I have heard a few songs by The Band, but I am certainly not a fan, so it would seem that "The Last Waltz" would be a hard-sell to me but it was not. First, I found I enjoyed most of the music throughout the film--especially since I like rock 'n blues (and there is a strong blues/rock as well as country rhythm to the songs). How can you complain when you get to hear the likes of Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Eric Clapton and many, many others performing with The Band. Second, and much more importantly, I was very, very impressed with the quality of the film work. This was NOT a typical concert film where they simply stick up a camera and record the performances. To know more about this, watch the DVD extra for "The Last Waltz"--"Revisiting The Last Waltz". In this documentary, Robbie Robertson (from The Band) and Martin Scorsese talk about how they made the film--and it was really impressive. Instead of just stationing guys with cameras, EVERYTHING was meticulously planned and the camera angles and techniques show it. In addition to the live concert footage (which is the best I've seen), you have a few numbers that were done very well in the studio as well as interesting interviews. All in all, it's the total package--a very impressive and exceptionally well made film. While the music might not be to your liking, you can't help but admire excellent film making.
144 Reviews
Take a load off, Annie.
movibuf19622 January 2005
Either I'm getting older or the world's getting younger, but when a rock concert documentary film airs on TCM, there should be some sort of pause for a reality check. In a salute to WALTZ'S director Martin Scorsese, the film aired on TCM over the New Year's weekend. I hadn't seen it or thought about it in 25 years. And all I can say is that it hasn't lost any of its power. (And this from someone who's never been to a live rock concert.) The stars of the film- the all-purpose backup and touring band called 'The Band-' give a simple but enlightening insight to the mechanics of their 16 years on the road and how their Thanksgiving Day final concert in San Francisco turned into a revival-like celebration. Even though I grew up on jazz music more so than rock, I can fully appreciate The Band's intense, immense music background- influenced by everything from blues to country to folk music. As for the concert itself you have the likes of Neil Young, Ron Wood, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Dr. John (who gives a standout, honky-tonk performance of "Such A Night,") kickin' it on stage before it's all over. And if these live performances weren't enough, there are additional performances done on a sound stage with artists that weren't part of the live show woven into the 117-minute film: a fabulous folk/gospel jam session of the song "The Weight" teamed with the Staples Singers (lead by Mavis Staples, who sounds very Gladys Knight-like) and about thirty minutes later shifting gears into the lovely folk ballad "Evangeline," replete with fiddle, mandolin, and acoustic guitar from Emmylou Harris. Also cool is Muddy Waters bluesing on "Ain't that a Man," and the finale with all the artists of "I Shall Be Released." You just might be.
raw onstage performances
ferguson-630 April 2002
Greetings again from the darkness. I had not seen "The Last Waltz" since 1978 when I saw it at the college campus theatre with the worst possible picture and sound. At the time I thought it was OK and slightly interesting to see the list of guest performers. The 2002 re-release is FANTASTIC. The enhanced visual and audio are wonderful. Watching Muddy Waters quiver with emotion, Eric Clapton's fingers flying across the neck of his guitar while Robbie Robertson struggles to keep up, and Neil Diamond on the cusp of his "middle-aged women/all arena two decade tour" trying desperately to fit in with the real musicians all make this worth the price of admission. What a joy to see Neil Young (with Joni Mitchell on backup) play "Helpless" and seem to be having such a great time. While all the anger now Neil? This may be the last time Bob Dylan actually sang his songs. Now he just whines nasally. The real showstopper is Van Morrison belting out "Caravan" unlike any other. Watch for all of the onstage dynamics of an unrehearsed concert. Quite a difference from 'n Sync!! My favorite part is watching Robbie Robertson manuever for maximum camera time. He has always been the male Streisand ... desperate for privacy, but the ultimate promoter. Watching Scorcese interview Robertson at the beginning is very insightful. Robertson constants wants him to "ask that one again" so he can provide a "better" answer. Just a mesmerizing couple of hours that is well worth your time even if you never really understood "The Weight".
Out of the Shadow of Woodstock
LeoneVsScorsese2 November 2003
Martin Scorsese's documentary has been labelled a time capsule of an era, and whilst this type of reference usually sounds overstated, there is no doubting the accomplishment of this film as an event. Many use the documentary 'Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music' as the ultimate example of a music-doco, but whilst the music in The Last Waltz is actually on par with the great performances of Woodstock (bar Jimi Hendrix[there's no substitute]), the thing which elevates The Last Waltz is the photography.
