Watch Mistaken for Strangers

Mistaken for Strangers is a 2013 documentary film that combines music and comedy while showcasing a complex sibling relationship. The movie is directed by Tom Berninger, the younger brother of Matt Berninger, lead singer of popular indie rock band The National. The movie starts with Tom, an aspiring filmmaker and slacker, who is invited by his older brother Matt to join The National on their High Violet tour as a roadie. As a fan of the band, he is excited to join the tour and experience what it's like on the road. However, things start to go awry when he realizes that the role of the roadie is not as glamorous as he had thought, and he begins to get in the way of the tour crew.

Throughout the movie, Tom struggles to find his place as a roadie and grapples with his own insecurities about both his career and his relationship with his older brother. As the tour progresses, he clashes with Matt and other band members and eventually gets fired from the job. Despite this, he continues to film the band and captures candid moments both on and off stage.

The film is not just about The National's music, but it explores themes of sibling rivalry, self-doubt, and ambition. It also shows how Tom's relationship with his brother, as well as his experience on the tour, has influenced his growth as a filmmaker and as a person. Through interviews with his family members and the band, the movie paints a picture of a complex family dynamic and shows how Tom's experience on the tour has helped him come to terms with his insecurities.

The humor in Mistaken for Strangers comes from the contrast between the mundanity of Tom's roadie duties and the larger-than-life stage presence of The National. The movie also features surrealistic sequences, such as Tom dressing up in a chicken suit and performing with the band on stage, which adds to the film's offbeat charm.

The movie is also a celebration of the creative process of filmmaking. As Tom struggles to figure out his place on tour, he is inspired by the artistry and passion of the band. He becomes more and more interested in capturing the behind-the-scenes moments and discovers a new purpose for his talents.

One of the highlights of the movie is the music. While The National's music is not the focus of the documentary, their performances are breathtaking, and the movie captures the energy and emotion of their live shows. The film also features original music by Bryce Dessner, one of the band's guitarists, which gives the movie a unique sonic landscape.

In conclusion, Mistaken for Strangers is a unique and entertaining documentary that combines humor, music, and personal growth. Through the lens of Tom's perspective, the movie explores the themes of sibling rivalry, ambition, and creative fulfillment. It's a must-watch for fans of The National, and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Mistaken for Strangers is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 72.