Watch Instrument

The movie Instrument is a 1999 documentary film that follows the Washington D.C. punk rock band Fugazi on their tour through the United States, Canada, and Europe in 1997. The film was directed by Jem Cohen and features footage from live performances, interviews with the band members, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the daily life of the band.

The film begins with a disclaimer from Fugazi's frontman Ian MacKaye stating that the band declined offers to sell merchandise or corporate sponsorships, and that the film does not aim to promote the band's music. Rather, the film is a portrait of the band's creative process and philosophy.

The first portion of the film follows the band on their tour, with footage of live performances highlighting the intensity and energy of their music. The camera captures the sweat and grit of the band members as they thrash about on stage, playing to small and large crowds alike. Interwoven with this footage are interviews with the band members discussing their approach to making music, their views on the music industry, and their commitment to ethical practices.

The second portion of the film shifts focus to the making of the band's album "Red Medicine." The camera records Fugazi working on new songs in a practice space, as well as in the recording studio. The footage shows the band members experimenting with different sounds and layering techniques, working tirelessly to achieve their desired results. The band members discuss their collaborative approach to songwriting, and the film offers glimpses of the disagreements and negotiations that take place during the creative process.

Throughout the film, the band members offer insights into their political and social beliefs. They discuss their opposition to war, their stance against homophobia, and their disapproval of mainstream media. The band members are shown engaging with fans and activists at their concerts, promoting progressive causes and sparking political discussions.

The film also features footage of Fugazi's van and equipment being searched at a Canadian border checkpoint. The incident highlights the band's opposition to nationalism and border enforcement, and serves as a poignant reminder of the political context in which their music was made.

The final section of the film shows Fugazi on tour in Europe, performing to massive crowds at outdoor festivals. The footage captures the band members in moments of downtime, lounging in parks and exploring the cities where they are performing. These moments offer a humanizing glimpse into the lives of the band members, and serve to underscore the importance of community and solidarity in Fugazi's music.

Overall, Instrument is a fascinating and engrossing documentary that offers a window into the world of one of punk rock's most important bands. The film captures the intensity and creative energy of Fugazi's music, while also offering insights into the band's political and social beliefs. The camera follows the band members through highs and lows, offering an unvarnished look at the life of a touring musician. For fans of Fugazi and punk rock, Instrument is an essential document of the band's legacy.

Instrument is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.