Laurie Anderson's self directed film of her 'Home of the Brave concert is only fair on a film- making level. Given the visual sophistication of her stage work, the film itself is shot in a pretty pedestrian manner, and the attempt to re-create a concert atmosphere feels 'staged', with audience responses rather awkwardly handled, and feeling a bit forced (and it didn't seem to be a sly Anderson statement on concert films).
Also, for me, this was one of the less interesting periods of her music and stage work, missing the amazing scope of pieces like 'United States Part 1-4'.
None-the-less, it's great to have some filmed record of Anderson on stage. She is arguably among the most influential performers of the last 30 years, despite not being a household name. And despite it's flaws, this still captures some of what makes Anderson's combination of music, comedy, social commentary, irony, visual arts, and real emotion so unique. And that makes it worth seeing, whatever it's flaws.
Also, for me, this was one of the less interesting periods of her music and stage work, missing the amazing scope of pieces like 'United States Part 1-4'.
None-the-less, it's great to have some filmed record of Anderson on stage. She is arguably among the most influential performers of the last 30 years, despite not being a household name. And despite it's flaws, this still captures some of what makes Anderson's combination of music, comedy, social commentary, irony, visual arts, and real emotion so unique. And that makes it worth seeing, whatever it's flaws.