Watch CSNY/Deja Vu

CSNY/Deja Vu is a documentary film from 2008 that follows the legendary rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young during their controversial 2006 "Freedom of Speech" tour. Over 35 years after their heyday, the band reunited to perform new and old songs across the United States, but a deep political divide in the country threatened to tear them apart.

Directed by Neil Young himself, the film is an honest and raw portrayal of the band's struggles, both onstage and off, as they tried to navigate through a country divided by the war in Iraq and the policies of the George W. Bush administration. The concert footage is intercut with news clips and interviews with the band members, offering a glimpse into their personal lives and their motivations for performing.

One of the main themes of the film is the conflict between the band's desire to reunite and perform together, and the polarized political climate in the country. The tour faced intense criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some accusing the band of being unpatriotic and anti-American, while others accused them of being too mainstream and not taking a strong enough stance against the war.

The documentary doesn't shy away from the controversy, showing clips of heated confrontations at some of the concerts and interviews with angry audience members. However, it also highlights moments of unity and connection between the band and their fans, as they performed songs that had become anthems for peace and social justice.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is the personal stories of the band members, particularly David Crosby and Neil Young. Crosby's struggle with addiction and his complicated family history are explored, as well as his deep connection to music and his bandmates. Neil Young's commitment to political activism and his discomfort with the media also feature prominently.

Throughout the film, the music remains the heart of the story. The concert footage is electrifying and showcases the band's incredible talent and chemistry, despite their differences. The songs are interspersed with footage of the band rehearsing and interacting with each other, creating a sense of intimacy and camaraderie.

Overall, CSNY/Deja Vu is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary that explores the intersection of music, politics, and personal relationships. It doesn't offer easy solutions or try to gloss over the controversies, but instead presents a complex and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential bands of the 20th century.

CSNY/Deja Vu is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 54.