Thanks for the memories!

Memorable, crazy movie

A lot of fun.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

"We wanted it to be more than a final concert. We wanted it to be a celebration."-Robbie RobertsonIn the fall of 1976, the band known simply as The Band (Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel) had been touring for almost 16 years. They had started out backing Ronnie Hawkins, ended up backing Bob Dylan, and in between had several hit records of their own. Their farewell performance at the Winterland Theatre in San Francisco included a star-studded line up of guest performers, and is filmed in accordance with a 300-page shooting script compiled by director Martin Scorsese, which includes revealing interviews with the members as well. The film is a technical breakthrough; it went far beyond the boundaries Woodstock had set for live-action footage. The film is a legendary benchmark for rock documentaries. Scorsese ensures that the music speaks for itself."The Last Waltz" is a passionate, symbolic toast to the glories of American rock & roll. Especially for those artists in the 1960s who took rock from its primitive foundations to a sturdier, more flexible form of music and expression. Although the quintet wrote many songs that helped define the era (e.g., The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down), several of the most inspirational songs in "The Last Waltz" are by other artists. The Band wraps itself around the style and talents of each guest artist, but never strays too far from its folk and blues roots. A wide range of musical guests: Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Dr. John, Emmylou Harris among many others. Martin Scorsese masterfully captures their interactions on stage, while off stage he interviews each member sharing their experiences from sixteen years on the road. While it certainly helps to be a fan of The Band, it's not essential in order to appreciate the film's eloquent accomplishments. From a technical perspective, it's undoubtedly one of the most impressive and authentic concert films ever made.

This is one of the best movies ever about music. There is no way it could have been anything other than brilliant. It is directed by one of the all time great cinema directors (Martin Scorsese). It features the farewell concert of one of the top rock and roll bands of the 60's and 70's (The Band). It shows them playing with some of the top performers of that era (Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters). It also has revealing interviews with Band members about their careers and life on the road.The Band are possibly overlooked in rock history because they broke up in the late 70's but this movie certainly shows their talent in all its glory. The musical versatility of Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel is a joy to see, both when performing as a group and with guest stars.As well as concert footage from the farewell gig at San Francisco's Winterland theatre there are two music numbers recorded in a studio setting. One of these is a brilliant version of "Evangaline" with Emmylou Harris.The interviews by Scorcese with group members are also a treat. At times, they appear to under the influence of unknown substances (especially Danko and Manuel, both no longer with us) but this only adds to the feeling that we are getting a glimpse into life on the road back in the wild days of 70's rock & roll. Robertson seems to be the "leader" of the group and interviews with him are interesting as they reveal his reasoning behind the split. It seems he couldn't take much more of life on the road.Definitely a must see for any fan of this era rock and roll.

In the words of Robbie Robertson, "The Last Waltz" began as a concert and turned into a celebration. There is no word that can be used to describe "The Last Waltz" better than 'celebration'. This is a celebration of The Band, and of music, specifically American music, which The Band loved and played so many styles of."The Last Waltz" is a concert film, and there's a common sentiment outside of the rock fan community that such films can never be true art films. If proof exists that this is not true, "The Last Waltz" is it. The film is brilliantly directed by Martin Scorsese, who captures this incredibly powerful and remarkable performance with skill that can't be described as anything other than amazing. This film looks absolutely stunning. What else can one ask for other than a film that looks pristine and beautiful, and contains some of the best music ever written? Scorsese is a smart filmmaker and knows that he could add to the film by including short interview segments with the members of The Band, all of which are relevant to and enhance the film.The beauty of "The Last Waltz" is its simplicity. The Band were probably the most unpretentious major musical group there has ever been. They were interested in nothing other than playing good music, and Scorsese, at least in this instance, is not interested in doing anything other than creating a simple, true document of a memorable, great musical event. That's what he does, he captures a brilliant concert where the addition of celebrity musical guests does not cheapen it at all, but makes it a true celebration of music. Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Neil Young... the list goes on and on. Phenomenal musicianship, phenomenal film-making, a phenomenal film all around. One of the best and most joyous films ever made. 10/10

As long as The Band and it's highly talented roster of guest stars are on stage The Last Waltz soars. Director Martin Scorsese's preparation for this one take only scene opportunity of the concert portion has cameras in the right place as well as a crystal clear audio track to capture many performers at the top of their game on a chandelier draped stage bathed in the same lush colorful light found on the damp New York streets of Taxi Driver.One by one rock stars from the previous decade and beyond take the stage and belt out a tune. Bob Dylan, Neal Young, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton even Neil Diamond and especially Dr. John doing "Such a Night" have bring down the house numbers. The night's outstanding performers are The Band itself. A group of five multi talented musicians whose passion for the art form put commercial success on the back burner in favor of just making music they electrify the stage with driving renditions of "Cripple Creek" "Mystery Train" and others. Drummer Levon Helm's powerful vocals are the group's high point despite attempts by lead guitarist Robbie Robertson to upstage. Robertson foolishly attempts to take on Eric Clapton in a battle of axes who in a calm, cool respectful manner vanquishes Robbie's swaggering.Offstage the members fail to ignite with Scorsese's interviewing skills scattered and reverential. The boys are mostly shy (in the case of Rick Danko, high) and modest about their accomplishments with the exception of poser Robertson who has plenty of nothing to say to fan Scorsese.There are two beautifully performed non-concert pieces featuring The Staples and Emmy Lou Harris adding to the musical feast that not only provides superior musical entertainment but also serves as a valuable timepiece to the end of an era. The dark age of Disco was about to begin.