At times this documentary is crushingly sad and the equally the same with joy. It bursts with emotion. One might think that a film about a chorus of senior citizens singing punk tunes would be cute, but that's not this film. Under the direction of Bob Cilman, this is a serious group. Stephen Walker's film is a concert film, behind-the-scenes doc, and a character study all rolled into one.
Subtly we see that Cilman doesn't view what he is doing as community service. The chorus isn't a retirement center activity slotted in before bingo and arts & crafts. His ironic choice of songs and interesting arrangements is genius. I will never look at The Ramone's "I Want to be Sedated" in the same way again. The chorus members view him as a taskmaster, but not once during the doc do you hear any of them complain. They don't always agree with him, but they know that he is challenging them and treats them like any other performer. In this he gives them such respect.
Emerging from this celebration of song and life are a few personalities. Joe Benoit is described by Cilman at one point as "the nicest guy you'd ever want to know" and that currently sums him up. While undergoing chemo, he still made every practice and accompanied the group on a tour of Europe. He does so with an inspiring positive attitude and infectious smile. Eileen Hall is the oldest person in the chorus and a pistol as they say. She flirts with the filmmakers and adds her own brand of British sass to renditions of The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go." Fred Knittle, the man with a joke for every moment, was a longtime member who had to drop out when he developed congested heart disease. Cilman asks him back for one more show and his deep soulful voice is perfect for a touching take on a Coldplay tune. Steve Martin is nearly 80, but he's got a girlfriend and drives a convertible. Stan Goldman has trouble with lyrics and has been known to drift off during a performance, but he certainly makes things entertaining. His duet of "I Feel Good" with feisty Dora Morrow is a highlight.
The film follows the group as they prepare for their yearly concert in Northampton, Massachusetts. It's fascinating to watch Cilman try out songs with the group and work with them to see which new tunes will be featured in the new lineup. His choice of Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia" is not a popular choice for the members, but when he wants to drop it, they won't let go of the challenge. Cilman picks tunes that are ironic coming from a group whose medium age is 80, but does not pick songs that disrespect them. They are not props, but dedicated performers. Their age and vitality is inspiring and moving. The songs take on new life in the mouths of these veteran pros. You might laugh at them, but it's never because they are silly, it's because they are human and having a great time on stage. One of the highlights of the film is a warm up performance at a prison. The smiles on the inmates' faces say it all.
As might be expected from such a group, members pass during the film. It's hard on the performers and hard on the viewer, who has come to respect them and their dedication. We miss them as people and performers. But these are professionals and the show must go on. They learn of one death on the way to a performance and they go out and sing. That's what the group, and this film, is all about.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
