Before viewing the fabulous documentary “Shut and Sing” I knew very little about the Dixie Chicks, except that they're an all girl American country band – boring- with a stupid twee name, big teeth, blonde hair, and that they said something controversial about president GW on the eve of the Iraq war…
Written and directed by two time academy award winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple, the documentary travels with the Dixie Chicks from 2003, when lead singer Natalie Maines made the infamous remark, to 2006 when the girls released their 3rd album to great success.
During the three years the band came under political attack and endured death threats from irate Middle America. Their music was banned and their CD's burnt and all the while the chicks continued creating music and babies and had the graciousness to allow us, the audience, a fascinating glimpse into the hypocrisy and stupidity clouding America.
I love fly on the wall film making… yes I am a huge voyeur at heart, aren't we all… But this kind of filmmaking only works if you have a charismatic, interesting subject and an astute filmmaker who knows how to create a cohesive, drama filled story that makes you care.
Barbara Kopple has excelled!
The film has just the right balance of music and talk and is in no way too earnest. The girls are definitely not out to prove themselves which was so refreshing. I never felt like I was being sold something.
On entering the cinema, I thought, I hope this is not too long! Wow, be careful for what you wish for, because my only negative comments about this insightful, funny and brilliant documentary is that it could have been longer! I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to the chicks.
It is the astonishing candidness of the woman, especially Maines that makes this an exciting watch. They are totally authentic and stand firm with their beliefs.
To watch the Dixie Chicks create music out of all of this craziness was really a treat! Yep, I'm now a fan….
For me this is a near perfect documentary experience. It left me inspired, enlightened and tapping my feet… I'm giving it 4.5 stars.