This was the first music doco to be shot on 35mm and watching the concert, you'd think that each performance was carefully choregraphed over a few weeks of shooting rather than over one night. Special thanks must be given to Cinematogrpaher Michael Chapman for his efforts on this film. The look of the film is what elevates it's overall appeal, because the music was always going to be epic, especially with the cavalcade of great names performing. This is just great filmmaking from contemporary cinema's most accomplished filmmaker. And how about that haunting theme that both starts and ends the film. Just great.
This was the first music doco to be shot on 35mm and watching the concert, you'd think that each performance was carefully choregraphed over a few weeks of shooting rather than over one night. Special thanks must be given to Cinematogrpaher Michael Chapman for his efforts on this film. The look of the film is what elevates it's overall appeal, because the music was always going to be epic, especially with the cavalcade of great names performing. This is just great filmmaking from contemporary cinema's most accomplished filmmaker. And how about that haunting theme that both starts and ends the film. Just great.
One of ulimate concert films of all time.
LJMTitle12 February 2003
You don't have to be a die-hard fan of The Band to appreciate this concert film. Martin Scorsese turns this farewell performance into a lasting tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time, and to many of their contemporaries as well. The guest performer list for this show reads like a veritable who's who of Rock and Roll history, with performances by Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, to name but a few. Even if you weren't born yet, or were too young to remember these artists in their heyday, this film will educate you as to what all the fuss was about. And believe me, the fuss was well deserved.
Time Only Makes Me Miss Them More
Hitchcoc4 October 2001
I believe this to be the best concert film ever. To start with,it's a series of wonderful performances from people like Ronnie Hawkins, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, shown through masterful lighting and the keen eye of Martin Scorsese. Then there is The Band. This is a group that embraces the world of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, rock and roll; has connections with Dylan; and are masters in performance. They are incredible musicians and arrangers who fill the spaces between guest performances with their outstanding work. One of the highlights comes away from the actual concert--that is Emmylou Harris doing a rendition of Evangeline with the Band in the background, featuring Levon Helm "harmonizing," shot in a cold kind of lighting, mysterious and a contrast to the festive being of the concert. It fades off and the applause comes up. It is quite eerie.
I really enjoyed Neil Young--his manic presence and the haunting voice on Helpless. I can't wait to get this on DVD. I strongly urge people to see this. If you don't like some of the single performances, stay for the ride.
I really enjoyed Neil Young--his manic presence and the haunting voice on Helpless. I can't wait to get this on DVD. I strongly urge people to see this. If you don't like some of the single performances, stay for the ride.
Life-Changing
fiore52114 December 2004
If you're not completely in love with The Band before watching this movie, you certainly will be after. This is one of those life-changing-you-laugh-you-cry-you-can't-stop-thinking-about-it kind of movies. The music is unbelievable and the interviews are entertaining at the least. It's more personal than Woodstock and, in my opinion, the music is infinitely better than any other rock documentary made to date. Apart from the intensely talented men of The Band, musical greats like Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and (of course) Bob Dylan play some unforgettable performances. Do yourself a favor and watch it. It's a concert performed by inspiring, talented musicians; it's what we all need in this time of musical uncertainty.
Cinema Verite- Scorsese style that will appease fans and non-fans
Quinoa198424 July 2000
Martin Scorsee shows here that he can do a documentary with vigor, observance in the eye, and by letting the performers speak for themselves more than anything. By showing the final concert of the band called The Band, he ends up going further with funny and insightful interviews, not to mention a riveting bit of business on a sound stage. Very intriguing, especially as I have become more familiar with the songs and performers. Note the photography- this type of style used two years later in the boxing sequences in Raging Bull (staying with the stage, practically not cutting to the audience). Great talent includes Van Morrison, Dr. John, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters (perhaps the best), Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Only minor liability is that the performances may seem to slug for some, but this is more of a subjective thing, depending on how much you think the performers are putting in. It's definitely a bang worth the buck. A+
Scorsese's White Powder Fantasy
christopherleary25 October 2003
Being a huge fan of the band one might expect that I would also be a big fan of this movie. This is certainly not the case.
