This movie delivers U2 doing what they do best (touring), experimenting with new types of music in America and showing us that they're truly the nice guys they're projected to be. I see nothing disappointing about charismatic interviews, solid musical performances and meaningful reflection. Those who disliked this departure from the band's "usual" style can't recognize the importance of musical growth we see here. Looking back to what The Joshua Tree was and what became Achtung Baby, it's easy to see Rattle and Hum was a necessary expression of their progress at that time, and a humble look at a band celebrating their artistic heroes.
47 Reviews
top notch concert film
goya-414 March 2001
An outstanding documentary/concert film detailing the irish rock band U2 on a tour..of course the band plays their greatest hits and some other known songs, including a duet with blues great BB king..
Great cinematography and the black and white usage makes it all that much better.
A must see for any U2 fan.. On a scale of one to ten.. 8
Great cinematography and the black and white usage makes it all that much better.
A must see for any U2 fan.. On a scale of one to ten.. 8
Depends What You Think Of Late 80s U2
Theo Robertson24 August 2004
The only concert I have ever attended in my life was the U2 concert held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on the first of August 1987 . This was part of the band`s Joshua Tree tour and I was slightly disappointed with the concert possibly down to the fact that The Joshua Tree is the band`s most Americanized album and as a die hard fan I much preferred their first three albums
U2:RATTLE AND HUM is the movie release made to tie in with the album of the same name that when it was released in the Autumn of 1988 became the fastest selling album in British chart history . It consists of interviews , concert footage (and the occasional track being recorded in the studio , nothing groundbreaking or radical and what you make of this documentary all comes down to what you make of late 1980s recordings from Bono and the boys since most of the concert tracks are from The Joshua Tree . In its favour it`s far better directed and edited than the 1983 release UNDER A BLOOD RED SKY but if like me you prefer early 80s U2 then you`ll be disappointed with what`s missing , stuff like Gloria ( Not the Van Morrison song ) , I Will Follow and Electric Co . Bizarrely the best track from the album HawkMoon 269 is conspicious by its absence . I say bizarrely because Bono is on record as saying at the time it was his all time favourite U2 track and is the stand out track from the album . As it stands the movie`s highlight is the rendition of Sunday Bloody Sunday played on the night of Sunday 8th November 1987 hours after an IRA bomb had murdered 11 people and maimed scores more at a remembrance service in the Northern Irish town of Enniskillen where Bono explodes a few myths of " The glory of the revolution "
I got the DVD for my Christmas a couple of years ago ( Thanks Michelle ) and I was very disappointed since it basically contains just the movie and a choice of subtitles with no extras
U2:RATTLE AND HUM is the movie release made to tie in with the album of the same name that when it was released in the Autumn of 1988 became the fastest selling album in British chart history . It consists of interviews , concert footage (and the occasional track being recorded in the studio , nothing groundbreaking or radical and what you make of this documentary all comes down to what you make of late 1980s recordings from Bono and the boys since most of the concert tracks are from The Joshua Tree . In its favour it`s far better directed and edited than the 1983 release UNDER A BLOOD RED SKY but if like me you prefer early 80s U2 then you`ll be disappointed with what`s missing , stuff like Gloria ( Not the Van Morrison song ) , I Will Follow and Electric Co . Bizarrely the best track from the album HawkMoon 269 is conspicious by its absence . I say bizarrely because Bono is on record as saying at the time it was his all time favourite U2 track and is the stand out track from the album . As it stands the movie`s highlight is the rendition of Sunday Bloody Sunday played on the night of Sunday 8th November 1987 hours after an IRA bomb had murdered 11 people and maimed scores more at a remembrance service in the Northern Irish town of Enniskillen where Bono explodes a few myths of " The glory of the revolution "
I got the DVD for my Christmas a couple of years ago ( Thanks Michelle ) and I was very disappointed since it basically contains just the movie and a choice of subtitles with no extras
A triumph, a disaster, a lesson. Probably the finest music film there will ever be.
amiller-349 October 2007
At the time of writing, this film is almost 20 years old. When I first watched it I was a half U2 fan, a U1 if you will. Joshua tree was one of my favourite CDs, but despite being a frequent listener of the earlier stuff, I'd remained unhooked. But after seeing Rattle and Hum I was almost literally breathless. It became one of a small handful of VHS music videos that I made the effort to take with me as I moved through life.
When I discovered the concept of digital movies, it was the first tape I digitised so I could watch it on my computer, and when video CD came along, I bought that too because the quality was much better than my amateur 'rip'. Naturally when DVD came along I had to have the quality offered by that too. And when I got my first portable video player, well Rattle & h Hum was the first DVD I ripped so I could play it on that (although Pink Floyds pulse had become it's constant companion too).
Today, I took delivery of my iPod Touch, and, sad bastard that I am, Rattle and Hum is the first movie I'm watching on it.
Why is it I love this film when the music press and the band itself seem to dis this film? I once read an article that suggested the band almost split after the release of the film. Instead they went off and regrouped into their post Achtung baby period. Better they had split and then reformed once whatever itch was out of their system, I think. I still hope they still will.
