Movie Review: The Tragically Hip “Long Time Running” Documentary @ Cineplex Odeon McGillivray and VIP Cinemas
This documentary debuted yesterday at TIFF and surprisingly, the Cineplex Odeon on McGillivray was less than half full. Given the demand for everything Hip since “the announcement”, I was expecting lines.
I didn’t take notes, because I wasn’t expecting to write a review, so this is going to be a short one. Also, I tend not to write notes while on date nights with my Husband – he hates that. (wink)
I learned a lot more about singer Gord Downie’s condition and how it was treated. The doctors estimated he had about 4-5 years left, which filled me with a mixture of relief (we still have time with him) and alarm (THAT’S IT?!). They also talked about the surgery and how much of his brain has been removed.
Then they cut to this guy standing in a field who looked like a farmer. He started talking about when he first heard The Hip and I thought they were going to introduce him as a super fan or something. Turns out he was the surgeon. Oh…that was unexpected.
I thought it was interesting how they very briefly touched on the tickets selling out within minutes. They literally showed three headlines, and then moved on. I think that was a huge experience for almost everyone lucky enough to get tickets, and I wished they had mentioned that part a little more. In particular, the lengths the fans went to get themselves into those venues. Granted, that wasn’t the most important part of the story, but it was part of the experience.
My Husband thought they concentrated too much on the songs and he would have liked to hear more stories from the band members. I see his point, but the documentary was about this journey and the songs/concerts were a big part. Plus, this band has always valued their privacy and frankly, I’m surprised they opened up as much as they did. It was all really interesting.
Through the whole movie I looked for footage of Winnipeg. They showed the setlist and I think I briefly saw the arena twice, but what really caught my eye was the shot of a Confusion Corner t-shirt in the audience. I know that shirt. It wasn’t mine, but it was definitely the most “Winnipeg” moment in the whole movie.
The most ‘Winnipeg moment’ in the documentary shows Hip fan wearing Confusion Corner t-shirt.
I’m disappointed they didn’t show more of the Winnipeg show or of the audience, but every time they showed audience members, it was me. Every time someone was crying and singing along, it was me. Every time someone was expressing their undying love and appreciation for this band, it was me. So while they didn’t include much from my city, everyone in every city felt the same. We were in it together.
All in all, it was really well done (I love the Banger Film group – “Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey” was brilliant). It took the audience through the prep work for the shows (after the diagnosis) and the shows themselves with plenty of behind the scenes footage. I laughed, I choked up, I learned and I appreciated.
If you didn’t get to see the doc last night, CTV will air it on Nov. 12 @ 8pm ET and on CraveTV the day after. I heard Netflix has also picked it up, but only in the United States.
If you want to get your hands on this super soft ultra-Winnipeg Confusion Corner t-shirt, check out Pixel and Twig on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/pixelandtwig). I LOVE mine.
Good night!
TicketMOMster is a Rock and Jazz-loving Mom; single-handedly keeping Ticketmaster alive in Winnipeg. Follow her musical journey here: www.facebook.com/TicketMOM
