David Byrne is well known to everybody who was born at least half a century ago. As the frontman of Talking Heads his genius literally was the core of the band. This movie shows that his brilliance has not withered yet. American Utopia is a well chosen name for a time document that alternates fantastic music with witty comments on life in general and American life specifically. The world has changed a lot the last 50 years, but a lot of things have stayed the same and the peculiar way David Byrne is looking to the world has essentially not changed either, and that is a good thing. What is remarkable is that the vibe, the rythm, the choreography and lighting for almost every song is unique. David is always center stage, but the rest of the dancers and musicians are equally important. In one word; a musical masterpiece.

What an amazing artist! 68 and crushing it! If he's still doing this when this pandemic is over... Hello Broadwaay!!

You may recall that erstwhile Talking Heads front man David Byrne issued his well received 7th solo album called "American Utopia" in the Spring of 2018. Subsequently he went on tour in support of the album, to much acclaim, expanding the album into a career-spanning music set. The idea arose to do a limited Broadway run based on that show, and hence exactly a year ago, "David Byrne's American Utopia" opened for a 3 month run at the intimate Hudson Theater (capacity: 900) on Broadway, Now comes the film adaptation of it.

"David Byrne's American Utopia" (2020 release; 105 min.) opens with David Byrne sitting on stage by himself and a prop of a human brain in his hand. As "Here" (from the original "American Utopia" album) starts, he explains the various parts of the brain interact, and with that we are off. Soon he is joined by his band, 11 musicians and dancers in all, with 5 of them playing drums and percussions (later in the show Byrne goes at length to explain that the music we hear is live and not on play back). It's not long before we get to the Talking Heads catalog: "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)", "I Zimbra", and "Slippery People" make for a wonderful triple punch that will make you want to stand up and sing and dance along to. Dis I mention that this production oozes high energy? Byrne and the 11 others all wear the same light gray business suit, and all are barefooted (no shoes, no socks, no worries). The film is directed with panache by Spike Lee, who connects perfectly well with David Byrne's music and overall sense of the theatrical. This was obviously filmed at some point during the limited Broadway run last Fall and Winter, meaning before COVID-19 broke and when it was still possible to have a sell-out crowd in Broadway theaters. What a world of difference a year makes. (Broadway theaters are now announced as remaining dark until at least May of 2021.)

"David Byrne's American Utopia" premiered this weekend on HBO and is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. If you are in need of a "pick me upper" in these uncertain times of COVID-10 and an out of control presidential election race, or are simply a fan of David Byrne and his music, I cannot think of a better boost than to watch "David Byrne's American Utopia". Of course I'd readily suggest you check it out for yourself, and draw your own conclusion.