Watch Prince: Sign 'o' the Times

Prince: Sign 'o' the Times is a concert film directed by Prince himself and released in 1987. The movie was filmed primarily during Prince's 1987 concert tour of the same name, and it also includes scenes shot at Prince's Paisley Park Studios in Minnesota. The film opens with a montage of footage shot on the streets of New York City, set to the upbeat, funk-infused title track from Prince's 1987 album "Sign 'o' the Times." The song's lyrics set the tone for the rest of the film, which explores themes of love, sex, race, and spirituality through performances of some of Prince's most iconic songs.

The concert footage takes center stage in the film, and Prince delivers an electrifying performance throughout. He is backed up by his talented band, The Revolution, as well as several guest vocalists including Sheila E., Sheena Easton, and Cat Glover. The songs are a mix of hits from previous albums like "Purple Rain" and "Parade," as well as several new tracks from the "Sign 'o' the Times" album.

The stage set up is minimal, with just a few lights and a giant screen behind the band featuring close-up shots of Prince and his bandmates. There are no elaborate costumes or dance routines, but the performers ooze charisma and energy with every note they play.

In between concert footage, the film cuts to scenes shot at Paisley Park Studios. These scenes include footage of Prince rehearsing, recording new music, and just hanging out with his bandmates. We also see Prince engaging in conversations about race, spirituality, and the creative process with his friends and collaborators.

One particularly memorable scene features Prince playing a stripped-down version of "Little Red Corvette" on a piano in a darkened room. The camera lingers on Prince's face as he delivers a soulful, melancholy rendition of the song. The scene is simple, but it showcases Prince's incredible talent and vulnerable side.

Another standout moment in the film is Sheila E.'s performance of "The Glamorous Life." The song, which she co-wrote with Prince, is a percussive, funky jam that really highlights her skills as a drummer. The performance is a high-energy affair, with Sheila E. jumping around and banging on her drums with abandon. It's clear that she's having a blast on stage, and the audience is right there with her.

Sheena Easton also makes a memorable appearance in the film, performing a sultry rendition of "U Got the Look." The song is a duet with Prince, and the two of them play off each other's energy brilliantly. Their chemistry is palpable, and it's no wonder that the song went on to become a top 10 hit.

Throughout the film, Prince's flair for the dramatic is on full display. Whether he's dancing, singing, or playing guitar, he commands attention with every move he makes. He's a master showman, and it's clear that he's in his element on stage.

But the film also shows us a more introspective side of Prince. In interviews and conversations, he speaks openly about his struggles with race and spirituality, and how those themes influence his music. He also talks candidly about the pain he's experienced in his personal life, particularly in his tumultuous relationships with women.

Overall, Prince: Sign 'o' the Times is a powerful celebration of Prince's incredible talent, creativity, and charisma. The concert footage is electrifying, showcasing Prince and his collaborators at their very best. But the film also delves deep into Prince's psyche, exploring the personal and professional struggles that shaped his music. It's a must-see for any fan of Prince or of great music in general.

Prince: Sign 'o' the Times is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 72.