True Stories

Although some scenes (like the fashion show) are clear absurdist parodies, Byrne tends to approach his topics more as an observer than a critic. Often the tone is sympathetic, never critical.

Although much of Byrne's commentary is at best cryptic or anticlimactic ("Personally, I believe -- I can see Ft. Worth from here."), there is much profundity beneath the absurdism. Byrne's reflections on forgetting are particularly apt.

This is not a film to approach with any expectations. Just watch and absorb, and let what you see percolate in your mind.

John Goodman's character is also the most charming Everyman to grace the screen since Marty.

The music sequences are also among the best I've ever seen.

Rent it and watch it on a big screen TV. Watch sober. Watch under the influence of your favorite mind-altering substance. Watch alone. Watch with friends. Watch when you're alert and rested. Watch when you're tired. Watch again and again.

The film itself is rich in it's look and content. True stories is Set in A fictional small town in Texas, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the state in it's own small way. Byrne points out how many small American towns shape themselves politically and culturally from the inside. The scenes of the vast Texas landscape reflect the isolation of little Virgil. Byrne drives past a row of brand new houses with four car garages and asks "who do you think lives here?", much like he does in some of his TH songs such as "Big Country" and "Dont Worry About the Government". When we do meet who lives there we are greeted by a quite eclectic bunch; the world's laziest woman, Louis the desperate bachelor, Ramon, the voodoo priest. Often when we visit small unassuming towns, we are surprised by what we find. Byrne's character obviously had some assumptions about Virgil, Texas. He walks around town in a stetson hat and cowboy shirts and wonders why everyone else doesn't dress the same way. The songs are terrific in the film. I was well familiar with the TH album of the same name before I saw the film, but many of the renditions are on par with the unofficial soundtrack, particularly "papa legba" and Goodman's "people like us". The movie is an homage to Byrne's fascination to small town America and folk art. Byrne's commentary over a series of photo montages are great too, like when he gives the history of Texas in about 3 minutes noting that "the Spaniards offered the indians a chance to become slaves. The indians thought about this, decided it was not a good idea, and killed the Spaniards" Those that really dislike this movie are, on some level, just not getting it.

Imagine someone taking the script & characters of "Leave it to Beaver" and filming it in vivid color with some cool music. That's the feeling I got while watching this movie. Sometimes it's hard to know if you're supposed to laugh with the characters or at them.

"True Stories" a satire of smalltown America, of course, including some extreme caricatures of humanity (sloth, dishonesty, materialism, imperialism, etc). But it's done with such a low-key presentation that it might pass you by without you noticing. This film is definitely a comedy, but there are no punchlines. Just a bizarre feeling that everything is a joke.

David Byrne (referred to only as "Our Visitor") strolls through the bizarre setting of Virgil, Texas, narrating various odd episodes with his signature soft, nerdy voice. Anyone else would've come across as sarcastic, but Byrne is so deadpan--like Leslie Nielsen 2 octaves higher--that we often wonder exactly what he's trying to say. If anything.

But the episodes speak for themselves. If you don't immediately catch the absurdness of the situations, the wacky visuals and blending of surrealism should be enough to tell you you're watching a quiet madhouse. Several sequences border on Terry Gilliam-esque genius while others aren't quite as effective. But either way, it's a memorable experience. John Goodman's lines & facial expressions are classic, guiding us through an otherwise perplexing experience.

It's hard to compare this to other films, but Byrne's directing style reminded me of early Tim Burton ("Edward Scissorhands", "Ed Wood") with his cheerful fantasy-sarcasm. Other times I was reminded of Vincent Gallo ("Buffalo 66") with the odd compositions and asymmetric shots. And in a weird way I was reminded of Godard's classic "Alphaville", the way the humor is so elusive that you hardly realize it's there.

Notable songs (lip synched by different characters in the movie) include "Wild Wild Life" at a showcase, "Dream Operator" at a bizarre fashion show at the mall, "Love for Sale" on TV (the regular video), "People Like Us" at a talent show, and the iconic "Radio Head" (which, yes, lent its name to the band) and a slew of other Talking Heads & David Byrne tunes. I confess I didn't recognize any except "Wild Wild Life" & "Radio Head", but I imagine if you're a Talking Heads fan you'll hear plenty to keep you groovin.

I wouldn't recommend this to casual moviegoers or casual Talking Heads fans, but if you like (artsy) movies and/or recognize most of the songs I named above, don't hesitate to check out this weird movie.

In the fictional Texas town of Virgil musician David Bryne arrives to make a documentary about the inhabitants. He meets a raft of characters at the same time as the town's `celebration of specialness'.

