| Film: CSNY Deja Vu * Official Site | In Theaters: July 25, 2008 (limited) |
| Runtime: 96 minutes | Directed by: Bernard Shakey |
| MPAA Rating: R for some language and brief war images | Gecko Rating:  |
Now here’s a well-done documentary that really gives audiences something to think about. The film follows the legendary Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young on their 2006 “Freedom of Speech” tour that criss-crossed America. While the band’s message is clearly anti-war, I appreciate that both sides of the issue were given.
Much of that is because Mike Cerre, who co-wrote the film with Neil Young, has seen both sides of the issue. He was embedded with an American troop in Iraq, and in this film, he’s embedded with the band on their tour bus. I’m not sure anyone else could have given us the well-rounded film that Cerre did.
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The film draws parallels to the current war and the Viet Nam war. As one Vietnam vet put it, “It’s deja vu all over again.”
The idea came when Young decided to write an album of political, anti-war songs, then brought the rest of the band on board for the tour. The average age of these guys is 62 1/2 years old, and yet they still have the stamina and energy to ride a tour bus and give audiences a heck of a show. Whichever side of the issue you fall on, I appreciate the band’s passion and commitment.
Not everyone does. During an Atlanta concert, much of the audience got up and walked out when the band started singing, “Let’s Impeach the President.” Young wasn’t concerned. Instead, he said, “People have opinions, and thank God for that.”
The film brings in several people who’ve had an impact on the band and their message: Josh Hisle, an Iraq vet who came home, formed a band with other soldiers, and uploaded a tune to Young’s Web site, a sort of anti-CNN site that looks like a news site. Young and Hisle eventually met and jammed together. How cool is that?
Then there’s the mom who lost her son in Iraq and now works with other parents in the same situation; Vets4Vets.us, a group that works with vets suffering through post traumatic stress syndrome; and a young guy who defected to Canada to avoid the draft.
I love that the band still sounds great - probably as good as ever (unlike The Rolling Stones, who are way past the time of retirement). I love that Neil Young, who seems kind of shy and quiet in interviews (well, sometimes) becomes this manic guitar player on stage. You feel like he’s this close to exploding. I love that he has a giant microphone on stage with a yellow ribbon tied to it, and he waves it back and forth in front of the audience.
If you have a chance to see this film, I highly recommend it. It’s a great example of a well-done documentary that gives both sides of the issue, while telling us clearly which side the band is on. And the music is fantastic.
Images: CSNY Deja Vu, Roadside Attractions, 2008
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