When you think of the elevation of a band’s career, a band ready to give up and deter themselves from reaching the pinnacle, American act Green Day comes to mind. This collective of musicians did not pick the end, they picked the best route possible, and that was super-stardom.
Before Green Day hit their stride with their most daring record, they had not really been an act to consider anymore. They were coming off the disappointment of their previous record Warning, which in truth, was a lacklustre album at best. Come forward American Idiot which lit the scene in 2004 and gave Green Day a platform to become the biggest band in the world. A band that utilised power chords and energy, while blossoming into a sheer force.
20 Years Of American Idiot is their documented film that gives us an insight into the making of one of the most influential albums of this generation. Blemishes and all, the documentary highlights the band’s success story, their grips with newfound hope, and their powerful presence. The film takes us back to 2004/2005 when Green Day was designing this behemoth, and lead singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong was creating these politically inspired lyrics while building riffs that were modern and original.
Throughout the movie, there are performances that stretch back to 05. Billie Joe is a young pup, strutting along the stage, singing his heart out for the masses. Bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool also showcase their ingenuity. For the most part, the documentary follows a band that has found a new lease on life, a place where they feel at peace. Yes, Green Day peaked with 1994’s Dookie, but it’s American Idiot which struck hearts and minds.
At the beginning and throughout, the band now in their 50s, take us through some of the snapshots from the past. It is a revealing past, that is for sure, some of the best moments caught on camera. The band’s 2005 world tour is highlighted also, and a young My Chemical Romance make an appearance as a support slot. This must have been thrilling for a band that would go on to create a masterpiece in their own right.
A blitz of complete punk and intelligently woven stories melded together, American Idiot has been regarded as the last major success story for an act which was on the verge of collapsing, and you know what it has been a wonderful ride. This ride is showcased in this insightful documentary that depicts a legendary outfit playing in fields and stadiums beyond their wildest dreams.
American Idiot catapulted this unit into the echelons, and this documentary serves up snapshots, pieces of truth and information that is highly relevant for the fan and viewers who have an interest in punk and a crucial part of history.
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Verdict - 8/10
8/10