American Utopia

2020
12
1h 45m

IMDb RATING

8.2/10

5.5K

YOUR RATING

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

Documentary Music Musical

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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.2/10

5.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 2 Primetime Emmys
- 4 wins & 19 nominations total

Videos5

Trailer 0:46

Official Teaser

Clip 0:42

American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote

Clip 0:42

American Utopia: Exercise Your Right To Vote

Featurette 4:39

American Utopia: Creating American Utopia (Featurette)

Featurette 4:05

American Utopia: The Evolution Of American Utopia (Behind The Scenes)

Featurette 3:20

American Utopia: New York City In The 1980'S (Behind The Scenes)

Photos14

+ 9

‘Snow White’ Stars Test Their Wits

Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and director Marc Webb take our Ultimate Disney Quiz.

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9:57

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Storyline

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Did you know

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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

User reviews56

Featured review

9/10

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.

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