Maybe the saddest thing about A Mighty Wind

Maybe the saddest thing about A Mighty Wind is that it is unlikely to spark a folk revival, because none of these folk bands are real. It is a pity that there isn’t a six album back catalogue of the Folksmen or Mitch And Mickey to follow up on. Just as every second the film cuts from the music you feel disappointed, the lack of real context beyond the expert amount done in the film feels like a real loss. The histories and stories in the film however are so well pieced together that it is very hard not to get involved with these characters.

Niceness is an insult, but if there was ever a film which could be called nice it is this. Only occasionally laugh out loud funny, it is still tremendous fun. Lacking the condescension that provided what there was as edge in Waiting For Guffman and Best In Show, A Mighty Wind is happier to be affectionate. Which, coupled with some absolutely great songs, it is. Stand out in particular is co-writer Eugene Levy, who finally throws off his geeky dad persona for something even more whacked out. The performance with Catherine O’Hara as Mitch And Mickey is really touching. And the song is great.

So the question is, why doesn’t Guest write a musical?

Pete Baran in Do You See • 463 views • Share/Save