Shut Up and Play the Hits

Watch Shut Up and Play the Hits

"The Very Loud Ending of LCD Soundsystem"
  • NR
  • 2012
  • 1 hr 48 min
  • 7.3  (2,875)
  • 72

Shut Up and Play the Hits is a 2012 documentary film that follows James Murphy, frontman of the influential electro-punk band LCD Soundsystem, as he confronts the end of the band and the end of an era. The film is a record of the final concert that the band played at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2011, and the day that followed it.

The documentary is directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace and features interviews with James Murphy, his bandmates, as well as music journalist Chuck Klosterman and Keith Wood. The film takes its name from a statement made by Murphy in an interview with New York Magazine, in which he said that he wanted to "shut up and play the hits" at their last show.

The film begins with Murphy waking up in the morning after the concert, still wearing his stage clothes. He looks in the mirror and says, "I'm a retired musician," a statement that sets the tone for the rest of the film. We then see Murphy leaving his Brooklyn apartment and walking through a desolate New York City, riding the subway and walking the streets, taking everything in before heading to the venue.

The concert itself is a spectacle, with the band playing their most popular songs to a sold-out crowd. Interlaced with footage of the concert are interviews with Murphy and his bandmates about their thoughts and feelings on the end of their time together.

The show ends with the emotional performance of New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down, after which the band leaves the stage for what would be the last time. The audience can be seen filing out of the venue in a daze, as though they too have been affected by the end of an era.

The day after the concert, we see Murphy going about his normal routine, packing boxes and moving out of the DFA Records office. The camera follows him as he visits a local diner, meeting up with friends, and walking through the streets again, with the same sense of nostalgia and uncertainty.

Throughout Shut Up and Play the Hits, the filmmakers capture not only the concert itself but also the life and personality of James Murphy. Through his conversations with his bandmates, interviews with journalists, and personal moments alone, we see a man who is both at the height of his success and grappling with the end of something he loves.

The documentary also features footage from LCD Soundsystem's early years, including their first shows and recordings, which adds context and depth to the band's story. The film is a poignant and honest portrayal of the end of an era and the affect it can have on the people involved.

In conclusion, Shut Up and Play the Hits is a must-see documentary for music fans, particularly those who are familiar with LCD Soundsystem. It's a beautifully shot and emotionally charged film that captures the end of a legendary band and the impact it has on those involved.

Shut Up and Play the Hits is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 72.

Shut Up and Play the Hits
Description
Where to Watch Shut Up and Play the Hits
Shut Up and Play the Hits is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Shut Up and Play the Hits for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2012
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 48 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (2,875)
  • Metascore
    72
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