 | | “Awesome, I Fuckin’ Shot That!” – The Beastie Boys |
The first thing to say about this latest concert film from The Beastie Boys is that it more than lived up to the expectations of die-hard Beasties Fans.
Directed by Adam Yauch (MCA from the group) it was an exceptional example of an artist setting out to capture a certain theme or style, and getting it so perfectly right.
The idea of "Awesome" was conceived by Yauch to accurately portray what fans of the group experience as audience members at one of their concerts, and it certainly did that. Yauchs deliberate use of low definition cameras to create a grainy and unclean finish, was at first a little distracting, however it soon became the aspect that really made you feel like you where at the show. Unlike other concert films where the production has been so perfect and precise and clean, that you lose the actual feel of the event.
Recorded at Madison Square Gardens in New York, by no less than 61 cameras, it really gave an all round, upside down, inside out view of one the greatest Hip Hop groups of all time doing what they do best, enthralling a crowd. Added to this, the fact that 50 of the 61 cameras where held by die hard fans of the group strategically placed in and around the audience, made for an experience that at times could quite possibly have been better than the live performance itself (although a live Beastie Boys concert is pretty hard to beat).
As with all Beasties concerts, the boys know what their audience wants, and never fail to deliver. In an industry where too many big acts only play their latest hits at their concerts, The Beasties always deliver an excellent mix of old and new favorites. Always tizzied up a bit to so that know matter how well you know the track, you still find yourself saying "HOLY SHIT, that is so cool". Mix-Master Mike is often the major component in achieving that, still you can't go past the guys when it comes to being able to just let it flow (pardon the pun) in such a way that it always seems fresh and eye-popping.
As always, the boys had with them a few regular additions to the group that they perform with. The pick of these being Mix-Master Mike on the decks and Money Mark on keyboards. Since replacing DJ Hurricane as the groups turntablist early on in the scene, Mike as been an unmistakable sound and display that accompanies the Beasties style so well that he has practically become a Beastie Boy himself. Although a major superstar himself in the turntablism scene (he is 3 times straight, World DJ Champion who bowed out undefeated from competition at the request of organizers) it's when combined with the boys that he really finds his niche.
Money Mark on Keyboards was a sight to behold. His energy and antics behind his instrument sometimes bordered on gymnastics, including a handstand on the keyboard he managed to pull off while playing.
A not so regular appearance by Beat Box Extraordinaire Doug E. Fresh ("The Worlds Greatest Entertainer") was a highlight viewers are unlikely to forget any time soon. The incredible talent of his vocal ability teamed with the boys sharp popping style saw a moment that hip hop fans will talk about for quite a long time.
With Yauch being no newcomer to the directors role (always a keen director of the groups video clips) it was little surprising to experience what at times seemed to be the overuse of visual film effects. It's not that he was going for an art house feel and pushed it a little too far, it seemed more like a year 11 high school class had just worked out the effects functions on the editing desk and didn't have the experience to know when enough was enough. Being as this was the only fault I could find with this production, full credit must go to Yauch for being able to produce perhaps the best concert film to date, and on his first go too.
The film had many laugh out loud moments as well as many stare at the screen in disbelief moments. None of which I'm going to mention here as the surprise of these moments really added to the whole experience.
A mammoth production effort by Yauch and his team of editors was required to produce this film over a year and a half period. With close to 100 hours of vision from the cameras to collate, study and then choose from, it's easy to understand why.
For people who "don't mind" the Beasties, it may not be a DVD they want to add to their collection, due to the unclean finish of the film and the way the concert is designed for their fans who know all their stuff. For "big fans" of the group, this DVD is a must for the collection, as it is designed to be "The Beastie Boys Concert you're at when you're not at a Beastie Boys concert", and definitely lives up to its intention.
- Doug Phillips | 2006-07-19
