Is Kate Bush In Concert Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)
A documentary from about Kate Bush's live tour in 1979. Two versions of the documentary were produced: one with a German voice-over during the interviews with Kate Bush, broadcast on 17 May 1980 by German broadcaster SWF3. A version with Dutch subtitles was shown on Dutch television on 8 March 1981 by Dutch broadcaster VARA. The live performances in this film were shot in Hamburg (Germany) on 28 April 1979, and Mannheim (Germany) on 8 May 1979. The following songs are shown in this documentary: Room For The Life, Strange Phenomena, Violin, In The Warm Room (in part), Hammer Horror (in part), Kite, and Wuthering Heights. Kate is also interviewed in between the songs, as well as a rare television appearance of both her parents.
β¨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Kate Bush In Concert offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1980 landscape.
π₯ Target Audience
π Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 1980, Kate Bush In Concert represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A documentary from about Kate Bush's live tour in 1979. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A documentary from about Kate Bush's live tour in 1979. Two versions of the documentary were produced: one with a German voice-over during the interviews with Kate Bush, broadcast on 17 May 1980 by German broadcaster SWF3. A version with Dutch subtitles was shown on Dutch television on 8 March 1981 by Dutch broadcaster VARA. The live performances in this film were shot in Hamburg (Germany) on 28 April 1979, and Mannheim (Germany) on 8 May 1979. The following songs are shown in this documentary: Room For The Life, Strange Phenomena, Violin, In The Warm Room (in part), Hammer Horror (in part), Kite, and Wuthering Heights. Kate is also interviewed in between the songs, as well as a rare television appearance of both her parents."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Kate Bush provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Albert Krogmann is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 42 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Kate Bush In Concert truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Kate Bush In Concert explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1980 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Albert Krogmann respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Kate Bush In Concert is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kate Bush or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Kate Bush In Concert is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
β³ Time Investment
At approximately 0.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.