I love this film because it presents the band a their absolute peak. Every inch of concert footage is tight. Bono sounds amazing, much better than I ever saw him. The Edge soars, Larry beats perfect time, while Adam holds everything together. If that isn't enough, the photography is stunning. There is not a single scene in the whole film that would benefit from a different point of view, lighting setup or depth of field (except perhaps the Bono scene 31 minutes in where he tries his hand at graffiti backed by watchtower, personally I'd have made that blurred I think). The visuals are completely stunning and reinforce the bands stature already perfectly presented by just enough short of perfect performance.
If I last another 20 years, I'm confident this film will make the Journey with me.
When I discovered the concept of digital movies, it was the first tape I digitised so I could watch it on my computer, and when video CD came along, I bought that too because the quality was much better than my amateur 'rip'. Naturally when DVD came along I had to have the quality offered by that too. And when I got my first portable video player, well Rattle & h Hum was the first DVD I ripped so I could play it on that (although Pink Floyds pulse had become it's constant companion too).
Today, I took delivery of my iPod Touch, and, sad bastard that I am, Rattle and Hum is the first movie I'm watching on it.
Why is it I love this film when the music press and the band itself seem to dis this film? I once read an article that suggested the band almost split after the release of the film. Instead they went off and regrouped into their post Achtung baby period. Better they had split and then reformed once whatever itch was out of their system, I think. I still hope they still will.
I love this film because it presents the band a their absolute peak. Every inch of concert footage is tight. Bono sounds amazing, much better than I ever saw him. The Edge soars, Larry beats perfect time, while Adam holds everything together. If that isn't enough, the photography is stunning. There is not a single scene in the whole film that would benefit from a different point of view, lighting setup or depth of field (except perhaps the Bono scene 31 minutes in where he tries his hand at graffiti backed by watchtower, personally I'd have made that blurred I think). The visuals are completely stunning and reinforce the bands stature already perfectly presented by just enough short of perfect performance.
If I last another 20 years, I'm confident this film will make the Journey with me.
A 480 min. Directors cut?
childrenwithknives28 July 2004
Tens of thousands of feet of film were shot during the making of 'U2: Rattle and hum', Most of it in black and white. Some of this was intentional, but allot of it was due to the fact that director Phil Joanou had a limited budget to work with and black and white film at least at that time was less expensive. Shooting in 16mm as well as 35mm was another reason that this film was shot almost entirely in black and white. About 90% of the footage was done in that format rather than color. From Watching the final cut of the film it would seem to suggest that it was more like 80% of the over all footage, but keep in mind there was allot more black and white footage cut from the film than color. I obtained a great amount of the footage that was never seen in the original version of 'U2: rattle and hum', 480 minutes of it to be exact. When I first saw 'U2: rattle and hum'
In 1988, I was fortunate enough to see it at a 'century theater' complex in San Jose Ca. On the biggest screen they had out of the 2 blocks of 'century theaters' lining one side of Winchester blvd. There in San Jose. They even had a special concert PA system temporarily installed for this special feature. It was truly the best way to see this movie, and the experience has stuck with me ever since. For many years I have felt that this movie could very well be the best film about a band ever made. Maybe even possibly the best music related film ever made with the exception of 'Woodstock' or perhaps 'The last waltz'. The movie has at times a real gritty look to it due to the 16mm footage. It feels earthy, grounded, cultural, important. Especially the portion of the film where U2 put on the 'Free the yuppies' concert at the 'embarcadero center' in San Francisco. This was the portion of the film where the band performs 'All along the watch tower'.
This concert was monumental (no pun intended) for the history of music in many ways. For one this concert was announced 2 hours prior to the performance over San Francisco's 'Live 105' fm alternative station. The concert was not scheduled prior to the two hour announcement. Bono, the edge, larry mullen jr., adam clayton as well as their management decided to put the show on the day before it actually took place. I was living in San Jose at the time and heard the announcement on the radio that day. I didn't have to work that day so I could have easily made it but a problem came up and to my bitter disappointment I was unable to attend the show. The entire show is truly wonderful (I have the entire performance on video). The monumental thing about this performance was of course the point in which Bono paints the Monument erected many years before in the embarcadero square by a french artistic designer.
The now infamous "rock and roll stops the traffic" slogan that bono spray painted on the monument is one of the greatest moments in music history. What most don't know is that bono never left the stage during all along the watch tower, the monument was painted during another song. which one was it? Well you'll have to find out for your self, I'm not telling. I went to see the monument the next day late at night. A friend and I climbed the thing to see the painted area. It was already painted over but you could see where it had been painted from the color shades being off a bit. I did make it to the performance at Oakland Stadium the next day. This was of course the 'Joshua tree' tour. Bono managed to find the french artist who created the monument that bono had spray painted just the day before. After a short 'wave hello' the artist proclaimed "U2 can spray paint anything I create any time they want!". This was in retaliation to the mayor of San Francisco who banned U2 from returning to San Francisco for the deed. Later the ban was lifted. But now back to the footage cut from the final film released through 'Paramount pictures'.
