I loved this, and was actually surprised when it got a somewhat mixed reception at Cannes after seeing it. It's a really heartfelt and interesting coming-of-age story with a lot of laughs and some really great performances. The concert kind of takes a backseat to everything else here, as the film is mostly about central character Elliot Teichberg (Demetri Martin) coming to terms with who he is and discovering his sexuality. But that's one of the things I really admired about this film. It manages to showcase the grandeur of the festival and the impact it had on so many people without ever actually showing a concert sequence. It's unexpected and keeps the focus solely on the characters, who are all interesting in their own right. The strongest performances here come from Liev Schrieber, who is equally hilarious and moving as an army officer-turned-drag queen who provides security for the festival, and Henry Goodman as Elliot's quietly supportive father. Goodman in particular has a really fantastic scene near the end of the film that was my personal favorite sequence. Imelda Staunton is good here but I actually thought her character was flawed - there's a last-minute revelation surrounding her that is never really explained or justified, and it makes you view everything that's happened in a completely different context. Martin is a strong central character - equally likable and charismatic. Supporting turns from actors such as Emile Hirsch and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are solid but unmemorable, the actors aren't onscreen long enough to leave much of an impression. There are some visually stunning sequences here - namely Elliot's journey to the festival as he goes through the crowds (which is a long and continuous take that was really a marvel to watch) and the acid trip sequence, which was beautiful to look at. Taking Woodstock might not be as deep or powerful as some of Lee's previous films, but it's an immensely entertaining and touching film that really captures the feel of a generation. Definitely recommended. A-

Sounds terrific. I can't wait to see it. I'm sure I'll love it.

Is this film simply an act of masturbatory navel gazing on the boomer's "greatest" episode?

^ You don't even get to see the "greatest" episode. Just the happenings between the organizers, the locals, the audience, and the family in-between.

Did you not like it, Christian?

Thompsoncory's review is pretty much dead on balls accurate.

***.5/****

Haha I quite liked it actually.

Though I'm a little bothered Elliot came across as a 20-something rather than a guy in his 30's.

Maybe I shall see it, then.

A. Kinda loved it .

I kind of lost interest in going to see it theatrically once I learned they cut out most of the gay storyline. But with most here loving it I'm getting a bit interested again. I am hoping, but doubting, that the alternate version that was shown at Cannes will be released on DVD as well as the theatrical one (though obviously I myself couldn't care about this version and just want to see the other one).

See it, Mike!

It looks terrible, why would anyone want to see it?

Why even bother? You don't like anything anyway.

I really didn't like it and that's saying a lot since it was one of my most anticipated films of the year and I'm a huge fan of Emile Hirsch and Jonathan Groff. It was an ultimately pointless film about characters you couldn't care less about. I doubt Ang Lee will ever do something as great as BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. After this and LUST, CAUTION I've lost quite a bit of faith in him.

5/10 (C-)

Ang Lee has made an extraordinarily remarkable percentage of great movies over his relatively short career as a director since I saw his Wedding Banquet, lo these 17 long years ago - - only his recent failure Brokeback Mountain truly mars his golden reputation.

Fortunately, like his last film (the underappreciated Lust, Caution), Lee has returned towards master's form with Taking Woodstock. He wisely leaves the recorded, near mythical famous history alone, and skirts the periphery of experience in that time and space. And, oh, how beautifully the vibe is rendered. Banks of computers working in concert for weeks to generate such a fine buzz as the art decoration and costumes emanate.

No one media piece can capture all that an event such as Woodstock means to all people - - by focusing on a behind the scenes local view, Taking Woodstock manages to elude the traps laid for all who dare create in it's wake. But Ang Lee dances amidst them. He spins a warm and involving tale of three days of peace and love, plus a few days before and after. What an evocative film experience to add to the other means & medias of experiencing Woodstock forty years on...

This film gives us permission to wonder at how amazing it is to think that anyone could truly believe we have advanced from the mindset of the full-on optimism of independent self sufficiency of the Seventies, and the true love it engendered no matter how transitorily. At the moment, humanity happens to be deep in a nadir of narcissistic enslavement, but films such as Taking Woodstock offer a glimpse of the once and future glory of Gaian Harmony.

Remember true freedom, not Freedom™.


out of

LUST, CAUTION was great. Not nearly as great as BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, but still great.

'Brokeback Mountain' is not great.

than what is it?
magnificent? Incredible? Terrific?

Good: 7/10.

To each their own. I thought it was amazing.

what a silly accusation.
Next thing you'll be claiming that There will be Blood was
Great: 8/10.

Absolutely ridiculous.

I actually give 'There Will Be Blood' eight out of ten points.

you scare me