The solid cast and captivating story made this depiction of Woodstock a blockbuster.
Rhea recommends this historical-fiction trip down memory lane to Woodstock. ★★★★★
Director Ang Lee takes the story of Elliot Teichberg (Demetri Martin, Paper Hearts), the man who made the historical music festival possible, and shines light on the backstage scene and creation of Woodstock that the original movie excluded. With a comedic twist and a certain nostalgic feel, the film had the “Baby Boomers” in the audience reminiscing about the 1960s while the younger ones cultivated a deeper understanding for the people surrounding the event.
Accurately following Teichberg’s story, Martin was in almost every scene. As a young interior designer living in New York City, Teichberg moves home to upstate New York’s community of Bethel to assist his parents in revamping their ramshackle motel. When he learns of the nearby town Wallkill denying a rock concert he elects to hold the production in his own venue: the motel grounds. Already experienced in musical festivals – ironically with just an outdoor record player and group of local fans – and being the head of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, he conveniently has a permit. An impromptu decision to bring forth more business for the motel helped make musical history.
Realizing the property would not adequately facilitate a large stage and seating arrangements for the copious crowd, Teichberg involves neighboring dairy farmer Max Yasgur (Eugene Levy, Best in Show). The large fields and rolling hills seem like heaven for concert organizer Michael Lang (Jonathan Groff, Pretty/Handsome).
The film goes on to tell of the extreme dissatisfaction of the local people worried about the hordes of young hippies entering their town from every direction. But as the story progresses the town’s worries dissolve into the main point: peace and love.
Lee did a superb job of avoiding a rough remix of the documentary Woodstock. Some noteworthy individuals from the original are portrayed in Taking Woodstock, but never is a musical act on screen, only in the backdrop of a few scenes. The film features footage so beautifully transformed to seem vintage, that it convinced the audience members, including myself, they were watching scenes straight out of the 1970 documentary.
The rock concert that went on to define a generation forever, featured many legendary acts such as The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead – only to name a few. But if audiences are looking to watch a depiction of the pivotal moments in rock history, Taking Woodstock will disappoint.
With that said, the importance of Teichburg’s work, as the man behind the curtain, is as entertaining to watch as any. The intricate look into his character’s mind leads the audience down a path to understanding the particular culture enveloping the small town of Bethel. As an introverted homosexual, Teichburg releases his pent up energy with the help of half a million flower children and beautiful music.
Another character fully engulfed in the musical movement is Teichburg’s childhood friend Bobby (Emile Hirsch, Into the Wild). A Vietnam War veteran with extreme Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome seems to liberate himself of the crude memories of war during the three days of peace. He is a sensible, historical-fiction character, as many veterans attended the concert in search for what they had been missing overseas. The scene featuring Bobby and Teichburg enjoying the great abyss of mud, formerly the green, grassy fields, was an emotional moment. The joyous expression, even through the splatters of wet dirt, was so wonderfully presented by Hirsch it made my heart melt. The freedom of self felt convincingly real, satisfying and plain old happy.
Taking Woodstock fully engaged the audience, immersing them in the whirlwind of the three-day epic concert. The elements of a memorable movie are all present and topped off with a comedy-enriched plot and cast. The film is sure to be a success.
★★★★★
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