David Byrne's American Utopia

Spike Lee documents the wildly popular Broadway show from legend David Byrne, blending music, dance and spoken word alongside classics from Talking Heads.

In his Broadway show American Utopia, former Talking Heads lead and beloved renaissance man David Byrne uses contemporary dance, spoken reflections, works by James Baldwin and Janelle Monáe, alongside Talking Heads classics (expect Once in a Lifetime, Burning Down the House and Road to Nowhere) to reflect on human nature. It asks how we can work together to make our time on this planet more just, equitable, and righteous.  

Byrne is joined by an ensemble of musicians in constant motion on a minimalist stage, and director Spike Lee shifts perspectives between performers and audience – transforming American Utopia from a typical concert documentary to an immersive, dynamic experience. As the show unfolds with intimacy and urgency, it calls for anti-fascism and anti-racism, and ultimately a hopeful vision for unity and civic engagement.

Programme Type: Film

Strand Type: Monthly Music Mondays

Director: Spike Lee

Cast: David Byrne

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 106 minutes