Earlier this week it was announced that Terry Gilliam, director of films such as Brazil and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, will helm the live stream of Arcade Fire’s August 5 show at Madison Square Garden as part of American Express’s Unstaged series. Luckily for us impatient types, Gilliam is not the first major filmmaker to use his cinematic eye to commit live rock ‘n’ roll performances to film. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite concert films by well-known directors after the jump. Check out our picks, and leave a comment with any that we missed.
One year after the unprecedented success of global music project Playing for Change: Songs Around the World, the ensuing phenomenon is captured in a live concert film and behind-the-scenes tour documentary.
Playing for Change Live features performances from around the world, starring the disparate musical artists who were initially brought together by PFC founder Mark Johnson in his quest to unite local and street musicians from far-ranging cultures. Including guest appearances from Ziggy Marley, Toots Hibbert, and Keb’ Mo’, the DVD is supplemented by a 10-track live CD, as well the additional 90-minute feature “On the Road with the PFC Band.”
According to the LA Times, Michael Jackson’s This Is It isn’t performing like a concert film. In the six days it has been in theaters, the doc has already grossed over $100 million worldwide, with its biggest numbers happening overseas. While concert movies’ ticket sales usually drop off after fans hit up the opening night, This Is It grossed more on Sunday than it did on any day since it debuted.
Perhaps this will lead more acts — other than Miley Cyrus and the JoBros — to reinvigorate the genre with theatrical releases. Animal Collective? The Dirty Projectors? Imagine if the Flaming Lips UFOs At The Zoo had gotten a run at the local cineplex. After the jump, five classics we think all concert films should take their cues from.
