Rating: Summary: Radiohead seen exactly at their apex Review: In the mid 1990s, rock music was desperately in need of a post-grunge banner carrier, and English bands such as Oasis and Radiohead seemed to be the benefactors of that anticipation. And so it happened, in 1997, that Radiohead recorded arguably the most important album of the decade. "OK Computer" was a stunning soundscape that resonated throughout the world of rock music. Here was an inspired and talented band stepping into the unknown, remaking itself and sounding completely fresh, adventurous, and dense with layers and dynamics. It was almost unanimously lauded and even revered as perhaps one of the great rock albums of all time.This documentary is heavy with that context. Radiohead's success in 1997 came so abruptly and unexpectedly that this provides a time capsule look at the band's ascension. We're seeing the band dealing with its growing popularity, the ever-increasing attention from the media, photo shoots, and the grind of touring. We are witness to Radiohead thrust into the role of an "important" band, with all the responsibilities that role expects; and understandably, they're fairly uncomfortable with the mantle. It's easy to feel sympathy for Radiohead as the documentary unfolds, because we're seeing the band's privacy slipping away from them, little by little. There's always the next show, the next interview, the next video, the next meeting, the next commitment. At times it feels a bit manic and more than a little claustrophobic, so it's possible to say the film is true to the band's experience during that chaotic year. This isn't a perfect film by any means, and is probably best left to Radiohead completists. I would definitely not recommend it as a way to introduce Radiohead to a curious friend. Although the film properly captures an overall feeling of disorientation, it often seems to meander without much direction. It's surprising that more attention wasn't given to the band's live performances, not merely for entertainment value, but because each concert environment adds drama to the theme. Nevertheless, it's a very interesting documentary because it reveals Radiohead *exactly* at their apex, and it's a rare opportunity to share in their experience. Three and a half stars.
Rating: Summary: Creative, beautifully mastered, insightful, worth every cent Review: I really enjoyed this DVD. I think that any Radiohead fan would appreciate the behind-scenes snippets throughout the documentary. Being more of a Jonny Greenwood fan myself, it's most pleasing to see that a scene of Jonny talking on the phone to a reporter has been included. Jonny's low profile has formed a cloud of mystery around this gentle, creative being, it is quite a treat for any fan to see Jonny in preparation before a concert. There are numerous interviews throughout the documentary. 'Meeting People is Easy' seems to focus on the supposed key theme behind 'OK Computer', that is the chaotic everyday world of commercialism (To sum it up). One let down was the constant arbitrary flashes of non-radiohead content. Buildings and people walking in cities, whilst in the background interviews with the Radiohead members could be heard. Although this does support the so-called effect that the documentary is trying to embrace, it does become rather monotonous. I would rather see the Radiohead members themselves than just hear them. This is quite minor though, there is plenty of actual footage of interviews and live shows. Even a few heated arguements amongst the band members. I would recommend 'Meeting People is Easy' as a MUST for any true Radiohead fan. If your appreciation for the band is that of mediocre proportions, then you might just find this DVD a bit pointless. Whilst accomodating for ones listening needs, it does tend to focus more on the hurried lives of the Radiohead members during their 'OK COMPUTER' tour than the music itself. Go get it now!
Rating: Summary: Not what I hoped for Review: My hopes for when I got this DVD were to get lots of live concert footage of Radiohead playing music or maybe some music videos. Maybe I didn't read the packaging because that isn't what this DVD is. Meeting People is Easy is a documentary film that follows Radiohead around post release of OK Computer and shows them in there day to day life touring and working on music and on occasion might show a small clip from a concert. The film is good on this documentary stand point but if like me you want to see Radiohead live footage or music videos this DVD is not for you.
Rating: Summary: Film gives stunning visual commentary on Radiohead Tour Review: Meeting People Is Easy is a fly on the wall view of Radiohead's OK Computer and focuses as much on the tour environment as the band itself. The most inane and redundant questions from the press are here recorded for posterity. This is not a concert film, although there are many concert clips, nor does it serve up Radiohead in easy to digest sound bites, rather the viewer gets immersed in the stylized vision of the fast-paced, mind-numbingly repetitious world tour. The film puts you in the position of an almost objective observer, and lets you draw your own conclusions. The soundtrack, drawn from concert numbers, b-sides, and ambient bits, moves you from scene to scene and completes the dream-like atmosphere. This the best documentary about the music industry that I have ever seen.
