Shut Up and Sing
SHUT UP AND SING: DON’T CHANGE THAT TUNE
There are moments when I go see a movie so good that it makes me realize why I love movies. I like a lot of movies but it is rare that one will make me realize why I am there to begin with. Shut Up and Sing is one of those movies. It is a documentary about three women: Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Robison. Otherwise known as The Dixie Chicks. This is a documentary about The Chicks and the fallout that followed a now infamous comment made my Maines about President Bush. If you aren’t a liberal or at least lean toward liberal views, this is probably not the film for you. It shows these girls as relatable and endearing fighters. It is also a sad commentary on censorship in the United States and that we aren’t as advanced as we like to think we are.
It is March of 2003. It is the Eve of the U.S. invasion on Iraq. The Dixie Chicks kickoff their Top of the World tour in London Shepherd’s Bush Empire. During the concert Natalie says, “We are ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.” Once the press gets wind of her statement, The Chicks’ world crumbles before them. They are banned from country music. Their CDs are burned by fans and radio stations. Their album falls off the charts. Their climb back to the top is long and hard. Throughout it all, the girls take a stance on what was said and don’t back down.
This film is not just a story about one of the most popular girl bands of all time. It is also a commentary on free speech and that it isn’t so free. These girls are used as examples of what happens when you speak your mind. It shows how mind boggling the ignorance is in this day and age. The band is just three girls who love to play music and speak their minds. They are just like everyone else. This doesn’t hold truer than us witnessing Emily in labor with her twins. Martie and Natalie are in the room with her and they are reading gossip magazines. The only difference is they are in the magazines. Another aspect is that you only see the negative press on The Chicks during this time. At a concert in Greenville, South Carolina, you see the news covering the outside where the protesters are and only interviewing those fans who oppose them. You go inside the concert and the band is getting a standing ovation. When Natalie gets a death threat and she sees a picture of the suspect, she says he’s cute but still calls her psychic to see if anything is going to happen to her. She’s tough but vulnerable at the same time. The transition of the fallout to them recording their new album in response to the reaction shows the integrity of these ladies and what a united team they are. As they get stronger and come back with a vengeance, Bush’s approval ratings are shown dropping. Vindication, anyone?
The movie definitely is geared towards liberalists and those who oppose Bush and his decisions. That is the film’s only flaw. You don’t see both sides of the coin. You only see conservatives who are evil with no gray area. It would have only made the film’s case stronger to have both sides.
Shut Up and Sing is mostly for the liberals. It is a thoroughly enjoyable look at the music industry and that it is a cutthroat business. But artistic integrity can prevail. If only the film had been able to capture the band winning five Grammys at the 49th award show for the album they recorded during filming.
Report Card:
Story-A
Acting-N/A
Visuals-A
Originality/Innovation-B
Enjoyability Grade–A+
Overall Grade-A-
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