The idea of the Band in my opinion was for them to be a band with five equal members. Mr. Marty Scorsese obviously didn't think so. He must have been under the impression that the Band was a star vehicle for Robbie Robertson, like history has written, and not the group of equal musicians that slowly waltzed out of Big Pink.
Like Levon Helm said in his book the band was based on the heart and soul of Richard Manuel, the genius of Garth Hudson, the songwriting of robbie robertson, the hopping rythm of Rick Danko's bass, all pulled together by the tight rythms of Levon and Richard. On top of all that the three best vocalists in rock music, none of which are robbie robertson.
Even though half of the film is robbie singing his heart out from behind his ever changing Hollywood wardrobe, he is singing into a microphone that was turned off. Meanwhile you hear an amazing voice that comes from nowhere that you assume to be his but it belongs to the late Richard Manuel who is made to look like a clown in this movie.
As far as Scorsese's interview segments go you've got four guys who don't want to be where they are talking about some things they don't want to talk about with an interviewer that they couldn't care less if they never saw again. Then you have robbie robertson trying his best to turn the interview segments into a Hollywood career (which must have come to a complete halt when everyone saw his performance in the Crossing Guard).
It's a shame that this is how these folks are remembered, on screen at least, when footage exists of much finer concerts in Japan (Without robertson)that were never officially released. Part of the reason for this is that the rest of the Band didn't have the love for business and money that robertson pumped into the Last Waltz. With the exception of Manuel (who hung himself on a shower rod after a modest turn out at a small venue) the rest of the Band would've been happy playing anywhere for the rest of their lives. And basically, they all did.
Sorry if this got a little off track.
Buy the albums starting from Music From Big Pink before you ever watch this movie!
The idea of the Band in my opinion was for them to be a band with five equal members. Mr. Marty Scorsese obviously didn't think so. He must have been under the impression that the Band was a star vehicle for Robbie Robertson, like history has written, and not the group of equal musicians that slowly waltzed out of Big Pink.
Like Levon Helm said in his book the band was based on the heart and soul of Richard Manuel, the genius of Garth Hudson, the songwriting of robbie robertson, the hopping rythm of Rick Danko's bass, all pulled together by the tight rythms of Levon and Richard. On top of all that the three best vocalists in rock music, none of which are robbie robertson.
Even though half of the film is robbie singing his heart out from behind his ever changing Hollywood wardrobe, he is singing into a microphone that was turned off. Meanwhile you hear an amazing voice that comes from nowhere that you assume to be his but it belongs to the late Richard Manuel who is made to look like a clown in this movie.
As far as Scorsese's interview segments go you've got four guys who don't want to be where they are talking about some things they don't want to talk about with an interviewer that they couldn't care less if they never saw again. Then you have robbie robertson trying his best to turn the interview segments into a Hollywood career (which must have come to a complete halt when everyone saw his performance in the Crossing Guard).
It's a shame that this is how these folks are remembered, on screen at least, when footage exists of much finer concerts in Japan (Without robertson)that were never officially released. Part of the reason for this is that the rest of the Band didn't have the love for business and money that robertson pumped into the Last Waltz. With the exception of Manuel (who hung himself on a shower rod after a modest turn out at a small venue) the rest of the Band would've been happy playing anywhere for the rest of their lives. And basically, they all did.
Sorry if this got a little off track.
Buy the albums starting from Music From Big Pink before you ever watch this movie!
Beautiful Film for rock fans
amosduncan_200020 February 2006
First, to correct misinformation from one of the posters, only Richard Manuel committed suicide, but Rick Danko has passed away as well.
There was a time I would have disqualified myself from reviewing this film; I'm such a huge fan of the Band it would have been hard for me not to like it. With the years, I think, the film has become more important, keeping some of these performances on record is important from a historic standpoint, Muddy Waters leaps to mind.
I think, in a sense, this was a "Last Waltz" for the youth of these rockers, many continued to do great work, some did not, but most were really saying goodbye to the hazy, crazy days of the sixties once and for all. So it's touching from that standpoint. So mostly, if you love these performers you will love the film, and vice versa.
