Directed by: Phil Joanou
Starring: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr, BB King
U2: Rattle and Hum would've been a better movie if it was decided early on whether it was going to be a concert film or a documentary. The film is both and moves back and forth between the two very uneasily. If the behind-the-scenes footage was nearly as compelling as the concert footage, we would've really had something here.
The film follows the Irish band through its 1987 Joshua Tree tour, documenting its shows and its stops along the way. The Joshua Tree was a milestone in the band's evolution to the mainstream. I saw their concert at the Spectrum in September 1987 and they really put on a strong show. In some cases, as with Where The Streets Have No Name filmed in Tempe, AZ, the live version of the song hits emotional arcs that the album version doesn't. Live versions of Bad and With Or Without You are also stronger than the original album versions. The original songs written for the film are also very good.
The "revealing" behind-the-scenes stuff leaves plenty to be desired. The scenes don't reveal much at all about the band. They have such a guarded feel to them that one wonders why they were filmed at all. The years that have passed since the film have shown Bono to be an interesting, compassionate man whose charity work is never ending. The Bono shown here is none of those things. The group is displayed in the same vein as a magician who doesn't want to reveal the secrets to his tricks.
Then comes the concert footage, shot in slick visuals and even in black & white at certain points. U2 is a great live band and Rattle and Hum does little to change that impression. Then, cut to the band backstage or at rehearsal sitting around trying not to be boring. Is there a belief that performers are always "on" while performing and relish in the chance to veg out? That's very likely and I certainly understand it, but it doesn't make for a good documentary
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