Watch Depeche Mode: 101

Depeche Mode: 101 is a documentary-style concert film that chronicles the British electronic band's 1988 Music for the Masses Tour. Shot over three nights at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California, the film captures the raw energy and intensity of the band's live performance, as well as the enthusiasm and dedication of their fans. The film is directed by D.A. Pennebaker, who is known for his work on music documentaries such as Don't Look Back, which follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour of England. With Depeche Mode: 101, Pennebaker takes a similar approach, blending concert footage with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band and their fans.

The film begins with footage of fans lining up outside the Rose Bowl hours before the show, eagerly anticipating the start of the concert. As the gates open and the fans flood in, the film switches to footage of the band backstage, getting ready for the show. We see Andrew Fletcher, Dave Gahan, and Martin Gore preparing for their performance, psyching themselves up for the crowd.

When the band takes the stage, the film shifts into high gear, capturing the powerful sound and pulsing energy of their performance. The concert footage is expertly shot, with a mix of close-ups and wide shots that give viewers a sense of both the individual band members and the massive crowd.

Throughout the concert, we see snippets of interviews with fans, who talk about their love for the band and what their music means to them. We also see footage of the band on tour buses and airplanes, traveling from city to city and bonding with each other.

One of the highlights of the film is the band's performance of their hit song "Everything Counts," which is accompanied by footage of the sweatshop workers who inspired the song's lyrics. This powerful moment underscores the political and social commentary that has always been a part of Depeche Mode's music.

As the concert comes to an end, the film switches back to footage of the fans, who are still buzzing with excitement and emotion. One fan tearfully describes the concert as the best night of her life, while others dance and sing along to Depeche Mode's music as they leave the stadium.

Overall, Depeche Mode: 101 is an exhilarating and intimate look at one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. The film captures the excitement and intensity of their live performance, as well as the deep connection they had with their fans. It's a must-see for any fan of Depeche Mode or electronic music in general.

Depeche Mode: 101 is a 1988 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.