It is anybody's geuss as to why some of the best footage was cut from the film. Most notably 'the voices of freedom' performance at 'madison square garden'-performing 'still haven't found what I'm looking for' with the band. It is truly touching and would have been 'hands down' the best part of the entire movie had it made the final cut. directly after the group of church singers leave the stage U2 kicks into a rare live performance of 'Spanish eyes'. It is really a shame that these performances were left out of the fianl cut. I have 40 minutes of footage of U2 on their van ride to the church where they were to first meet the 'voices of freedom' as well as 40 minutes of footage after they arrive at the church. Also the entire graceland tour was filmed which I also have. I can understand why joanou left most of this out, it can be rather dull to watch, but it was interesting to hear allot of U2's questions and comments as they went along the tour. Hours of other precious moments are also seen in the deleted footage. 'U2: rattle and hum' is a true classic music film, but if phil joanou and U2 wanted to share those precious moments with the rest of the world they might think about releasing the entire thing in a directors cut. I had to pay allot of moola for the footage I have, and I mean allot!, all 480 minutes of it. Having seen it for myself in my opinion it is a crime to hide this footage from the public. U2: 'rattle and hum' is a great movie, a complete directors cut would make it a landmark in the history of the cinema.
In 1988, I was fortunate enough to see it at a 'century theater' complex in San Jose Ca. On the biggest screen they had out of the 2 blocks of 'century theaters' lining one side of Winchester blvd. There in San Jose. They even had a special concert PA system temporarily installed for this special feature. It was truly the best way to see this movie, and the experience has stuck with me ever since. For many years I have felt that this movie could very well be the best film about a band ever made. Maybe even possibly the best music related film ever made with the exception of 'Woodstock' or perhaps 'The last waltz'. The movie has at times a real gritty look to it due to the 16mm footage. It feels earthy, grounded, cultural, important. Especially the portion of the film where U2 put on the 'Free the yuppies' concert at the 'embarcadero center' in San Francisco. This was the portion of the film where the band performs 'All along the watch tower'.
This concert was monumental (no pun intended) for the history of music in many ways. For one this concert was announced 2 hours prior to the performance over San Francisco's 'Live 105' fm alternative station. The concert was not scheduled prior to the two hour announcement. Bono, the edge, larry mullen jr., adam clayton as well as their management decided to put the show on the day before it actually took place. I was living in San Jose at the time and heard the announcement on the radio that day. I didn't have to work that day so I could have easily made it but a problem came up and to my bitter disappointment I was unable to attend the show. The entire show is truly wonderful (I have the entire performance on video). The monumental thing about this performance was of course the point in which Bono paints the Monument erected many years before in the embarcadero square by a french artistic designer.
The now infamous "rock and roll stops the traffic" slogan that bono spray painted on the monument is one of the greatest moments in music history. What most don't know is that bono never left the stage during all along the watch tower, the monument was painted during another song. which one was it? Well you'll have to find out for your self, I'm not telling. I went to see the monument the next day late at night. A friend and I climbed the thing to see the painted area. It was already painted over but you could see where it had been painted from the color shades being off a bit. I did make it to the performance at Oakland Stadium the next day. This was of course the 'Joshua tree' tour. Bono managed to find the french artist who created the monument that bono had spray painted just the day before. After a short 'wave hello' the artist proclaimed "U2 can spray paint anything I create any time they want!". This was in retaliation to the mayor of San Francisco who banned U2 from returning to San Francisco for the deed. Later the ban was lifted. But now back to the footage cut from the final film released through 'Paramount pictures'.
It is anybody's geuss as to why some of the best footage was cut from the film. Most notably 'the voices of freedom' performance at 'madison square garden'-performing 'still haven't found what I'm looking for' with the band. It is truly touching and would have been 'hands down' the best part of the entire movie had it made the final cut. directly after the group of church singers leave the stage U2 kicks into a rare live performance of 'Spanish eyes'. It is really a shame that these performances were left out of the fianl cut. I have 40 minutes of footage of U2 on their van ride to the church where they were to first meet the 'voices of freedom' as well as 40 minutes of footage after they arrive at the church. Also the entire graceland tour was filmed which I also have. I can understand why joanou left most of this out, it can be rather dull to watch, but it was interesting to hear allot of U2's questions and comments as they went along the tour. Hours of other precious moments are also seen in the deleted footage. 'U2: rattle and hum' is a true classic music film, but if phil joanou and U2 wanted to share those precious moments with the rest of the world they might think about releasing the entire thing in a directors cut. I had to pay allot of moola for the footage I have, and I mean allot!, all 480 minutes of it. Having seen it for myself in my opinion it is a crime to hide this footage from the public. U2: 'rattle and hum' is a great movie, a complete directors cut would make it a landmark in the history of the cinema.
Outstanding songs
timcassini27 May 2005
One of my favourite movies of all time. The songs are fantastic. Starting with a cover version of the Beatles hit Helter Skelter then moving on to the beautiful Van Diemen's Land (sung by guitarist The Edge) and Desire which I also love
The movie is filmed in black and white and this is my only criticism. There is a bit where the Band visit the grave of Elvis in Graceland which is very moving, especially as drummer Larry points out how unhappy he was about seeing his hero's grave with the eternal flame flickering and how he thought it would distract from the rest of the tour. (incidentally the song Heartland, which I loved was left over from the Joshua Tree)
You also get a cover of Bob Dylan's All along the Watch Tower which I enjoyed plus U2 staples such as With or Without You and Where the Streets have no Name.
I could go on and on about this film. I love it.
