    9SnobReviews

    A stunning musical film.

    Mesmerizing, sensational and life-affirming; "American Utopia" brings the Broadway musical home and explodes off the TV.

    In this concert film, director Spike Lee documents David Byrne, the former Talking Heads frontman's 2019 Broadway show.

    David Bryne has always been some kind of weird guy, but he's also always been so cool. It really shows in "American Utopia" the cool guy Byrne is. The band is incredible, the set list is divine and the stage set-up is simple yet intricate. Spike Lee brings his flair and some cool camera set-ups all over the stage, to really make you feel like you're in that theatre. A fun but also a powerful concert that will you have you standing in your living room and stomping your feet. I absolutely loved this film.

    Follow @snobmedia for all reviews!
    8cliftonofun

    Something old and something new

    Earlier this year I revisited Stop Making Sense, the classic rock concert doc from the Talking Heads and Jonathan Demme. In many ways, David Byrne makes more sense in Broadway theatre than in a rock venue. The visual elements, dramatic flare, and eccentricities all feel totally at home here. Regardless of venue (or even director), the vision of American Utopia is absolutely unparalleled. Byrne transforms familiar songs and elements into something entirely new, and Spike Lee captures the energy of the room so well that you feel like you are there. You are left with more than a concert or musical...it is something old and new all at once.
    8aspicco

    Wonderful Reinvention

    I liked this a lot more than I expected. Stellar performances from all, very enjoyable and David Byrne comes across very genuine... altho' I think it should have been called David Byrne Sings The Hits of Talking Heads
    9mojo-98073

    An Artsy Musical Show Not to be Missed

    Never saw a bad David Byrne show. An enjoyable romp in today's culture. A tender and soft musical journey from a voice which has barely aged since 1976. You'll find yourself bobbing your head at times to the rhythmic melodies. A true artist.
    10rachbruno

    Just....wow

    This blew me away. I'm a huge fan of Byrne and he's only gotten better with age. This was so incredible, it was inspiring, moving, inclusive, and hopeful. The music, the instruments, the musicians, the dancing...all of it was just so unbelievably great. Can't say enough good things about this.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      If you look carefully, you will notice small spheres on the shoulders of all of the suits. These are tiny BlackTrax infrared transmitters which enable the lights to automatically track performers as they move around the stage. When they leave the stage to march through the theatre, you will notice some of these trackers glowing slightly.
    • Quotes

      David Byrne: [addressing the audience] My name is David Byrne.

      [the audience responds with thunderous applause and cheers]

      David Byrne: Thank you. I can't take any credit for that. I had no choice in the matter.

    • Crazy credits
      The end credits are shown on half the screen, while on the other half the band is seen cycling through New York. The music played is 'Everybody's Coming To My House' in the version by Vocal Jazz Ensemble of the Detroit School of Arts.
    • Connections
      Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Stacey Abrams/David Byrne/Sonny Emory (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      Here
      Written by David Byrne and Daniel Lopatin

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    FAQ

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 17, 2020 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • American Utopia
    • Filming locations
      • Hudson Theatre - 141 W. 44th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA(theater)
    • Production companies
      • 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
      • HBO Documentary Films
      • Participant
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $248,614
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 45 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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