Watch Madness - At Madstock
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 15 min
-
8.5 (21)
Madness - At Madstock is a documentary film documenting British band Madness' 1998 reunion concert at Finsbury Park, London. The film captures the wild and frenzied atmosphere of the event as the band rekindles the magic of their old music while bringing a few new surprises to the table. The movie showcases the band's ability to perform live and their proficiency in handling the audience. The band's performance perfectly captures the energy of their ska-infused music style, as they entertain the crowd with hit after hit. The movie shows footage of the group from a bird's eye view, looking down from a camera attached to a crane which provides a unique bird's eye view of the crowd.
The film not only shows the band performing their popular tracks, but also features some behind-the-scenes moments including footage of the band reuniting, rehearsing, and setting up for the concert. This adds a personal touch to the movie, allowing audiences to get a true feel for the band's members and their journey to the Madstock event.
Throughout the movie, the cinematography is visually stunning, displaying the use of a range of cameras and angles to capture the concert from various perspectives. The concert-goers' enthusiasm is infectious as they respond to the band's performance with dancing, singing, and cheering.
The energy of Madness' live performances is matched by the band's witty and humorous lyrics which are laced with social critique and satire, making their music relatable and entertaining to fans across generations. Among the band's most memorable performances at Madstock was their cover of Prince Buster's song 'Madness', which made for a self-referential and witty rendition that the crowd loves.
The movie's soundtrack features an array of classics from the band's repertoire, including 'Our House', 'Baggy Trousers', 'One Step Beyond', 'Night Boat to Cairo', and more. The music is beautifully mixed and the sound quality is top-notch, and viewers can hear screams of excitement and applause from the crowd in the background.
Madness - At Madstock is not only a document of the band's historic 1998 reunion concert, but is also a love letter to the band's devoted fan base, who turned out in droves to witness the band's live performance. The viewer is made to feel as if they are part of the audience, experiencing the elation and excitement of the concert as if they were right there in the flesh.
The movie also highlights the band's enduring popularity and cultural impact, following their journey from chart-topping icons in the 1980s to Madstock headliners 20 years later. The band's resilience and longevity is apparent throughout the film, as they expertly handle the stage and play their iconic hits with gusto and heart.
Overall, Madness - At Madstock is a well-made and entertaining documentary that showcases the magic of Madness' live performance while providing a glimpse into the band's history and evolution. The movie is an ode to Madness' enduring legacy, and is a must-watch for all ska and Madness fans, as well as for anyone who loves live music and high-energy performances.