The Band (1978)

The Band: Directed by Martin Scorsese. With The Band, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson. A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.

“Martin Scorseseu0026#39;s documentary has been labelled a time capsule of an era, and whilst this type of reference usually sounds overstated, there is no doubting the accomplishment of this film as an event. Many use the documentary u0026#39;Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Musicu0026#39; as the ultimate example of a music-doco, but whilst the music in The Last Waltz is actually on par with the great performances of Woodstock (bar Jimi Hendrix[thereu0026#39;s no substitute]), the thing which elevates The Last Waltz is the photography.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enThis was the first music doco to be shot on 35mm and watching the concert, youu0026#39;d think that each performance was carefully choregraphed over a few weeks of shooting rather than over one night. Special thanks must be given to Cinematogrpaher Michael Chapman for his efforts on this film. The look of the film is what elevates itu0026#39;s overall appeal, because the music was always going to be epic, especially with the cavalcade of great names performing. This is just great filmmaking from contemporary cinemau0026#39;s most accomplished filmmaker. And how about that haunting theme that both starts and ends the film. Just great.”