There was a time I would have disqualified myself from reviewing this film; I'm such a huge fan of the Band it would have been hard for me not to like it. With the years, I think, the film has become more important, keeping some of these performances on record is important from a historic standpoint, Muddy Waters leaps to mind.
I think, in a sense, this was a "Last Waltz" for the youth of these rockers, many continued to do great work, some did not, but most were really saying goodbye to the hazy, crazy days of the sixties once and for all. So it's touching from that standpoint. So mostly, if you love these performers you will love the film, and vice versa.
As a movie, it's super ordinary, as music there is some classic great stuff
secondtake19 September 2010
The Last Waltz (1978)
I see this movie gets high marks by lots of viewers, and I'll say right off that I like the Band, and love most of the performers in the movie. And some of the individual performances are terrific, which live shows do not guarantee. Getting unadorned footage of Neil Young or Joni Mitchell is great, and lots of different songs by the Band itself, excellent for what it all is.
But as a movie, something to sit and watch and get involved in? Not a chance. The interviews were really really boring even for someone like me prepared to be fascinated. And there is a lot of it, people sitting around talking about how really great the music was and how the concert was meant to be more than just music, but a celebration, blah blah. My god, these are adults talking! Ha...so full of themselves, and Scorsese, a great director, seems sucked into the rock star worship, too, forgetting to film it, edit it, and make it more than just another rock and roll concert film. Which is what it is.
As a quick comparison, you find something similar in Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense" which is better just by virtue of being more polished and devoid of silly interviews. And there's "Woodstock," which has a whole other level of historical interest. Maybe there was a feeling "The Last Waltz" was in fact an historical moment, but not really, not for anyone except, maybe, the Band.
You all know who you are. If you love the music, you'll love the music. The interviews are hard to imagine liking more than once, if that, but the music is what it is. I'd recommend the CD.
I see this movie gets high marks by lots of viewers, and I'll say right off that I like the Band, and love most of the performers in the movie. And some of the individual performances are terrific, which live shows do not guarantee. Getting unadorned footage of Neil Young or Joni Mitchell is great, and lots of different songs by the Band itself, excellent for what it all is.
But as a movie, something to sit and watch and get involved in? Not a chance. The interviews were really really boring even for someone like me prepared to be fascinated. And there is a lot of it, people sitting around talking about how really great the music was and how the concert was meant to be more than just music, but a celebration, blah blah. My god, these are adults talking! Ha...so full of themselves, and Scorsese, a great director, seems sucked into the rock star worship, too, forgetting to film it, edit it, and make it more than just another rock and roll concert film. Which is what it is.
As a quick comparison, you find something similar in Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense" which is better just by virtue of being more polished and devoid of silly interviews. And there's "Woodstock," which has a whole other level of historical interest. Maybe there was a feeling "The Last Waltz" was in fact an historical moment, but not really, not for anyone except, maybe, the Band.
You all know who you are. If you love the music, you'll love the music. The interviews are hard to imagine liking more than once, if that, but the music is what it is. I'd recommend the CD.
Fantastic last dance for The Band
canganjj18 July 2003
This film is an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys great concert footage and interviews behind The Band's development as a touring powerhouse. The music, of course, is fantastic. Great artists like Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young make appearances to help The Band celebrate its final concert in San Francisco. Annecdotes are present throughout the film and are an absolute treat to watch.
