While most concert documentaries take on the standard approach of a mix of on-stage footage and a collection of interviews, as well as the occasional back-stage peek, some break the mold. We highlighted our 20 favorites last year and one that would certainly be added to the collection is Mistaken for Strangers, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival last year and finally rides into theaters and VOD next month. Tracking Brooklyn-based, Ohio-born band The National, the film is directed by Tom Berninger (brother of frontman Matt), and chronicles the tour for their album High Violet in an unexpected way.
One of our early favorites of the year, I said in my review, that “for fans and newcomers alike, Mistaken For Strangers is a raw, unembellished look at not only one of music’s rising bands, but of the creative process in general. Exemplified in early footage of their humble beginnings (with concerts sometimes not featuring a single audience member), Tom Berninger harnesses in on the theme of growth and the long road it takes to achieve something substantial — whether you are a now-famous musical act or siblings that have formed a renewed bond. ”
We’ve now got the first trailer and poster, which can be seen below, along with their recent 2.5-hour performance at Sydney Opera House, as well as Vincent Moon‘s 2008 documentary on the band, A Skin, A Night.
Mistaken for Strangers hits VOD and theaters on March 28th.
Is The National among your favorite bands? Are you looking forward to the documentary?