Watch Ride, Rise, Roar

Ride, Rise, Roar is a 2010 concert documentary directed by David Hillman Curtis that follows Talking Heads frontman David Byrne on his concert tour for his album "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today." The film is a combination of concert footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and rehearsals that capture David Byrne's creative process and his unique performance style.

The film opens with David Byrne riding his bike to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where he is rehearsing with his band for the upcoming tour. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of rehearsals and backstage moments, as David talks about his creative process and the inspiration behind his music. He talks about his interest in different styles of music, such as gospel, funk, and world music, and how he incorporates those influences into his own sound.

The film then shifts to the concert footage, which takes place at several different venues, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Radio City Music Hall, and the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia. David is joined on stage by a group of musicians, backup singers, and dancers, including Lily Baldwin and Layla Childs, who add another layer of energy and movement to the performances. The concert footage showcases David's solo work and his collaborations with Brian Eno and other musicians, as well as iconic Talking Heads songs like "Once in a Lifetime," "Burning Down the House," and "Life During Wartime."

One of the highlights of the film is the use of choreographed dance routines, which add a dynamic and visually stunning element to the performances. Lily Baldwin and Layla Childs, who are both professional dancers, create intricate and expressive movements that mirror the rhythm and energy of the music. David himself even joins in on some of the dance routines, showing off his own moves and adding to the playful and joyful spirit of the performances.

Throughout the film, we also see glimpses of David's creative process as he works with the band and the dancers to perfect the performances. He talks about the importance of collaboration and how he encourages his bandmates to bring their own ideas and influences to the music. We also see moments of frustration and tension, as David grapples with the challenges of rehearsing and performing on a tight schedule.

Despite these challenges, the film ultimately celebrates the joy and energy of David Byrne's music and his unique performance style. The concert footage is intercut with clips of David riding his bike through various cities, as well as interviews with fans and musicians who express their admiration for his music and his creative spirit. The film ends with a rousing performance of "Burning Down the House," showcasing the infectious energy and joy that David Byrne brings to his music and his performances.

Overall, Ride, Rise, Roar is a vibrant and inspiring documentary that captures the unique creative spirit of David Byrne and his music. Through its combination of concert footage and behind-the-scenes moments, the film paints a vivid and compelling portrait of a musician who continues to push the boundaries of performance and creativity. Whether you're a die-hard Talking Heads fan or a newcomer to David Byrne's music, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves vibrant and energetic live performances.