The movie is filmed in black and white and this is my only criticism. There is a bit where the Band visit the grave of Elvis in Graceland which is very moving, especially as drummer Larry points out how unhappy he was about seeing his hero's grave with the eternal flame flickering and how he thought it would distract from the rest of the tour. (incidentally the song Heartland, which I loved was left over from the Joshua Tree)
You also get a cover of Bob Dylan's All along the Watch Tower which I enjoyed plus U2 staples such as With or Without You and Where the Streets have no Name.
I could go on and on about this film. I love it.
Left me wanting more.
triple827 November 2003
I have been a U2 fan since the days of "Boy" and "October". I was very excited to see this movie about the band when it first came out but after viewing it I left the theatre feeling strangely flat. And wishing I had seen alot more.
The footage was different then what I was expecting and maybe I just had different expectations of what I was seeing. The film, in my eyes, lacked depth. I wanted to hear about the band themselves but U2 the band came across as almost feeling a little awkward-that was my interpretation anyway. I had no problem with the black and white footage, that sort of reinforces the band's haunting brooding qualities anyway, but the movie didn't TELL me anything and thats what I was looking for.
The best CONCERT footage of U2 I've ever seen is U2 at The Red Rocks which blew me away and which I guerentee the same response from any fan who may not have seen that. Rattle and Hum wasn't a bad effort, I had no problem sitting through it and staying focused. After all it was about a talented and brillient group of individuals. But the film lacked the soul I was looking for. I wouldn't call this truely great. It didn't give me the feeling I knew anything more of U2 the people and likewise didn't give me any musical enrichment I hadn't already gotton TRIPLE from watching U2 at Red Rocks. I'd give this 6.5 of 10.
The footage was different then what I was expecting and maybe I just had different expectations of what I was seeing. The film, in my eyes, lacked depth. I wanted to hear about the band themselves but U2 the band came across as almost feeling a little awkward-that was my interpretation anyway. I had no problem with the black and white footage, that sort of reinforces the band's haunting brooding qualities anyway, but the movie didn't TELL me anything and thats what I was looking for.
The best CONCERT footage of U2 I've ever seen is U2 at The Red Rocks which blew me away and which I guerentee the same response from any fan who may not have seen that. Rattle and Hum wasn't a bad effort, I had no problem sitting through it and staying focused. After all it was about a talented and brillient group of individuals. But the film lacked the soul I was looking for. I wouldn't call this truely great. It didn't give me the feeling I knew anything more of U2 the people and likewise didn't give me any musical enrichment I hadn't already gotton TRIPLE from watching U2 at Red Rocks. I'd give this 6.5 of 10.
A great 80's rock documentary free of MTV-style edits.
John Book7 January 2000
When this first came out, I saw it five times (two on opening night, three the next night). Besides the powerful music, the cinematography from Phil Joanou is just amazing. See the disgust in Bono's face during "With Or Without You", feel the cold air during "Exit", be hit by a dose of Coltrane in the awesome "Bullet The Blue Sky", smell the carpet as The Edge walks to stage right in "Where The Streets Have No Name"... this is everything a concert film should be. If anything, "U2: Rattle And Hum" should be an example of what a concert film can be like in the 21st century.
The music is great, the band is in top form during their 1987 "Joshua Tree" tour. Recently released on DVD, the sound and visuals shine just as bright as they did when I saw them on the big screen.
The music is great, the band is in top form during their 1987 "Joshua Tree" tour. Recently released on DVD, the sound and visuals shine just as bright as they did when I saw them on the big screen.
this is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles and we're stealing it back!
dbdumonteil31 May 2005
When U2 arrives in the fall 1987 to start the second leg of their American tour to promote "The Joshua Tree" (1987), they already filled with enthusiasm millions of Americans with their masterpiece and they were showered with praise by virtually all musical critics but also important newspapers (the magazine Newsweek even put them on the cover!). The amount? Bono and his band were crowned the biggest rock and roll band in the world. A status which isn't easy to assume and when one has a rock and roll masterpiece under one's belt, delivering it a follow-up is a difficult task. Maybe that's why the most famous Irish quartet had the idea to make a film accompanied by an album: to try to forge ahead and to take a new musical direction.
So, "U2: Rattle and Hum" (1988) is a documentary which goes back over the band's tour in America where they alternate concerts and cultural discoveries (the visit of Graceland). Their album "the Joshua Tree" had already expressed their fascination for America, the movie "Rattle and Hum" confirms it. The director Phil Joanou (Martin Scorsese turned down this role) also filled his work with interviews and recording sessions which took place after the tour in 1988. Each member's disposition is revealed in these interviews but also throughout the movie and during their tour especially with concerts. So, in Joanou's opus, Bono and his men reaffirm their positions on a social, cultural and above all musical point of view while not forgetting their Irish roots. Concerning music which constitutes the backbone of the movie, the band explores several facets of American music. The Stax-soul tribute "Angel of Harlem", the blues "When Love Comes to Town" with a prestigious guest: BB King, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" in a gospel version show a progressive Americanization of the band. But in parallel, not to lose their identity, the four members remain faithful to their musical influences; either it is the sinewy "Desire" or the atmospheric "Heartland" that sounds like a "the Joshua Tree" outtake. Hence an impression of hodgepodge: the tracks cut in studio are rather badly linked up. It is difficult to let oneself rock with beautiful heavenly flights then to follow with unusual tracks for the band without losing the thread.
