Shut Up & Sing (B- or 3/4 stars)
'Shut Up & Sing' is a documentary directed by Barbara Kopple & Cecilia Peck. In 2003, The Dixie Chicks were on top of the world (musically). But the group (Natalie Maines, in particular) did not like the fact that President Bush had recently invaded Iraq. Angry that the U.S. needn't be in a war, and venting her frustrations to a small crowd in Europe (being 'ashamed' that she was from the same state as Bush), Maines sparked a new kind of war. But this one pitted her against her nation, the country music industry, & all other media. It's quite interesting to see that if you are a celebrity, it seems you're never unheard.
Maines' off-the-cuff statement ignited a frenzy back in the states. Celebrities, fans, radio stations, TV programs, & right-wing political organizations attacked 'The Chicks' when all she thought she was doing was expressing a genuine opinion; she wasn't directly hurting anyone. God forbid anyone (including a celebrity) say something that isn't in the President's favor. And even if we look in hindsight (when Bush's approval ratings were actually, you know ... high), I still feel her comments were warranted within the time, place, and context of delivery.
The film basically shadows the band over a period of 3 yrs. & how they dealt with all of the media turmoil that brought their once blossoming career to a screeching halt. We witness colloquial discussions with their families and managers. We see Emily's ranch & experience her pregnancy, etc. It shows that life went on with the Chicks. But the weight of the controversy which stunted their careers was always present. They were nervous about their future. But Maines & her group refused to eventually give-in to all media forms and officially apologize for 'what was said'. They were sorry that it happened and they were certainly sorry for the repercussions, but The Dixie Chicks stood by each other & weathered the storm to inch back near the top.
If you want to know what can happen to you when cameras are rolling, watch this documentary. But I have to say, I neither loved nor disliked The Dixie Chicks music before the controversy or even now. In other words, practice what you preach, Shut Up & Sing. Some of their post-controversy music is fine, but the documentary is at its strongest when it deals with how they cope with their bleak situation.
I'm not a big fan of Natalie Maines. She apologized when it deemed fit to; and she didn't apologize when she was in the presence of supporters. She went through a tough time, but she wasn't always smart about it. I think she did go back & forth on her beliefs throughout the film, but I certainly wouldn't crucify her for what she said. But again, that's also because it's not 2003 anymore, and I never was a fan of Bush anyway. The Chicks fought long and hard to keep their integrity; so in that much, their struggle is inspiring. It's amazing how in today's age of technology, celebrity media, & political climate ... free speech is anything but free.
Maines' off-the-cuff statement ignited a frenzy back in the states. Celebrities, fans, radio stations, TV programs, & right-wing political organizations attacked 'The Chicks' when all she thought she was doing was expressing a genuine opinion; she wasn't directly hurting anyone. God forbid anyone (including a celebrity) say something that isn't in the President's favor. And even if we look in hindsight (when Bush's approval ratings were actually, you know ... high), I still feel her comments were warranted within the time, place, and context of delivery.
The film basically shadows the band over a period of 3 yrs. & how they dealt with all of the media turmoil that brought their once blossoming career to a screeching halt. We witness colloquial discussions with their families and managers. We see Emily's ranch & experience her pregnancy, etc. It shows that life went on with the Chicks. But the weight of the controversy which stunted their careers was always present. They were nervous about their future. But Maines & her group refused to eventually give-in to all media forms and officially apologize for 'what was said'. They were sorry that it happened and they were certainly sorry for the repercussions, but The Dixie Chicks stood by each other & weathered the storm to inch back near the top.
If you want to know what can happen to you when cameras are rolling, watch this documentary. But I have to say, I neither loved nor disliked The Dixie Chicks music before the controversy or even now. In other words, practice what you preach, Shut Up & Sing. Some of their post-controversy music is fine, but the documentary is at its strongest when it deals with how they cope with their bleak situation.
I'm not a big fan of Natalie Maines. She apologized when it deemed fit to; and she didn't apologize when she was in the presence of supporters. She went through a tough time, but she wasn't always smart about it. I think she did go back & forth on her beliefs throughout the film, but I certainly wouldn't crucify her for what she said. But again, that's also because it's not 2003 anymore, and I never was a fan of Bush anyway. The Chicks fought long and hard to keep their integrity; so in that much, their struggle is inspiring. It's amazing how in today's age of technology, celebrity media, & political climate ... free speech is anything but free.