There are two forms of entertainment that I consider superior to the rest - live music and movies on the big screen. Nothing compares to the escape from reality or the body-numbing high that lingers after the lights cue you to exit the theatre or venue. And nothing really compares to combining the two.
"Shut Up and Play the Hits" did just that. As a part of the Co-Op Film Series held in Bracken Library on Tuesday night, I joined a group of students in a rare viewing of "Shut Up."
The documentary, released as a one-night theatre exclusive in July, tells the story of the carefully planned demise of dance-punk band LCD Soundsystem, including footage of the sold-out Madison Square Garden performance on April 2, 2011, that ended it all.
I've never considered LCD Soundsystem to be one of my favorite bands. I wasn't introduced to its third and final album "This Is Happening" until late 2010, and didn't truly appreciate LCD's music enough for it to make it onto my iPod and playing in my car until last year.
After seeing the incredible MSG footage in "Shut Up," I'm kicking myself for that. What I wouldn't give to travel back to 2011, spend all my savings on a concert ticket and a weekend in New York City, and be amongst the sweat, tears and serious dance moves seen in the kinetic crowd. (Where's Doc Brown when you need him?)
What really resonates from the concert footage is the eerie emotion visible in the crowd, on stage and especially on LCD frontman James Murphy's face after he concludes the performance with "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down."
"Shut Up" conveys an intimate portrait of Murphy, whose decision his career at the peak of its success puzzled fans and critics. His iconic suit-wearing character on stage is humbled by an ordinary at-home version of Murphy who wears pajamas, cuddles with his French bulldog, trims his beard and enjoys making coffee.
This look into Murphy's personal life reflects his anti-celebrity attitude revealed in interview segments with culture critic Chuck Klosterman. Murphy tells Klosterman, "I don't want to be a famous person."
Although we may never know exactly why Murphy decided to disband at such a monumental moment in his career, "Shut Up" put his position in perspective. At twice my age, the man is able to close a dramatic age gap with relatable lyrics and an energetic, youthful sound. But after revealing that he has hopes for a family in his future, it is clear that Murphy is ready to move onto the next phase of his life. And why not do that before you've had the chance to fail?
"Shut Up and Play the Hits" had me smiling ear to ear, tapping my foot and bobbing my head, contemplating ideas of success and failure, and left me thinking, "Shut up and play it again."
-á
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