That said, the musical trimmings that somewhat hinders the movie didn't stop Bono and his men to write some of U2's best songs. On another extent, Phil Joanou's technical feats enable the spectator to attend the concerts as if he were on stage with the band. The latter is presented in this state like we would imagine them for the ones who have never seen them in concert: fiery, feverish, passionated by their music and ready to make a declaration aiming at peace in Northern Ireland and why not in the rest of the world (Bono's words in the middle of Sunday Bloody Sunday"). And I address the fans of the band who may have the album but not seen the movie and the casual listeners: a good part of U2's hits of the eighties and notably from "the Joshua Tree" are performed on stage: "Bad", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "With or Without You".
I also think that having shot the movie in black and white and in color gives it a arty side. At the end of the day, it's a worthy but suicidal undertaking. Indeed, the limited commercial career of Joanou's opus clearly shows once again that this kind of film is seldom successful in the theaters in spite of the fact that the video was a best-seller in the Anglo-Saxon countries. And for U2, the eighties ended in a little rough way but fortunately, the nineties will begin (and for me end) triumphantly with "Achtung Baby" (1991).
So, "U2: Rattle and Hum" (1988) is a documentary which goes back over the band's tour in America where they alternate concerts and cultural discoveries (the visit of Graceland). Their album "the Joshua Tree" had already expressed their fascination for America, the movie "Rattle and Hum" confirms it. The director Phil Joanou (Martin Scorsese turned down this role) also filled his work with interviews and recording sessions which took place after the tour in 1988. Each member's disposition is revealed in these interviews but also throughout the movie and during their tour especially with concerts. So, in Joanou's opus, Bono and his men reaffirm their positions on a social, cultural and above all musical point of view while not forgetting their Irish roots. Concerning music which constitutes the backbone of the movie, the band explores several facets of American music. The Stax-soul tribute "Angel of Harlem", the blues "When Love Comes to Town" with a prestigious guest: BB King, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" in a gospel version show a progressive Americanization of the band. But in parallel, not to lose their identity, the four members remain faithful to their musical influences; either it is the sinewy "Desire" or the atmospheric "Heartland" that sounds like a "the Joshua Tree" outtake. Hence an impression of hodgepodge: the tracks cut in studio are rather badly linked up. It is difficult to let oneself rock with beautiful heavenly flights then to follow with unusual tracks for the band without losing the thread.
That said, the musical trimmings that somewhat hinders the movie didn't stop Bono and his men to write some of U2's best songs. On another extent, Phil Joanou's technical feats enable the spectator to attend the concerts as if he were on stage with the band. The latter is presented in this state like we would imagine them for the ones who have never seen them in concert: fiery, feverish, passionated by their music and ready to make a declaration aiming at peace in Northern Ireland and why not in the rest of the world (Bono's words in the middle of Sunday Bloody Sunday"). And I address the fans of the band who may have the album but not seen the movie and the casual listeners: a good part of U2's hits of the eighties and notably from "the Joshua Tree" are performed on stage: "Bad", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "With or Without You".
I also think that having shot the movie in black and white and in color gives it a arty side. At the end of the day, it's a worthy but suicidal undertaking. Indeed, the limited commercial career of Joanou's opus clearly shows once again that this kind of film is seldom successful in the theaters in spite of the fact that the video was a best-seller in the Anglo-Saxon countries. And for U2, the eighties ended in a little rough way but fortunately, the nineties will begin (and for me end) triumphantly with "Achtung Baby" (1991).
Great documentary about a great band
bruno-8330 July 2005
I have recently watched this DVD again for the countless number of times. It just gets better and better. Rattle And Hum takes you on a journey with U2 as they talk about their music, current tour and thoughts on various subjects.
This Music/Documentary gives a great insight to how U2 emerged into one of the most influential bands of all time. The selected songs, which include some of music's classics like "With Or Without You" and "Pride" are a must to watch. The brief but frank interviews give a somewhat comic and emotional look at the individual band members.
This is simply a must have for all U2 fans and a must see for all others.
This Music/Documentary gives a great insight to how U2 emerged into one of the most influential bands of all time. The selected songs, which include some of music's classics like "With Or Without You" and "Pride" are a must to watch. The brief but frank interviews give a somewhat comic and emotional look at the individual band members.
This is simply a must have for all U2 fans and a must see for all others.
good music
SnoopyStyle5 March 2020
It's a companion piece to the U2 record of the same name. It's mostly in black and white directed by U2 collaborator Phil Joanou. There are concert footage and other locations. The most notable location being the Sun Records in Memphis. The color section of film starts with "Where the Streets Have No Name" and that striking red background. This is a fine concert film. I'm not the biggest U2 fan but I like the music here. There are some commentaries and interviews by the band. The difficulty is that I don't get a personal sense of the members. Sure, there is a sincerity and seriousness to their image but it's hard to see behind the mask. The music's good and the cinematography is excellent.
It's a Musical Journey
MulderManiac25 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Rattle and Hum is a great movie for both hardcore and casual U2 fans. It's an interesting look at U2's musical exploration in the late '80s, and for younger U2 fans, like me, it's almost a way to experience The Joshua Tree tour. Seeing footage of some of their most popular and biggest songs being performed live is both fascinating and enthralling. U2 is probably the best live band still around today, and seeing them where they are most at home, on stage, is an experience in itself. Emotion is a big factor when it comes to their music, and you can feel it throughout the film. The black and white footage adds a nice touch of rawness, of sincerity. And although Rattle and Hum is essentially a concert film, it's also a glimpse at U2's growing maturity as a band.
