Watch The More Things Change -- A Woodstock Memoir

The More Things Change -- A Woodstock Memoir from 2011 is a documentary film that delves into the historic Woodstock Music and Art Festival of 1969, an iconic event that was the epitome of the counterculture movement of the time. The movie features a collection of interviews with performers, attendees, and organizers of the festival, all offering their unique perspectives and stories of the event that has become synonymous with the hippie generation. The film not only captures the spirit of Woodstock, but it also examines the cultural and social implications that were brought to the forefront by this unprecedented event.

The film takes the audience on a journey back to the summer of 1969, a time when the youth of America were in a state of flux. The Vietnam War was raging on, and the country was divided on the question of whether it was right or wrong. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and young people began to question the status quo. Against this backdrop, a group of young entrepreneurs came up with the idea of a music festival, which would become the Woodstock festival.

The organizers wanted to create something that was much more than just a concert. They wanted to create an experience, a place where people could come together, and hear the best music of the time. The festival was to be a symbol of peace, love, and unity, an answer to the violent and discordant times. The organizers had no idea how big their idea would become, and neither did the artists, who were more accustomed to playing smaller shows.

The movie features interviews with some of the biggest names in the music industry at the time, all of whom had performed at the festival. This includes Joan Baez, Carlos Santana, and Graham Nash, amongst others. The artists give their own take on what it was like to play in front of an audience of over 400,000 people, and how it pushed them to perform at a level they had never experienced before.

The film also examines the societal implications of the festival, and how it marked a turning point in American culture. The festival was, in many ways, the last hurrah of the counterculture movement, as the 70's brought a shift towards a more conservative political and social climate. But for a brief moment, Woodstock represented a utopian ideal, where anything seemed possible.

The movie captures the sense of community that was present at the festival, and how it was different from anything that had been seen before. Attendees were not just there to watch the bands, but to create a sense of togetherness and belonging that was missing in the wider world. The festival was a celebration of life, and a rejection of the dominant cultural norms of the time.

The movie also explores the technical challenges of putting on a festival of this size. The organizers faced numerous hurdles, including finding a venue, getting security in place, and dealing with logistical problems. The fact that the festival was able to go ahead at all is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the organizers.

Overall, The More Things Change -- A Woodstock Memoir from 2011 is a fascinating exploration of a seminal event in American cultural history. It captures the spirit of the times, and the sense of optimism that characterized the late 60s. The film is not just a look back at the festival, but a reflection on the wider changes that were happening in American society. It is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in music and culture from this period.