Rating: Summary: worst music documentary ever created? yes! Review: despite negative reviews, i had good hopes for this movie as, after all, it is radiohead.. i like radiohead. i like all the albums. but this "movie" is just awful. it has nothing to do with radiohead's music, the shots and effects are cheesy.. it gives very little insight into radiohead's lives and creative process. i don't mind the lack of music in the movie (that's what albums are for) but i would have much preferred interviews with the band, so i could learn something new about them. instead i get "edgy" (hahahahahah!!!!) cut-away scenes that try to give off a "this effect is cool and edgy like radiohead!" aura. give me a break.
Rating: Summary: OK <DVD Review: I bought this DVD expecting to see some OK footage of Radiohead, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a documentary that had alot to offer. The live performances, interviews, and critics give you a back door pass to what goes on in the band members lives. When one starts to become weary of watching the movie, one can also see the band becoming weary. Like when Thom is drunk of his but and starts contemplating why they are even on tour. If a Radiohead fan is so inclined to buy this, they will have a substantial treat to enjoy for some time.
Rating: Summary: a pig in a cage on antibiotics Review: this is probably the greatest documentary i've ever seen. i say this not only because of the obvious revelations (or perhaps lack thereof) of radiohead as a whole, but the art in the video is absolutely astounding. the opening scene of "fitter happier" playing in an empty subway station places the mood into the coldness and apathy that inhabits ok computer's vague cynical soundscape. the film itself is tinted with a powder-cold blue, making everything have a slightly surreal feel to it. the greatest joy is watching the filmmakers intermingle footage of the band with artistic societal images; common everyday occurances sped up or slowed down, tweaked and manipulated in some way, making you look at normal things differently. there are many particular scenes in this movie that you have to watch twice in order to drain every last potent drop out of them. one of which is the various photo sessions that the band poses for. as photographers keep snapping pictures of thom, the snaps of the lenses gets faster and faster, and you can see him kind of huddle into himself, and it gives a vague impression of timidness and submission. there are too many awe-inspiring moments in this film to name. in all honesty, if you are a radiohead fan, you MUST own this documentary.
Rating: Summary: some pros, some cons... Review: PROS: Some of the footage of public transportation is really interesting. The live performances are stunning as usual, plus you get to hear them play some rare songs like "Big Ideas," "Follow Me Around," "Pearly," and this funky version of "Life in a Glasshouse" that has different lyrics, is guitar-based, and is (obviously) without a horn section. I also like the segment documenting the shooting of the "No Surprises" video. CONS: There are only 2 chapters in the whole DVD, which can get really irritating if you just want to see one song, like "Follow Me Around." Also, the director has the notorious habit of showing the band playing an incredible, rare song live and then cutting to some stupid interview in the middle of the song. OVERALL: Worth your money. Not the best DVD possible, but the pros generally outweigh the cons.
Rating: Summary: a DVD as artful as Radiohead's music Review: It took several viewings of this DVD for me to truly appreciate its brilliance. At first I was annoyed that entire songs and interviews weren't included, but soon I realized the reason for this. The video attempts to document what it's like to be in a band like radiohead. It gives the viewer a real insiders view, where there are more important things to be documented than just the music. Because if you just want the music, then listen to the CD's. There is so much detail in this DVD that everytime I watch it I find new things I'd never noticed before - just like the band's music. This video is truly the visual equivalent of their music: very artful and at times ambiguous and contradictory. A warning though, this DVD is very intense and if you're looking for a glossy vid of concert footage, this is not for you. This DVD is for the true Radiohead fan that wants more than just the music.
Rating: Summary: Great Item for Radiohead fans. Review: This is a film that documents radiohead shortly after the release of OK Computer. It shows how the guys handled being in the spotlight with the sudden popularity of the 3rd album which wound up getting Album of the Year. It has some unreleased songs played live, its well worth it.
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