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Summary David Byrne’s American Utopia brings the critically acclaimed Broadway show to HBO in a one-of-a-kind film directed by Spike Lee. Recorded during its run at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre in New York City, David Byrne is joined by an ensemble of 11 musicians, singers, and dancers from around the globe, inviting audiences into a joyous dreamwo...

Directed By: Spike Lee

David Byrne’s American Utopia

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 28 Critic Reviews
must-see
93
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 41 User Ratings
7.5
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Summary David Byrne’s American Utopia brings the critically acclaimed Broadway show to HBO in a one-of-a-kind film directed by Spike Lee. Recorded during its run at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre in New York City, David Byrne is joined by an ensemble of 11 musicians, singers, and dancers from around the globe, inviting audiences into a joyous dreamwo...

Directed By: Spike Lee

Where to Watch

Coming Soon
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 28 Critic Reviews
93
96% Positive
27 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 28 Critic Reviews
93
96% Positive
27 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Dec 17, 2020
100
Bolstered by Lee’s trenchant, intimate direction, Byrne reframes a peerless setlist of songs as a testament to hope and humanity that implores himself and his audience to keep going. A much-needed source of comfort and joy.
By Beth Webb FULL REVIEW
Oct 14, 2020
100
In American Utopia, Lee brings the same insight and sensitivity to Byrne’s stage show, which bursts forth with an exuberant mixture of optimistic joy and wistful nostalgia.
By Ann Hornaday FULL REVIEW
Sep 10, 2020
100
David Byrne’s American Utopia is an ideal world; it’s exhilarating and joyful; and Byrne and Lee actually do make a perfect pair.
By Robert Daniels FULL REVIEW
Sep 11, 2020
91
It is as much a celebration of song and contemporary dance as it is a call to action about the need to embrace our humanity and connect with others. Quite simply: it’s a joy.
By Joe Lipsett FULL REVIEW
Oct 13, 2020
88
From its joyful and exuberant opening half to a late-game moment of deep and sombre introspection, Lee’s version of American Utopia is thoughtful pop performance art captured with the propulsive power of cinema.
By Barry Hertz FULL REVIEW
Dec 21, 2020
80
There aren’t any isolated moments as cinematic as Byrne’s tender lamp dance in Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense, but the director’s playfulness is felt.
By Simran Hans FULL REVIEW
Sep 16, 2020
50
Great concert films impose a directorial presence onto player and stage alike, but Lee and team seem more content to record.
By Nick Newman FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 41 User Ratings
7.5
83% Positive
34 Ratings
7% Mixed
3 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 41 User Ratings
7.5
83% Positive
34 Ratings
7% Mixed
3 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Nov 1, 2020
7
henryzandt
This is a successful registration of a stage show by David Byrne, but it is not a documentary, because the makers do not add a lot to that theatre performance. But the stage show itself is great (and beautiful to watch).
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Details

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Production Company
  • 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
  • HBO Documentary Films
  • Participant
  • RadicalMedia
  • River Road Entertainment
  • Spike Lee Joint
  • Todo Mundo
  • Warner Music Group
Release Date Oct 17, 2020
Duration 1 h 45 m
Rating TV-14
Genres
Website https://www.hbo.com/specials/american-utopia
View All Details

Awards

Primetime Emmy Awards
• 2 Wins & 6 Nominations
Online Film & Television Association
• 4 Nominations
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations

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