Review: Neil Young Trunk Show
Posted March 26, 2010 2:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Remember that moment during the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics when Neil Young performed? Even if you aren’t his biggest fan you got goosebumps because when he performs, it’s not just a song, it’s a moment in time. Neil Young Trunk Show is full of many of those moments.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, it’s a sort of sequel to his 2006 documentary/concert film Neil Young: Heart of Gold. At first the film appears to be grittier than Heart of Gold, with a lot of DV footage being used, but overall it’s shot crisply and cleanly. The look doesn’t really matter though because besides a few behind-the-scenes bites with Young, the entire focus of the picture is the concert, and the sound, and boy does the sound rock.
Shot during his Chrome Dreams II tour, Young performs classics such as “Cinnamon Girl” along with more obscure tracks like “No Hidden Path” (which takes up a good 20 minutes of the 83 minute running time). Needless to say this was made with hardcore Young fans in mind, which admittedly I’m not. So when I say that I was completely engrossed in the film and with the music, it’s because the presentation was that good.
You should see Young perform live at least once in your lifetime if you can. He’s intense, yet humble, and mesmerizing to watch on stage. Seeing Neil Young Trunk Show on the big screen is a close second.
**** out of 5 stars
Not Rated
Cast: Neil Young
Directed by: Steve Pink
Official Site IMDb
brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com
ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK: How to Train Your Dragon, Greenberg, Chloe, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Coca-Cola Case, City Island
Top image: A scene from Neil Young Trunk Show. Courtesy Larry Cragg.