The one interesting thing I noticed, though, is that the audience is never seen (and only heard sporadically). Scorcese did a fabulous job of leaving this staple of live music out to focus on The Band and give the film a very intricate and personal feel to it. Even though The Band called it quits from touring (after 15 years) with this Last Waltz, it is easy to tell how much they enjoyed the road and how they all are ready for a change in lifestyle. This film also serves as a great historical piece that displays classic rock artists. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rockumentaries. 10/10
The one interesting thing I noticed, though, is that the audience is never seen (and only heard sporadically). Scorcese did a fabulous job of leaving this staple of live music out to focus on The Band and give the film a very intricate and personal feel to it. Even though The Band called it quits from touring (after 15 years) with this Last Waltz, it is easy to tell how much they enjoyed the road and how they all are ready for a change in lifestyle. This film also serves as a great historical piece that displays classic rock artists. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rockumentaries. 10/10
A decent historic look at 1960s music on its last leg
tai-pan-113 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I have seen this film several times and will never tire of it. The music is fantastic, the performances are good, and Scorsese's overall intent is subtly presented. As the title suggests, this is a filmic record of The Band's final performance, but more importantly it is a window into the coming decline of contemporary popular music. It is the last stand of the glory days of old. The various performers that you see on stage are in the latter days of their once great careers, and even though many would continue on for years, even decades to come, the central premise that the late 70s was really the 60s on its deathbed rings true. This is especially notable in the various interviews, where we notice that the musicians themselves seem quite oblivious to the reality that their time is all but up in terms of their importance or prominence to the public. Robbie Robertson is asked by Scorsese if he thinks this is the end or not. Robertson replies that it is "the beginning of the end of the beginning." As the 80s would rapidly prove, Scorsese's thesis is accurate. The period that followed would prove to be less creative musically speaking but for a few bands like U2, etc., who would survive the downturn in the quality of the music that came out of that later period. Scorsese presents the music that he loves played by the principle people that we admired. In light of the transition that was taking place from disco and new wave to rap and worse, this film is more than a footnote to a once proud and glorious musical heritage. Don't listen to the detractors. Watch the movie, and listen to the performances. It is not the greatest film of its kind - I would rather watch The Song Remains the Same - but it is what it is, a film of the times made by a man who had sensitivity to the times, on time! Very often we don't notice that something is lost until after it happens. Scorsese noticed while it was happening, and that by itself is quite astute of him, and puts him in a league with journalists who have their ear to the ground.
An Overrated Ego Trip of White Powder Proportions
kingbk-226 February 2017
This review is going to appear lower than what I say here. I like The Band. I love the variety of genres that are in their mix of rock. Blues, gospel, country, bluegrass, folk and jazz are all apparent in their sound. I've heard how good of a rock documentary this is (and how much of it was used as inspiration for the film "This is Spinal Tap") so I was looking forward to watching this. Instead, what you get is the Robbie Robertson ego trip, a film he made against the wishes of his fellow band members, in order to launch his career in Hollywood. That's why, while this is suppose to be a "farewell show", it never feels that way. Instead, it feels like a band at a crossroads with one of their key members ready to call it a day with the others ready to continue on. Levon Helm would confirm all of this in future interviews where he stated he was upset about the film.
So what's good about the film?
What I don't like:
Overall, it's a good film, but not this legendary thing that many make it out to be. I love good rock music, and The Band had good music, but the pedestal this film continually gets placed on is somewhat undeserved. Watch it for context, but understand the flaws as well.
So what's good about the film?
- The music is solid and well done. You can't complain about that. - Some of the guests hit it out of the park (Muddy Waters and Joni Mitchell in particular are outstanding) - The cinematography is gorgeous
What I don't like:
- The focus on Robbie as the "leader" is wrong. The Band was always a very democratic unit where all members were on equal footing. This film makes it seem like Robbie was the leader and the other members the sidemen. Kind of like what happened to Sting and the Police, Phil Collins and Genesis, Peter Cetera and Chicago, etc. This had a biased edit in place. - The inter spicing of concert footage with some "studio" performances was clunky and odd at times. Why, if the focus was the farewell concert, was it necessary to have closed studio performances? Seemed oddly out of place - Some of the guests seemed there to collect a paycheck and leave. Neil Young looked atrocious. Van Morrison seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else. - The interviews are pretty basic and insignificant - The boozyness and cocaine haze is scattered all over the place. I know drugs are a part of "rock and roll" but it gets a bit much after a while. It gets hard to take them seriously. - The conflict between Robbie and the others permeates throughout the film. One guy is ready to call it a day, the other four are not, and it's pretty obvious.
Overall, it's a good film, but not this legendary thing that many make it out to be. I love good rock music, and The Band had good music, but the pedestal this film continually gets placed on is somewhat undeserved. Watch it for context, but understand the flaws as well.
Glare of the Spotlight
catchick3711 January 2005
This movie was only a name to me until I saw it last year. Immediately, I was riveted by everything about it. I've always been a casual fan of The Band, and of Levon Helm in particular. However, I'd never been bowled over by Bob Dylan, except as a songwriter, so much of The Band's work remained unknown to me as well. I wouldn't say I've become a rabid fan, but I am much more interested in their work, now.
