Taking Woodstock

January 13, 2011

Taking Woodstock

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011 OK, it’s not about the music. It’s about the backstage logistical, legal, social and personal obstacles that Bethel, NY, town president Elliot Teichberg (Demetri Martin) had to overcome to bring this generation-defining concert to his town. Make that “background,” as “backstage” implies actually hearing some music. A problem […]

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011

Taking Woodstock: ©2009 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved

OK, it’s not about the music. It’s about the backstage logistical, legal, social and personal obstacles that Bethel, NY, town president Elliot Teichberg (Demetri Martin) had to overcome to bring this generation-defining concert to his town. Make that “background,” as “backstage” implies actually hearing some music. A problem is that while Martin is a gifted comic, his screen presence is close to zero. But wait’ll you get a load of Liev Schreiber! This gentle film by Ang Lee is fresh and fun and, well, gets it. Man. Strong advice: first rent Michael Wadleigh’s great 1970 Woodstock concert doc.