Rattle and Hum is a fun, fascinating, intense U2 experience. It's quite funny at times--like the first, hilariously awkward interview at the beginning of the movie--but it's also very serious. I think that the most powerful performance in the movie is Sunday Bloody Sunday. Bono's angry, outraged speech both before and during the song are stunning. I was left both in shock and awe at the sincerity and absolute frustration the band displays while they perform it....it's sure to give you goosebumps.
My only complaint--and a minor one at that--was the shortage of interviews, but I can understand why they might have left it out to make room for more songs. So even if you're only a casual fan of U2, you should see Rattle and Hum. It's powerful, entertaining, and interesting. It's a look back at a much younger U2 (you might even laugh at both Bono and The Edge's hair, and at Adam Clayton's birdlime strut on stage) and a good one at that. To quote Larry Mullen Jr., "It's a musical journey."
Rattle and Hum is a fun, fascinating, intense U2 experience. It's quite funny at times--like the first, hilariously awkward interview at the beginning of the movie--but it's also very serious. I think that the most powerful performance in the movie is Sunday Bloody Sunday. Bono's angry, outraged speech both before and during the song are stunning. I was left both in shock and awe at the sincerity and absolute frustration the band displays while they perform it....it's sure to give you goosebumps.
My only complaint--and a minor one at that--was the shortage of interviews, but I can understand why they might have left it out to make room for more songs. So even if you're only a casual fan of U2, you should see Rattle and Hum. It's powerful, entertaining, and interesting. It's a look back at a much younger U2 (you might even laugh at both Bono and The Edge's hair, and at Adam Clayton's birdlime strut on stage) and a good one at that. To quote Larry Mullen Jr., "It's a musical journey."
Rather tosh.
navajoknow20 May 2007
It's actually not quite as pretentious as generally believed - I was hoping this movie would make me want to punch Bono in the gut, though strangely, it never quite provokes an especially intense disgust.
In fact, I'm almost completely indifferent to everything the whole way through - except during the whole B.B. King event in which I'm laughing too hard to pay much attention. Though cringeworthy, (B.B. seems to be there against his will and Bono is essentially an idiot) it's definitely worth a rewind or two.
Another of the few highlights includes Larry Mullen Jr. talking about the Elvis Presley cinema experience. Wankery is scattered in between black and white live footage that takes up the majority of the movie. The performances are a mish-mash of sweat, swaggering and the same three notes played on repeat. If this tickles your fancy, you'll love the film! It's pretty awful, but it could have been a lot worse. Don't even consider watching it if you couldn't care less about U2. If you happen to like U2, grab a beer, watch the first 15 minutes and make up your mind.
In fact, I'm almost completely indifferent to everything the whole way through - except during the whole B.B. King event in which I'm laughing too hard to pay much attention. Though cringeworthy, (B.B. seems to be there against his will and Bono is essentially an idiot) it's definitely worth a rewind or two.
Another of the few highlights includes Larry Mullen Jr. talking about the Elvis Presley cinema experience. Wankery is scattered in between black and white live footage that takes up the majority of the movie. The performances are a mish-mash of sweat, swaggering and the same three notes played on repeat. If this tickles your fancy, you'll love the film! It's pretty awful, but it could have been a lot worse. Don't even consider watching it if you couldn't care less about U2. If you happen to like U2, grab a beer, watch the first 15 minutes and make up your mind.
a concert film featuring MUSIC, as opposed to interviews
THEOWLCAVE3 June 2003
I love this film, and have for years. Some were unhappy with the lack of documentary-like footage concerning who the band "really" are and such...but since it is described as a "concert" film, i got what i expected...footage of and about the formation of key songs and song adaptions. I never saw the film as self-congratulatory, and i think that's just a swipe by bashers of the band.......they (u2) just seemed to be enjoying themselves delving into the new musical forms they were discovering and paying homage to those forms. If you like music, see this dvd.
Miles better than its given credit for
dwalmsley9-214 October 2000
This film was over - hyped at the time of it's release in the USA - it was supposed to make the biggest band in the world even bigger. But rock documentaries (Spinal Tap excepted) rarely work. It's not like seeing a film with a story line. Nevertheless this is a supurb documentary of a supurb band. Filmed mostly in black and white, it suddenly turns to colour two thirds of the way through - and it's like seeing colour for the first time. It's also the momonet we see "Where the Streets Have No Name" played live. Wonderful. Get the video and play it loud with the bass turned up. You'll love it....
Sweet
guido anselmi17 March 2003
A must see for any U2 fan, which I am. From a filmmaking standpoint, the stark black and white photography provides an appropriately timeless quality. It's a concert film on an epic scope, and Bono and Co. are our great heroes. Might seem a little pretentious to some, but when you're U2 you have a right to a little egomania.
Stunning Documentary
mermaid13181019 July 2008
At first when I noticed this title on the cable menu, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I just didn't understand what it was. Was it a movie, a biography, what? I sat down to watch it after I had recorded it, expecting little.
This turned out to be the best documentary I've ever seen on a band. I've always loved U2 and their music, but this made me fall in love with them all over again. The live performances, beautifully filmed in black & white, were the BEST VERSIONS of some of the songs that I've ever heard. 'Bad,' 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' and the gospel version of 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' were raw and powerful.
