Roger Waters: US THEM

Roger Waters: US + THEM, released in 2019, is an acclaimed concert film with a unique blend of visual and auditory aesthetics. Renowned musician Roger Waters, co-founder, and creative force behind the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, headlines the concert. The movie also features other noteworthy performers including Rufat Aliyev, Farshid Azizi, and Nikoo Bafti.

This documentary-style film artfully captures Roger Waters' legendary 2017 - 2018 global concert tour. The tour saw Waters performing in over 150 shows to a collective audience of more than 2.3 million people worldwide, underlining his indisputable embodiment of a larger-than-life star who continues to remain relevant even after decades in the music industry.

right from the beginning, the viewers are reminded of the spectacle that is a Roger Waters' concert as they are enveloped in a senses-enlivening montage of aesthetics and sounds. The movie serves as a journey through Waters’ career, touching on various stages of his life and music.

A key feature of the film is Waters' impassioned live performance that calls for unity, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence among human beings of divergent backgrounds, reflecting the central theme of US + THEM. Staying true to his reputation, Waters' performances in the film are not just about the music but are essentially profound political statements. He is seen artfully integrating elements of jarring visuals, stunning light shows, high-end technology, and a narrative filled with resonance to make these societal commentaries.

Also worth noting is the dynamic musical seriousness of Rufat Aliyev, Farshid Azizi, and Nikoo Bafti, who supporting Waters throughout the film. Their performance adds another layer of depth and complexity to the film narrative.

The film primarily consists of footage taken from performances in Amsterdam but is not solely confined to the concert grounds. Interspersed with the live performance visuals are intimate behind-the-scenes footages that humanize Waters and his team beyond their stage personas, adding a more personal perspective to the entire viewing experience.

The film opens with a powerful performance of "Speak to Me/Breathe," one of Pink Floyd's best-known songs. A large LED screen presents a series of breathtaking visuals, demonstrating Waters' firm grasp of the concert mise en scène. The film ebbs and flows through other iconic Pink Floyd songs such as "Time," "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)," and "Wish You Were Here," among other anthems, challenging the audience both musically and ideologically.

The film, much like the concert tour, is an evident trade-off between Waters’ solo works and Pink Floyd’s golden hits. Hit songs from their best-selling albums, The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Animals, and Wish You Were Here, all find their well-received place in the repertoire. However, the spotlight also shines on Waters’ own masterpieces, like "Deja-Vu" and "The Last Refugee," from his 2017 album, Is This the Life We Really Want?

Waters has always been a passionate critic of war and political corruption, themes that are prevalent in both his music and this film. The crux of the movie sees Waters rallying against societal injustices and unnecessary aggressive combat. With the juxtaposition of these themes against his anthemic music, Waters creates an atmosphere that inspires critical thinking and questions the status quo.

In conclusion, Roger Waters: US + THEM is much more than a mere concert film. It serves as a compelling, kaleidoscopic motion portrayal of Waters' unprecedented tour that not only showcases an immersive audio-visual extravaganza but also champions a message of empathy, unity, and resistance against oppression. The film stands as a testament to Waters' continued relevancy, proving that his sovereign command over the stage and his biting socio-political commentary are as influential as ever.

In this movie, you will see an artist who is unafraid to use his platform to voice his beliefs, a sentiment which is clearly echoed by the vibrant performances of Rufat Aliyev, Farshid Azizi, and Nikoo Bafti, and even by the audience members who have come to witness the spectacle. It presents an enduring artist, ever relevant, and perpetually innovative. This is Roger Waters: US + THEM, providing a cerebral spectacle for the senses, tackling core societal concerns head-on, and enthralling viewers with its fusion of music, visuals, and message.