Shut Up & Sing

Free speech being what it is in this country (a novel concept, wherein one person who shouts down mediocrity is immediately usurped by another, opposing voice who shouts down that original voice), it's a shame this entertaining documentary on the outspoken Dixie Chicks can't be enjoyed by everyone. A liberal viewpoint and an anti-George W. Bush comment made in London on-stage in 2003 left the one-time country music darlings Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, and Martie Maguire fueling the fires of controversy; two years later they recorded an incredibly strong (and wise) comeback-record of purpose, one that quickly put them back on top in some markets (the country network is shown as still being iffy). Whether Republican or Democrat, the new music (shrewdly, though apparently unintentionally, accessible to quite a wide audience) can certainly be enjoyed for everything it is: a defiant and sometimes joyous collection of songs which make a bold, personal statement and yet leave lots of room for debate. The band's inner-political strategy seems non-existent (the original offending comment was obviously an off-the-cuff josh with the audience); while there's certainly more Bush-bashing in private, the women band together quite impressively. Maines, who made the remark, is said to be terribly guilty about putting her cohorts in harm's way, yet her righteous anger fuels her course with very little public regret (which some will love and some will not). An impressive film with much to consider and much to admire. *** from ****

I just saw this film last night at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) This is one of the best, if not best, rock docs I have seen.

The three year journey that these three talented ladies have gone through is amazing. A stand up for yourself and your country movie if there ever was one. The production quality is A+ and I bought their new album today..the first one I ever did buy, just to say thank you to the chicks for standing their ground. The archival news footage and commentary from right wingers is too funny given what we all know now about the lies about Iraq and the dishonesty of the Bush administration. The theater was packed by the way and the audience erupted in applause several times during the film... I will be telling everyone about this film and I hope it gets into wide release. It needs to be seen.

Here's a perfect example of why you have to take the IMDb rating system with a grain of salt -- many of the people who hate the Dixie Chicks because they made an anti-Bush comment will give a rating of 1, even if they haven't seen the film. Pro-Dixie Chicks people will feel compelled to give it a 10 to balance out the 1s. Check the vote graph to see the absurd number of 10s and 1s it's getting.

The truth is, it's a pretty good documentary that's worth checking out. I knew very little about the group before seeing this film, but I'm now more likely to listen to (or buy) their music than I was before. I'm still amazed at the size of the backlash that was created. Hopefully this will open some people's eyes.

I saw the film today, and it was every bit as good as I hoped it would be. Contrary to what some may think, the film is not about the Chicks whining about losing their freedom of speech. The primary focus is on the Chicks (and their manager) handling the backlash to Natalie's on-stage comment and trying to get their career back on track without the support of country radio. The film shows considerable heated discussion between the Chicks and their manager about handling their problems, and it's a side of musicians we rarely get to see. Considering that the film shows these arguments, and shows the Chicks without makeup, I don't think anyone could classify this as a vanity project.

Of course, if you hate the Dixie Chicks or love Dubya, you'll hate this film. I saw one woman walk out after one of Natalie's Bush insults, but it was the best moment of the film for me. The film also shows some of the media coverage of the Chicks backlash, including the ever-reliable Bill O'Reilly saying that the Chicks "should be slapped around." What a classy guy.

In short, I loved the film and I plan to see it again.

I saw this movie tonight not knowing very much about the Dixie Chicks or their music. However, I walked away loving these girls and their music AND for what they stand for. This is a wonderfully entertaining documentary and it really gives great insight into the real life of talented showbiz types who do it their way regardless of what you or I think, or their record company for that matter. By now, everyone has heard of the comments made and the fallout from it. I think this movie can be enjoyed by anyone who is open-minded enough to listen to an opposing viewpoint, and still enjoy the movie for what it is. The movie totally opened my mind to the MUSIC of these terrifically talented women and made me an instant fan. It was just gravy that I agreed with the singers comments, but then again, even though I knew nothing about them previous to this film, I agreed with her comments as reported in the media a few years ago. A must-see and totally entertaining look at this history-making trio!!