Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace are directing partners whose documentary on the band Blur, "No Distance Left to Run," was nominated for a Grammy, among other awards.
Despite the accolades, the duo wanted to go in a different direction for their next venture. "Having made a music film, we weren’t sure that we would do another film," said Southern.
But when the Englishmen learned about a decision James Murphy and his band mates in the popular electronic music band LCD Soundsystem had made, they were more than intrigued.
The band was breaking up, but it wasn’t the classic rock-star cliché that had befallen bands such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd, where creative differences and sensitive ego’s destroy once-thought-infallible groups.
"They’re still good friends," Southern said, marveling. "They decided to call it a day."
After meeting Murphy through a mutual friend, Southern and Loveland made a film that is no mere concert film, although much of the film takes place in the 48 hours before at the band’s final show at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. While the film does showcase the kinetic energy and dynamic music that propelled LCD Soundsystem’s final album "This is Happening" to debut at No. 10 on the Billboard album chart, the film is an introspective meditation of the nature of stardom and taking fate by the throat.
"His decision was most interesting to us," said Lovelace.
A crucial collaborator in the film is author and essayist Chuck Klosterman, who engages with Murphy during the film in an interview that goes beyond most cream-puff questions. Southern was told by Murphy that Klosterman conducted the most interesting interview he had ever been though during his career, so the film makers asked Klosterman to participate in the film. "You want the film to be completely honest," Lovelace said.
At this point, it is almost inconceivable to Southern and Lovelace at the idea of making a film without music being an integral part. "They’re bedfellows," Southern said.
Screenings of "Shut Up and Play the Hits"
Time Venue City Availability
Sunday, Jan. 22 at Midnight Egyptian Theatre Park City Waitlist Only
Monday, Jan. 23 at 9:45 pm Broadway Centre Cinema 3 Salt Lake City Waitlist Only
Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 11:30 p.m. Prospector Square Theatre Park City Waitlist Only
Friday, Jan. 27 at 10 p.m. Redstone Cinema 7 Park City Waitlist Only
Saturday, Jan. 28 at 9:45 p.m. Broadway Centre Cinema 3 Salt Lake City Waitlist Only
