U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)

Just got the Blu Ray and watched this again after a long time.

I think it's interesting because you see the seeds being planted for the U2 that became what it is today. And, while watching the movie, you basically see the band say good-bye to what they were.

I don't know that it works entirely because it's trying to be both a documentary and a concert film. And you really can't be both without sacrificing depth. You get great songs mixed in with some so-so numbers (Though, thank you so very much for not including God Part 2) and a whole bunch of genuinely irrelevant documentary footage.

I don't know how that trip to Graceland played in 1988. But it comes off as remarkably cheesy now. Particularly when Larry Mullen starts getting misty.

Still... It's an enjoyable experience. Phil Joanou was thinking big and, as such, the concert footage is exciting and vibrant.

And genuine.

The much criticized performance of Sunday Bloody Sunday is actually a highlight of the film. You don't get the sense that Bono is preaching (though he is) because there's a raw honesty to the moment. When he shouts "fuck the revolution!" you get the sense that he means it. And I respect a preachy attitude when it comes from the heart. This is something that affects him. It's not the manipulative schmaltz-fest of bringing the Chilean mothers out on the stage in Santiago to ask for Pinochet to give the disappeared children a proper burial.

So... Love the concert. And find myself wanting to fast forward through the documentary to get to the good stuff.

One exception: The Edge and his wonderful Van Diemen's Land performance. Not concert footage, five minutes in... And my favorite moment in the film.

That's Silver And Gold, right Phil? And you're spot on. It's truly a not very good song.

The only good songs from the Rattle and Hum album that aren't reinterpretations of hits are: Hawkmoon 269 and All I Want Is You.

And it's very telling that the latter is a holdover from The Joshua Tree and the former a precursor to Achtung Baby!

When you say you hated "this phase", are you referring to The Joshua Tree as well? Or do you mean that "Americana" transitional period between Joshua and Achtung.

I think Edge has a great singing voice. Wish he'd do it more often. When I saw them in Chile during the Popmart tour, he did a solo, acoustic version of Sunday Bloody Sunday that made me weep like a little girl.

I love Van Diemen's Land. It's my favorite song on the album (my previous post where I say "the only good songs" is inaccurate... I meant "the standout songs") I keep bugging these friends of mine in a U2 tribute band to let me go on stage one night and do it. They have a show this weekend. Perhaps.... Perhaps...

You're referring to Bono basically making fun of himself throughout the Zooropa tour, right?

Oh absolutely. The Edge was a huge influence on my band's guitarist and, to this day, she always has to throw in a little delay here and there to feel satisfied. It's driving her crazy now that she's in a Goth metal band and can't really find an approach to using it that is comfortable.

That's what I meant. I said Zooropa tour. It's a Freudian slip. Because, I know that they toured to promote an "album" called Zooropa. But I've always disliked that album. It doesn't gel as an album. It feels like B-Sides from Achtung Baby! thrown together in the pretense of making an album.

Lemon is particularly insufferable. Though it ended up growing on me over time.

Totally agree with you. I've come to really love it over time. And I always sing along when it comes on.

My appreciation of it, in fact, made me kind of dislike its rather off-the-cuff presentation in the film. As opposed to how it sounds on the album. And in the obnoxious video where Bono displays his hairy chest so we can all get hard-ons.

The thing is... The sequence is actually kind of funny and entertaining at first. The moment when Bono is trying to convince the tour guide to let Larry sit on the Harley is cute. And you get the sense that the sequence is meant as a wink. Here's your rock idols having some fun.... Then, they cut to Larry moping about Elvis' grave and I have no doubt that he meant every word. But it still comes off as schmaltzy as hell and inappropriate.

Sigged Phil. Couldn't help myself.