Music icon David Byrne was inspired by tabloid headlines to make this sole foray into feature film directing, an ode to the extraordinariness of ordinary American life and a distillation of what was in his own idiosyncratic mind. Byrne plays a visitor to Virgil, Texas, who introduces us to the citizens of the town during preparations for its Celebration of Specialness. As shot by cinematographer Ed Lachman, Texas becomes a hyperrealistic late-capitalist landscape of endless vistas, shopping malls, and prefab metal buildings. In TRUE STORIES, Byrne uses his songs to stitch together pop iconography, voodoo rituals, and a singular variety show-all in the service of uncovering the rich mysteries that lurk under the surface of everyday experience.
This new 4K restoration was supervised by director David Byrne and cinematographer Ed Lachman, with a 5.1 surround DTS-HD soundtrack supervised by Byrne.
A screening of True Stories at New York’s IFC Center this December 4th will feature David Byrne appearing in-person for Q&A after the 7:00 show, and to introduce the 9:15 show.
Photo Credit: Rod Snyder
TheWaster.com | True Stories
11.28.2018
