U2: Rattle and Hum Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

U2 goes to America, discovers blues, gospel, and themselves, while simultaneously becoming the biggest band in the world and dealing with Bono’s existential crisis.

🍿 U2: Rattle and Hum: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Joshua Tree Tour Begins

The film opens with U2’s raw energy during their Joshua Tree tour, showcasing their growing connection with American music and culture. Monumental concerts and candid backstage moments reveal the band’s ambition and their exploration of new sonic landscapes.

Musical Exploration in America

U2 delves into the roots of American music, collaborating with blues legend B.B. King and recording in iconic studios like Sun Records. These experiences shape their sound and deepen their appreciation for gospel, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Bono’s Social Commentary

Bono uses the stage as a platform to voice his opinions on social and political issues, particularly concerning his homeland, Ireland. His impassioned speeches and performances aim to inspire change and raise awareness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bono (Bono): The lead singer of U2, who expresses his views on music and social issues throughout the band’s North American tour.
• The Edge (The Edge): The guitarist of U2, contributing to the band’s signature sound and musical exploration.
• Adam Clayton (Adam Clayton): The bassist of U2, providing the rhythmic foundation for the band’s performances and recordings.
• Larry Mullen Jr. (Larry Mullen Jr.): The drummer of U2, driving the band’s energy and musicality during their 1987 tour.
• B.B. King (B.B. King): The legendary blues musician who collaborates with U2, showcasing the band’s exploration of American music.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bono: “I’ve had enough of Irish Americans who haven’t been back to their country in twenty or thirty years come up to me and talk about the resistence, the revolution back home… Fuck the revolution!” – Bono’s passionate rant against violence in Northern Ireland during ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ became a defining moment of the film.
• Bono: “This is just a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles. We’re stealin’ it back.” – Introduces their cover of “Helter Skelter”, reclaiming the song from its dark association.
• Larry Mullen Jr.: “It’s a musical journey, really.” – Describes the band’s exploration of American roots music and their experiences on the tour.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4 million
• Domestic Gross: $8.6 million
• Worldwide Gross: $8.6 million

💥 U2: Rattle and Hum Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely mesmerized by U2’s energy. The black-and-white footage gave it such a cool, gritty feel. Bono’s passion was infectious, and seeing them jam with B.B. King was mind-blowing. It made me want to explore all kinds of music. The gospel version of ‘I Still Haven’t Found…’ still gives me chills, and I love reliving that feeling.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “U2 fans”
  • “Music documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of 1980s rock”
  • “Those interested in American roots music”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Occasional strong language”
  • “References to violence and political issues”
  • “Some concert footage may be intense for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “A raw and intimate look at U2’s journey through American music, capturing their energy on stage and their exploration of blues and gospel roots. The film showcases the band’s musical growth, even if it occasionally veers into self-indulgence.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Phil Joanou captures U2 at their peak during the Joshua Tree tour. The blend of black and white documentary footage with vibrant concert scenes creates a visually striking experience, though some may find Bono’s onstage pronouncements heavy-handed.
• IMDb User: “An underrated look at U2 during a pivotal time in their career. This movie delivers U2 doing what they do best (touring), experimenting with new types of music in America and showing us that they’re truly the nice guys they’re projected to be. I see nothing disappointing about charismatic interviews, solid musical performances and meaningful reflection.

Audience Reactions

Fans praise the raw and powerful live performances, especially ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ and ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’.: The cinematography is stunning, blending black-and-white documentary style with vibrant concert footage.

Viewers appreciate the film’s capture of U2’s exploration of American roots music and their collaboration with B.B. King.: The film provides an intimate look at U2’s journey during their ‘Joshua Tree’ tour and captures the band at their peak.

Overall Consensus: A visually captivating concert film that showcases U2’s energy and passion during their ‘Joshua Tree’ tour, though some critics find it occasionally self-indulgent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Phil Joanou was initially reluctant to take on the project, feeling unsure about directing a film about a band he wasn’t deeply familiar with.”
• “The film was shot extensively in black and white to give it a raw, documentary feel, contrasting with the color footage used for concert performances to create a visual dynamic.”
• “Bono’s on-stage speech during ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday,’ where he denounces violence, was a spontaneous reaction to a recent bombing in Northern Ireland, adding a powerful and unscripted moment to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch U2: Rattle and Hum?

As a documentary capturing U2’s 1987 tour, ‘U2: Rattle and Hum’ is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon. Check your preferred streaming service for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed U2: Rattle and Hum, you might like these similar films:

• Stop Making Sense (1984): A seminal concert film that captures the energy and creativity of Talking Heads at their peak.
• The Last Waltz (1978): Martin Scorsese’s documentary of The Band’s final concert is a landmark in the genre, showcasing incredible performances and backstage moments.
• Woodstock (1970): Captures the essence of a generation through the music and atmosphere of the iconic 1969 festival.
• Gimme Shelter (1970): A stark and unsettling look at The Rolling Stones’ 1969 tour, culminating in the tragic Altamont Free Concert.

🛒 U2: Rattle and Hum Related Products

• U2 – The Joshua Tree (30th Anniversary Edition) [Super Deluxe Box Set] [5 CD / 7 LP / DVD]: A comprehensive collection with remastered audio, unreleased tracks, live recordings, photos, hardback book and a DVD of Joshua Tree tour from 1987. It’s a treasure trove for U2 fans, with immersive content.
• U2 Rattle and Hum [Blu-ray]: Experience the raw energy and passion of U2’s Joshua Tree tour in stunning high definition. Relive the concert footage and behind-the-scenes moments that defined an era of rock.
• U2: The Best of 1980-1990 & B-Sides: A curated compilation of U2’s iconic hits from the 1980s, plus a collection of rare B-sides. A great way to experience the band’s evolution and musical journey during the time frame of the film. Available on Vinyl and CD.
• U2 – Songs of Surrender [Limited Edition]: A collection of 40 seminal U2 songs from across the band’s catalog, newly recorded and reimagined. Available as a Limited Edition 4LP boxset. These are songs stripped back to their barest form in order to find out what was essential. A journey that brought them to new revelations.

🎧 Soundtrack

U2: Rattle and Hum features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Where the Streets Have No Name” – performed by U2
• “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – performed by U2
• “With or Without You” – performed by U2
• “Sunday Bloody Sunday” – performed by U2
• “Desire” – performed by U2
• “Angel of Harlem” – performed by U2
• “When Love Comes to Town” – performed by U2 & B.B. King
• “Helter Skelter” – performed by U2

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

U2 + Gospel Choir – I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

Remember that powerful scene in Rattle and Hum where U2 jams with a gospel choir? It’s pure magic, and honestly, gives me chills every time I watch it!

U2 Live – Mothers of the Disappeared 1987

Ever wondered what Rattle and Hum outtakes looked like? This unreleased performance of ‘Mothers Of The Disappeared’ is raw, emotional, and gives a real sense of the era. I think it’s even more moving than the album version!

✨ Rate