Watch Angus and Julia Stone: A Performance at The Guest Apartment

Angus and Julia Stone: A Performance at The Guest Apartment is a musical documentary film that captures a live performance by the Australian brother-sister folk duo. The film was directed by Sam Macon and released in 2010. The film opens with a brief introduction to the Guest Apartment, a small apartment in Brooklyn, New York that serves as an intimate concert venue. Angus and Julia Stone are then introduced and welcomed to the apartment by the host. The duo performs several of their songs, accompanied by guitar, banjo, and harmonica.

Throughout the film, intimate shots of the duo are intercut with footage of New York City's streets, buildings, and residents. The juxtaposition of the duo’s music and the city's soundscape creates a harmonious blend of sights and sounds.

In the first song, “Chateau,” Julia’s clear and soulful voice takes center stage as she sings about the fleeting nature of love. Angus joins in on guitar, and their harmonies blend beautifully.

The second song, “For You,” features Angus on lead vocals, displaying his commanding voice and impressive range. The song is an emotional ballad about a painful breakup, and the harmony of the sibling duo adds depth and richness to the lyrics.

As the performance progresses, the duo's chemistry becomes increasingly apparent. Their shared musical sensibility and sibling bond are evident in the way their voices blend and complement each other.

Throughout the concert, the minimalist setting of the Guest Apartment conveys a sense of intimacy and rawness that amplifies the duo’s performance. The small size of the apartment means that the camerawork is close and personal, with the musicians almost within arm’s reach.

Although the film only features five songs, each one is a standout performance in its own right. In “Bella,” Angus and Julia’s vocals intertwine beautifully, creating a haunting melody that lingers long after the song has ended.

In “Big Jet Plane,” the duo’s most well-known song, they perform a stripped-down version that showcases the inherent sweetness and melancholy of the lyrics. The performance is accompanied by percussive handclaps and harmonica, giving the song a raw and emotional authenticity.

The concert ends with “All The Colours,” a song that celebrates the beauty and vibrancy of life. The upbeat tempo and lively melody bring the concert to a joyful and uplifting conclusion.

In summary, Angus and Julia Stone: A Performance at The Guest Apartment is a beautifully shot and intimate musical documentary. The sibling duo's raw, emotional performances are captured superbly by the cinematography and sound recording, and the intimate apartment setting adds an element of closeness and honesty to the concert. The film is a must-watch for any fan of Angus and Julia Stone's music, as well as anyone who appreciates stripped-down, soulful folk music.