What is it? A documentary? A comedy? A rock film? It's not clear. However despite the unclear genre it still manages to be good – even if it's an unique film in terms of style. The comedy comes from both Bryne's and our bemused observation of the slightly kooky nature of small town life.

Bryne is a great narrator. He has a bemused quizzical air the whole time and many of his `to camera' lines are very funny if a little surreal. The characters themselves are almost worthy of Altman in terms of how quirky yet believable they are. Goodman is the best as the lonely ladies man looking for love. But other characters such as the lying lady (Allen) and the eccentric owner of the town (Spalding Gray).

If you don't like the music of David Bryne and the Talking Heads then you may dislike this as much of the second as it becomes mainly music and less Bryne. However it still manages to be funny. Overall this is much better than expected and fans of Bryne will simply love it.

Virgil, Texas is a sleepy little town as American as apple pie and just as sweet. The townsfolk are preparing for a so-called 'Celebration of Specialness', to mark the sesquicentennial of Texas' independence, which has attracted the attention of a talkative, cowboy-hat sporting stranger. This enigmatic stranger guides us through the town and introduces us to its people, showing us the beautiful strangeness of everyday life in Virgil. David Lynch once said that if "one looks a little closer at this beautiful world, there are always red ants underneath." In Virgil, the ants are on the surface.

A surreal musical-comedy directed by David Byrne and written alongside Stephen Tobolowsky and Beth Henley, 'True Stories' is a delightfully absurd film that paints an affectionate portrait of life in a small American town. Full of eccentric, compelling characters- such as the lonely Louis Fyne and the lethargic Miss Rollings- the film is consistently entertaining in an offbeat manner. Consisting of quirky vignettes and permeated with Byrne's brilliant music throughout, 'True Stories' plays a little like a comedy 'Blue Velvet'- minus the sexual and psychological violence, of course.

Like Lynch's film, 'True Stories' celebrates the diversity and creativity of American culture, and finds joy in the ordinary, peculiar and mundane. Byrne, Tobolowsky and Henley's dialogue is idiosyncratic and the way in which Byrne weaves his songs into the narrative is terrifically clever. Though some might find the peculiar tone and satire not to their tastes, for anyone who enjoys the films of Jim Jarmusch, The Coen Brothers, Aki Kaurismaki or the aforementioned Lynch; 'True Stories' will entertain greatly.

It is also a technically impressive effort, with Ed Lachman's cinematography being particularly outstanding. His work enhances 'True Stories' satirical tone while complementing its whimsical humour and charm. Lachman captures the vibrant landscapes and quirky details of Virgil with a keen eye, utilising bright colours, natural light and wide-angle shots to create a sense of openness and awe. This he contrasts with darker tones, artificial light and close-ups to create a sense of intimacy and mystery. Additionally, he employs various camera techniques- such as tracking shots, zooms and freeze frames- that emphasize the rhythm and energy of the musical numbers, as well as Byrne's narration.

Speaking of the musical numbers, fans of Byrne and Talking Heads will find them delightful. Ranging from bouncy hits like 'Wild, Wild Life' and 'Radio Head' to ballads like 'Dream Operator,' they mark some of Byrne's most heartfelt and witty lyrics, as well as some of his catchiest melodies. They also bolster the film's satirical tone, and the down-to-earth strangeness of its characters. Admirably performed by various members of the cast, each and every song is memorable. Though perhaps the rerecorded versions that made up Talking Heads' penultimate album are better known, the original songs as performed by the cast make up a vital part of 'True Stories' charm and humour.

While on that point, all in the cast perform brilliantly, bringing a sincerity and a quirkiness to proceedings that fits the material- and their roles- perfectly. John Goodman shines as Louis Fyne, the lovable and lonely bachelor longing for romance who sings his heart out. Swoosie Kurtz is equally hilarious as Miss Rollings, who never leaves her bed and has everything delivered to her. Spalding Gray and Annie McEnroe also do fine work as Earl and Kay Culver, a bickering pair of civic leaders who communicate through their children and their television. And of course, David Byrne himself is a captivating narrator and guide, who interacts with Virgil's townsfolk with an endearing mixture of curiosity and respect.

Unique and charming, 'True Stories' showcases David Byrne's incomparable vision and talent as a director, writer and musician. Featuring numerous humorous vignettes that paint an original, surreal tapestry of small-town American life, as well as great dialogue and pointed satire, the film is a delight from start to finish. Boasting a brilliant soundtrack, striking cinematography and fine performances from all in the cast, 'True Stories' is a truly strange, truly brilliant piece of fiction.