But mostly what I enjoyed about this movie was that is was 99% music and little talk. The commentaries were short and the songs played all the way through. It was an intense two hours of nothing but great U2 music! I recommend this for any U2 fan, it will not disappoint!
This turned out to be the best documentary I've ever seen on a band. I've always loved U2 and their music, but this made me fall in love with them all over again. The live performances, beautifully filmed in black & white, were the BEST VERSIONS of some of the songs that I've ever heard. 'Bad,' 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' and the gospel version of 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' were raw and powerful.
But mostly what I enjoyed about this movie was that is was 99% music and little talk. The commentaries were short and the songs played all the way through. It was an intense two hours of nothing but great U2 music! I recommend this for any U2 fan, it will not disappoint!
One of the best Rockumentaries ever
Agent1029 April 2002
U2 is one of my favorite bands, and to see them at such a unique position in their history has always been a treasure. Before the huge tours, before the renown, and before the Super Bowl, seeing the band as a group of guys still trying to cope with their meteoric rise in popularity. Always a good film to watch, especially the beginning when they do a rendition of Helter Skelter. Some might say the black and white nature of the film makes it dated and old, it helps create a world before their ZOO TV years, where all the bright colors and electronic looping changed the band forever.
U2 goes America (DVD)
leplatypus27 February 2011
Actually, i read together all my books about this favorite band of mine. I change the book when i reach the same time-line, usually the release of the new album. By far, "U2 by U2" is the definitive book because it's the more complete and personal.
If i watch this DVD, it's because i have read all books until the "Joshua Tree" album. This is the moment when U2 becomes the number one band and this movie shows that they were worthy of it: i got a lot goose bumps here, despite i still don't know why music is the only experience to give me such.
R&H was the first U2 album i listened back in 1993 and the one that got me as their fan."VDL", "Desire", "Heartland", "AOH", "AIWIY" are terrific songs and "Bad", "RTS" live versions just touch a weak point. I find the black and white very warm here and when it turns to colors, it doesn't change things because it's about shadows and big white light.
It's true that U2 doesn't talk very much here and that they seem a bit dumb when they try but their music is so wonderful!
Now, with this reading, i understand two things that climaxes in this movie: first, U2 was rootless musically thus this "musical journey" (as Larry says it) was essential for them. Two, as an Irish band, they are strongly attracted by America and i think we can read their love songs as their unconscious feeling about this country (and maybe their celebrity, too!) Next stop "Zooropa" !
If i watch this DVD, it's because i have read all books until the "Joshua Tree" album. This is the moment when U2 becomes the number one band and this movie shows that they were worthy of it: i got a lot goose bumps here, despite i still don't know why music is the only experience to give me such.
R&H was the first U2 album i listened back in 1993 and the one that got me as their fan."VDL", "Desire", "Heartland", "AOH", "AIWIY" are terrific songs and "Bad", "RTS" live versions just touch a weak point. I find the black and white very warm here and when it turns to colors, it doesn't change things because it's about shadows and big white light.
It's true that U2 doesn't talk very much here and that they seem a bit dumb when they try but their music is so wonderful!
Now, with this reading, i understand two things that climaxes in this movie: first, U2 was rootless musically thus this "musical journey" (as Larry says it) was essential for them. Two, as an Irish band, they are strongly attracted by America and i think we can read their love songs as their unconscious feeling about this country (and maybe their celebrity, too!) Next stop "Zooropa" !
Documentary or vanity project?
moonspinner554 July 2001
Perhaps a bit of both... Turbulent Irish rock band U2 is followed into the recording studio where they lay down some new tracks, and then onto the stage where they wow VERY APPRECIATIVE audiences. All this business is broken up by a lot of self-conscious talk from band members less charismatic than they think they are. B.B. King's bit with the band is the standout moment--where the film actually has some musical lift--but much of the rest is (intentionally) gritty and grounded; this might be hypnotic for fans, but it's rather tough on the uninitiated. Filmed in both black-and-white and color, for that extra MTV-like kick. ** from ****
See the DVD
DannyBoy-171 September 2002
I knew little about U2 in the 80s. I was still a pre-teen, and I was probably listening to what my parents put on like Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, John Denver, Janis Joplin, and Willie Nelson. However, little by little, I grew to be a fan of theirs, probably especially after I first heard the song "Bad" on the radio as my parents drove me to college for my first year.
I bought the DVD of this on a total whim and was greatly rewarded. The opening sequence with "Helter Skelter" establishes a somewhat otherworldly yet gritty intensity for the b&w sequences. I agree that the film doesn't do a good job of getting at the personalities of the singers, and besides these guys are so used to the camera that they'd be able to manipulate the coverage anyway.
What Phil Joanou does get wonderfully is the passion for the music in these guys and how they inspire others: those moments when they stop and listen to the Harlem blues man singing "Freedom for My People" or the Gospel choir that takes flight with "Haven't Found what I'm Looking For" are something pure with a hint of magic. This is also well-played in the GORGEOUS transition to color in the Super Bowl-size stadium for "Streets Have No Name." You'd think Jesus himself was about to come on stage.
