Songs for Cassavetes

NR 7.5
2001 1 hr 31 min Documentary , Music

In this documentary from director Justin Mitchell, the world of the U.S. indie-music scene of the 1980s and '90s is explored, specifically with regard to how it transcended clichés about where music was heading in that era. Taking its title from renowned independent cinema pioneer John Cassavetes, the black-and-white film takes a peek at several fringe bands of the period, including Sleater-Kinney, the Make-up, and the Hi-Fives, and their various attitudes toward the ever-changing business.

  • Cast:
    Carrie Brownstein

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Reviews

Grimerlana
2001/03/28

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

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Dotsthavesp
2001/03/29

I wanted to but couldn't!

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Freaktana
2001/03/30

A Major Disappointment

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Kaelan Mccaffrey
2001/03/31

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

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mysteryskeats
2001/04/01

I stumbled onto this movie the other morning when it played on the Sundance channel or IFC, can't remember which, and my curiosity was piqued immediately. Its rare enough to find anything interesting on the TV at 7 AM but this was a real treat. The film covers the indie/punk/garage scene of the 1990's, and apparently covers the west and northwest region of the u.s (although i could be wrong about the geography) and the small but highly charged group of musicians that play and record there. The film is really interesting because it illustrates the passion which drives young people to music, to create music and to carry their message to an audience that would never hear it otherwise. Songs for Cassavettes does a good job of providing artists with a platform from which they can express their views and ideas behind being a band and creating music. It is at some times painful to see the dedication of artists or Label entrepreneurs giving up their lives to support what they love, but at the same time you can see the value of what these guys are doing. I think if a film can influence what we listen to because of the opportunity it gives artists, and the respect it shows to its subject, then even if you don't like the music I think you should give it a chance anyway- you might learn something.

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winningwinning
2001/04/02

this is an excellent documentary. it's really unique to see footage of some amazing little-known (in some circles) bands from some years back. the henry's dress segment was fascinating. the film actually made me appreciate further for the first time. the make up was as superb as ever. some velvet & sidewalk also stood out in my mind. and the over-all feel of the film was captivating. movies like this only come along once every 10 years or so (if we're lucky). many thanks to the director for providing us with some insight to a time in music that may be criminally over-looked one day, if it isn't already. if you get a chance to see this, see it!

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Motorcycle_Enthusiast
2001/04/03

yeah, this would be cool if the people weren't so whiny, Ian Svenonious wasn't such a jackass, and they didn't choose bands that didn't...umm, suck. whatever I dug it man. as for sound, I've heard worse, it isn't the who or something like that, but it works. eh, solid.

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rubinow
2001/04/04

I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. It seems to be one of the only living records of the early '90s indie scene. My only complaint is that the sound quality was pretty horrible. It's really a dis-service to the bands. For someone who knows the music, it's not too bad, but anyone who is new to this music is going to have a hard time tapping their toes.

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