Watch Sarah Mclachlan: Mirrorball

Sarah McLachlan: Mirrorball is a concert film of Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan's 1998 performance at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon during her Surfacing Tour. The concert was shot in 16mm film by director Sophie Muller and captures McLachlan in her prime as one of the premier artists of the '90s acoustic movement.

The film begins with a montage of McLachlan's journey leading up to the concert, giving audiences a glimpse into the life of the artist behind the music. We see footage of McLachlan writing songs, performing in small venues, and interacting with fans before the film cuts to the concert itself. The stage is set with a simple backdrop of white curtains, and McLachlan appears wearing a flowing red dress, a noticeable contrast to the minimalistic staging.

McLachlan opens with her hit song "Building a Mystery," starting with a beguiling guitar riff and building to a soaring chorus. The crowd immediately responds with cheers and applause, and McLachlan's haunting voice takes center stage. Her band, consisting of Ashwin Sood on drums, Brian Minato on bass guitar, and Camille Henderson on backing vocals, provide the perfect accompaniment to McLachlan's voice, filling out the sound without overshadowing her.

Throughout the concert, McLachlan performs a mix of beloved hits and newer material. She performs "Adia," "Hold On," and "I Will Remember You," all of which were hits from her breakthrough album, Surfacing. She also plays newer songs, including "Mary," "Black & White," and "Do What You Have to Do," showcasing her growth as an artist.

One of the highlights of the concert is McLachlan's performance of "Angel," her signature song. The audience sings along to the iconic chorus, and McLachlan's voice carries an ethereal quality that gives the song a transcendent feel. The emotion on her face as she sings is palpable, and the camera captures the moment perfectly.

Another standout moment is "Good Enough," a slower ballad that showcases McLachlan's stunning vocal range. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with McLachlan hitting high notes that send chills down the spine.

The concert also features a number of poignant moments, including McLachlan dedicating "Ice Cream" to her brother who had passed away and McLachlan's humble address when she comments on how she's "not much of a talker." It's these moments that give the concert a personal touch, making it clear that McLachlan is performing not only for her fans but also for herself.

The staging and lighting are minimalistic, allowing the focus to be on McLachlan's voice rather than on visual effects. The film jumps between different angles and shots, making the viewer feel like they're in the audience. The sound quality is excellent, capturing every note of McLachlan's voice and the instruments.

Overall, Sarah McLachlan: Mirrorball is a must-see concert film for fans of the '90s acoustic movement and for anyone who appreciates the power of a great live performance. McLachlan's voice and lyrics still resonate today, and this film serves as a time capsule of a simpler era in music. It's also a testament to McLachlan's talent as a songwriter and performer, cementing her place as one of the greats.

Sarah Mclachlan: Mirrorball is a 1999 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.