It's a Scorsese film--how could it not be beautifully photographed, but Scorsese managed a difficult feat: he keeps himself out of the movie, except as interviewer during those sequences. This is not really Scorese's vision of a rock concert. It happened mostly organically, certainly with mistakes, gaffes and grit. This is part of its charm.
There are better singers than the guys in The Band, but few better musicians. This can be illustrated with Robbie Robertson in the Clapton song: Clapton's guitar strap comes off and Robertson, with one beat, picks right up on the solo. It looked planned, but wasn't. Joni Mitchell was notoriously hard to back up, due to her original guitar tuning, and ragged song phrasing, but bassist Rick Danko fills in every space with intricate bass figuring.
Perhaps we have become too accustomed to the overwrought, over-hyped, overproduced, overexposed, shiny gack that passes for popular music to appreciate the raw, the imperfect, the sheer humanness of this music. Scorsese shows it all. The guys in The Band were largely worn out and sometimes strung out in the interviews. They are tired, scrawny, empty-eyed from the excesses of the road. Rick Danko is hovering on the ragged edge, as his band is dissolved, and he says his goal is to "keep busy." Richard Manuel looks lost as he says "I just want to break even." These are two musicians who desperately needed the music, but who were murdered by the road. We see their bleak destinies in their eyes in this film.
It is bittersweet certainly, but also a moment in time, crystallized into something great by the music, the love of friends, the willingness of the director to simply stand back and allow the music to happen. It also reminds us what good music used to sound like and makes me wish could exist again.
It's a Scorsese film--how could it not be beautifully photographed, but Scorsese managed a difficult feat: he keeps himself out of the movie, except as interviewer during those sequences. This is not really Scorese's vision of a rock concert. It happened mostly organically, certainly with mistakes, gaffes and grit. This is part of its charm.
There are better singers than the guys in The Band, but few better musicians. This can be illustrated with Robbie Robertson in the Clapton song: Clapton's guitar strap comes off and Robertson, with one beat, picks right up on the solo. It looked planned, but wasn't. Joni Mitchell was notoriously hard to back up, due to her original guitar tuning, and ragged song phrasing, but bassist Rick Danko fills in every space with intricate bass figuring.
Perhaps we have become too accustomed to the overwrought, over-hyped, overproduced, overexposed, shiny gack that passes for popular music to appreciate the raw, the imperfect, the sheer humanness of this music. Scorsese shows it all. The guys in The Band were largely worn out and sometimes strung out in the interviews. They are tired, scrawny, empty-eyed from the excesses of the road. Rick Danko is hovering on the ragged edge, as his band is dissolved, and he says his goal is to "keep busy." Richard Manuel looks lost as he says "I just want to break even." These are two musicians who desperately needed the music, but who were murdered by the road. We see their bleak destinies in their eyes in this film.
It is bittersweet certainly, but also a moment in time, crystallized into something great by the music, the love of friends, the willingness of the director to simply stand back and allow the music to happen. It also reminds us what good music used to sound like and makes me wish could exist again.
A piece of history... music gold
Richiericho7 January 2016
If you had a time-machine and could choose any concert in history to be present at and witness, what would it be? Neil Diamond, Hot August Night? The final Beatles concert on the roof top of the Apple Studio?? Woodstock??? The Band, The Last Waltz, is my pick. What a collection of artists, performing in their prime, superbly captured by Martin Scorsese. This amazing show reminds us that you don't need sex or expensive musical production sets to show off real talent and captivate an audience. It's not all roses though, the many years of constant touring is evident and on display for all to see in the faces and stories of each band member. All I can say to you good music people is, "do yourself a favour", turn it up, pour a drink, and enjoy the show
Your "attitude" during the initial viewing may greatly biased your overall impression but after over 50 years of music, it is in my top 5 music documentaries.
chrisrocco12 December 2015
I have not read all of them but I have read many of the negative reviews and try (really hard) to understand the reviewer's point of view. Yes, Martin Scorsese has done much better work and yes, "tiresome" comes to mind when watching some of the less-than-stellar performances but, if you were born in the 7 years from 1948 to 1955, this film is an irreplaceable cinematic classic of that era. The setting was unique, the cast was the era's finest of that genre and the technical value was up to date for when it was made. Sure, if the Band had decided to "retire" 10 years later, we would have seen a completely different film. But they didn't and this is what we got.
