This is a document of the Mexico City Memento Mori shows from the group Depeche Mode. The tour was their return to performing after the death of member Andrew Fletcher (who presence hangs over the film and the concerts)
The first screening at the Tribeca Festival was a trip. A cock up at BMCC caused the film to start late since they failed to mark or make clear that some seats were reserved. Trying to sort that out resulted in a lot of yelling and screaming and for eveything to start about 25 minutes late.
Watching the film was a trip. The place was full of Depeche Mode die hards, many of who came great distances to be there. When the film started they interacted with it much like a concert, singing along and waving their arms with cues on screen. It was a one of kind experience....
...and completely unlike the press screening (yes I saw some of the film twice) where the audience sat their like lumps of wet noodles.
For me the film works best in the final third (from WORLD IN MY EYES to the end) because at that point the film does away with the medative sequences about life and death. Yes those sequences reflect the soul searching nature of the Memento Mori album, but thet also take away the momentum the concert sequences should have (and which we truly see in the final third). For me that final third is some of the best sequences I've seen in any film all year. That section of the film made me feel like I was seeing the group again in person. Honestly that sequence of songs is emotionally exactly like being there.
I really liked this film a great deal, though I will say this is going to play best for fans.
Play it loud and big.
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