My only qualm: the music and lyrics themselves have enough social meaning of their own. Bono really doesn't need to interject much more on stage. Their performance of Bullet the Blue Sky gets at the social points with greater force, "Pelting the women and children/Pelting the women and children," than Bono's well-intentioned commentary. I give it four stars though because it hits all the right notes. PHIL, WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN YEARS?
I bought the DVD of this on a total whim and was greatly rewarded. The opening sequence with "Helter Skelter" establishes a somewhat otherworldly yet gritty intensity for the b&w sequences. I agree that the film doesn't do a good job of getting at the personalities of the singers, and besides these guys are so used to the camera that they'd be able to manipulate the coverage anyway.
What Phil Joanou does get wonderfully is the passion for the music in these guys and how they inspire others: those moments when they stop and listen to the Harlem blues man singing "Freedom for My People" or the Gospel choir that takes flight with "Haven't Found what I'm Looking For" are something pure with a hint of magic. This is also well-played in the GORGEOUS transition to color in the Super Bowl-size stadium for "Streets Have No Name." You'd think Jesus himself was about to come on stage.
My only qualm: the music and lyrics themselves have enough social meaning of their own. Bono really doesn't need to interject much more on stage. Their performance of Bullet the Blue Sky gets at the social points with greater force, "Pelting the women and children/Pelting the women and children," than Bono's well-intentioned commentary. I give it four stars though because it hits all the right notes. PHIL, WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN YEARS?
Great Movie!
Funkypizza200113 September 2001
I am a U2 fan, and when i saw this movie, i was amazed. It is a funny, and serious movie. The music in this movie is great other than anything else. All of the band members (Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry) look so young and great in this movie, especially Larry. I almost cried when Larry was talking about Elvis, and how he didn't like the fact that they burried him in the backyard. Larry is, hands down, gorgeous, but he never ages. I love the part of the whole movie when they were first being interviewed, it was so funny. A great moment to look for in this movie is when they are all sitting down in Tenessesse adoring the boats and The Edge falls and then Bono tells The Edge to go look around. That music playing in the backround is so nice. i give this movie *** out of *****
"It's a musical journey"
Murph-244 July 1999
Well, at first i wasn't too sure. The acting was a bit wooden, and the plot was almost negligible. But what a soundtrack! Excellent. Those boys from Ireland can really wail. I would have given it 10, but for the lack of actual story, so i ended up giving it 8.
Musical Bliss...
lasherxl14 September 2000
This is by far one of the best movies made about a band and how their music and performances have effected the mind of a culture, not to mention the social and political impacts of the their actions. Few bands have touched so many as U2 has, nor have as many bands inspired others to follow in their footsteps, by creating social change.
Songs like Pride in the Name of Love, about the assassinated political leader Martin Luther King Jr, and Sunday Bloody Sunday, about the slaughter that took place in Ireland, ring with heart and passion that not many performers could pull off these days. When I saw them live in 92' there was a stock footage tape played of MLK Jr. after they performed Pride in the Name of Love, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced at a live show. These experiences and moments shine through with brilliant imagery and sonic guitar rifts. You can't get much better than this as far as this genre is concerned.
Songs like Pride in the Name of Love, about the assassinated political leader Martin Luther King Jr, and Sunday Bloody Sunday, about the slaughter that took place in Ireland, ring with heart and passion that not many performers could pull off these days. When I saw them live in 92' there was a stock footage tape played of MLK Jr. after they performed Pride in the Name of Love, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced at a live show. These experiences and moments shine through with brilliant imagery and sonic guitar rifts. You can't get much better than this as far as this genre is concerned.
The DVD is outstanding.
walker-2418 January 2001
I received this picture on DVD for Christmas and have watched it a number of times already, the latest being last night. I am amazed each time and have started considering this as my musical demo disk. Both the sound and the picture is amazing. Although there are no spectacular effects with the sounds jumping from speaker to speaker, the 5.1 channels are used to create a flawless soundfield. The b/w portion of the film is so crisp that you can see individual beads of sweat rolling down Bono's neck and flying from his hair. The color portion of the video is somewhat grainy, but the colors are vivid, particularly the reds in "Where the Streets Have No Name."
Rattle and Hum has been criticized in the past as being pointless and arrogant (see Leonard Maltin, among others). I disagree. The Edge states in the film that it was meant to capture a feel of who the band was at that point in time (as "Under A Blood Red Sky" did earlier). This is certainly accomplished. It also shows a group who seems to have little love for the American establishment, trying to understand the music that has come from that country (hence the trips to Graceland, Memphis, and Harlem). The raw energy and emotion of the band also comes through loud and clear. If the high level of technical performance of this DVD doesn't knock your socks off, watch Bono sing "Sunday Bloody Sunday". It makes my spine tingle, every time.
Rattle and Hum has been criticized in the past as being pointless and arrogant (see Leonard Maltin, among others). I disagree. The Edge states in the film that it was meant to capture a feel of who the band was at that point in time (as "Under A Blood Red Sky" did earlier). This is certainly accomplished. It also shows a group who seems to have little love for the American establishment, trying to understand the music that has come from that country (hence the trips to Graceland, Memphis, and Harlem). The raw energy and emotion of the band also comes through loud and clear. If the high level of technical performance of this DVD doesn't knock your socks off, watch Bono sing "Sunday Bloody Sunday". It makes my spine tingle, every time.
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