I saw The Band, live, at Sunday Break II @ the Steiner Ranch outside of Austin, Texas in the late 70s. They were "dots on the horizon" and their music entertaining but, every time I watch this film (I have seen it 4 or 5 times) I find another gem. Whether it is from a recently departed blues man or a band member himself, the film brings back an age that is long gone but, because of films like this one, not forgotten.
I saw The Band, live, at Sunday Break II @ the Steiner Ranch outside of Austin, Texas in the late 70s. They were "dots on the horizon" and their music entertaining but, every time I watch this film (I have seen it 4 or 5 times) I find another gem. Whether it is from a recently departed blues man or a band member himself, the film brings back an age that is long gone but, because of films like this one, not forgotten.
The greatest ever concert movie
grantss19 December 2015
The greatest ever concert movie.
The Band - Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson - were Bob Dylan's backing band in the 1960s before releasing their first album, Music from Big Pink, in 1968. In November 1976 they gave their last concert and decided to invite a few fiends to perform at it. What friends they were! Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Hawkins, Paul Butterfield, Dr John, The Staple Sisters, Ron Wood, Muddy Waters.
Incredible music, performed by extremely talented artists.
To make things even better, the movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. He doesn't just include music, but also interviews with The Band. From this you understand their history, their motivations and why they stopped touring.
Superb.
The Band - Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson - were Bob Dylan's backing band in the 1960s before releasing their first album, Music from Big Pink, in 1968. In November 1976 they gave their last concert and decided to invite a few fiends to perform at it. What friends they were! Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Hawkins, Paul Butterfield, Dr John, The Staple Sisters, Ron Wood, Muddy Waters.
Incredible music, performed by extremely talented artists.
To make things even better, the movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. He doesn't just include music, but also interviews with The Band. From this you understand their history, their motivations and why they stopped touring.
Superb.
Best Rock Film of all Time
warfieldb23 March 2005
To put it frankly, I love the Band's music as well as every musician involved in this project...it gives a real humanity to the public's perception of rock stars/famous musicians, and what they are really like. The only thing I don't like about the movie is that all of the concert footage is centered around Robbie Robertson. He's a great songwriter, as well as a great guitarist. But the story as to how the Band broke up and the future was very controlled and manipulated on Robbie's part...which is a crying shame. If the whole movie wasn't so biased in point of view and showed more of the rest of the Band...it would be a 10...unquestionably...However, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who truly appreciates rock 'n roll. The music, collaborators, and the guest musicians that put their own unique mark make "The Last Waltz," the greatest rock film ever made.
One of the better concert films
smatysia20 July 2015
You of course have to like the music to enjoy the film. Not just The Band, but Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, and more. But if you do enjoy this type of Seventies rock/blues this is one of the better concert films I've seen. Of course Martin Scorsese probably has a lot to do with that. Apparently the filming was well-planned with a full crew, not just pointing a camera at the stage and letting it run. That can work well, too, sometimes, but this was masterfully done. Particularly interesting was Levon Helm, singing the songs he wrote while playing drums. While it was sad that The Band was breaking up, most Sixties and Seventies rock band that have kept on plugging, are not at all good anymore. Stones and The Who, I'm looking at you.
It's the G.O.A.T
matty-valdez17 November 2020
The Strength Lies in the Music
mickjagger6224 December 2000
The concert footage was the best aspect of The Last Waltz. The songs were great, in particular "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "The Weight," and "It Makes No Difference" as well as when Bob Dylan joined them on stage for "Forever Young," "Baby Let Me Follow You Down," and "I Shall Be Released." Van Morrison and Neil Diamond (Why was he there anyway?) were the only exceptions. The interviews were awkward and unnatural. Martin Scorcese was annoying and nerdy and shouldn't have been in the film at all. His buddy, Robbie Robertson, hogged the spotlight, which grew tiring. Rick Danko was much more interesting and deserved more attention.
If You're Only Going To See One Concert Film In Your Life...
MovieHoliks14 May 2015
I had never seen this entire film, hailed by many as one of- if not the greatest- concert film of all time; but finally got to see in it's entirety here recently off Netflix.
"The Last Waltz" was a concert by that Canadian rock group the Band, held on America's Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. It was advertised as the Band's "farewell concert appearance", and the concert saw the Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles, The Staple Singers, Eric Clapton, as well as two artists the Band was actually the back-up band for at one time- Ronnie Hawkins, and later Bob Dylan. The event was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary released in 1978.
I read all kinds of stories about the goings-on with this concert- the clashes between front men Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson, the legal issues that came up with Dylan's appearance in the film, and all that cocaine??!! LOL Apparently Neil Young's nose was covered in it in a shot, which was later edited out of the film-??? Director Scorsese even admitted he was a cocaine addict when he shot this film.
And just a heads-up: apparently this movie is now streaming on Netflix and there have been some issues with the audio during the interview scenes between the performances. I heard this may have had something to do with some legal issues, but not sure-??-and not sure if the problem has been fixed as of yet. No matter- see this for the great musical performances- a once-in-your-lifetime event!...
"The Last Waltz" was a concert by that Canadian rock group the Band, held on America's Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. It was advertised as the Band's "farewell concert appearance", and the concert saw the Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles, The Staple Singers, Eric Clapton, as well as two artists the Band was actually the back-up band for at one time- Ronnie Hawkins, and later Bob Dylan. The event was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary released in 1978.
I read all kinds of stories about the goings-on with this concert- the clashes between front men Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson, the legal issues that came up with Dylan's appearance in the film, and all that cocaine??!! LOL Apparently Neil Young's nose was covered in it in a shot, which was later edited out of the film-??? Director Scorsese even admitted he was a cocaine addict when he shot this film.
And just a heads-up: apparently this movie is now streaming on Netflix and there have been some issues with the audio during the interview scenes between the performances. I heard this may have had something to do with some legal issues, but not sure-??-and not sure if the problem has been fixed as of yet. No matter- see this for the great musical performances- a once-in-your-lifetime event!...
A good concert film/documentary, though inconsistent
sme_no_densetsu5 January 2008
For their final show (circa 1976) The Band assembled an all-star cast of musicians and had Martin Scorcese film the event. The results are at times brilliant and at times tiresome.
Considering that Scorcese was in the director's chair it's no surprise that the direction is better than you would normally expect for a concert film. The only exception is the Muddy Waters performance which, due to a miscommunication, was lucky to have been caught on film at all.
The music of The Band (and their guests) may not be to everyone's taste but if you're a fan then you won't be disappointed, at least by The Band's performances. On the other hand, Neil Diamond is out of place, Van Morrison over-sings terribly on his own "Caravan" and some of the other performances are comparatively lackluster. The most interesting thing, for me, was discovering that Robbie Robertson is underrated as a guitarist.
The documentary segments are interesting but the studio performances don't come close to matching the fervor of the live performances. The two-hour running time is a little disconcerting as well, considering that there are bound to be at least a handful of performances that you won't enjoy as much as the others. In my case, most of my favorite performances are over before the halfway point.
Considering that Scorcese was in the director's chair it's no surprise that the direction is better than you would normally expect for a concert film. The only exception is the Muddy Waters performance which, due to a miscommunication, was lucky to have been caught on film at all.
The music of The Band (and their guests) may not be to everyone's taste but if you're a fan then you won't be disappointed, at least by The Band's performances. On the other hand, Neil Diamond is out of place, Van Morrison over-sings terribly on his own "Caravan" and some of the other performances are comparatively lackluster. The most interesting thing, for me, was discovering that Robbie Robertson is underrated as a guitarist.
The documentary segments are interesting but the studio performances don't come close to matching the fervor of the live performances. The two-hour running time is a little disconcerting as well, considering that there are bound to be at least a handful of performances that you won't enjoy as much as the others. In my case, most of my favorite performances are over before the halfway point.
You've got to be kidding!
myshkin9014 November 2000
I can't believe anyone would give a positive review of this film. This is nowhere near one of the best documentaries, in fact it's one of the worst. The concert footage is terribly shot. But the worst part is the interview segments (which are a measly 20-30 seconds each). I was shocked to see how bad a job Scorsese did. If The Band was so interesting, why not show it? All we get is a few minutes worth of useless rambling about "psychedlia" and groupies. This is supposed to be illuminating? Give me a break!
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