Meet Me in the Bathroom (VPRO Extra)
A portrait of the New York music scene around the dawn of the 21st century. Stories told by the front men and one front woman paint a picture of a generation of bands such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Strokes, Moldy Peaches and LCD Soundsystem.
Festival IDFA
Run time 105 minutes
Genre film
Language English
Dutch premiere
Meet me in the bathroom
New York’s music scene seemed to have fizzled out after the glorious punk and disco years of the 1970s and 80s. But as the 21st century approached (and the third millennium) things started happening again, especially in Brooklyn. Stories from several front men and one front woman from various upcoming bands of the time paint a picture of a new musical generation. We hear from Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Paul Banks (Interpol), Adam Green (Moldy Peaches), James Murphy (founder of DFA Records and LCD Soundsystem), among others.
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The film captures the bands in their earliest days with plenty of unique, never-before-seen footage from their very first performances, sometimes in nearly empty venues. The musicians talk about their ambitions, insecurities and doubts, and the price of quick fame. Historical events such as the turn of the millennium and 9/11 also make an appearance in this fast-cut musical portrait of New York.
Credits
Director Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern
Co-director Andrew Cross, Vivienne Perry, Sam Rice-Edwards
Production Suroosh Alvi, Thomas Benski, Sam Bridger, Marisa Clifford, Danny Gabai, Vivienne Perry
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Cinematography Dylan Southern, Will Lovelace
Editing Andrew Cross, Sam Rice-Edwards
Screening copy Park Circus Limited
ABOUT IDFA
IDFA stands for the power of creative documentary. Documentaries that can connect, inspire and excite. Documentaries that expand the view of ourselves, the environment and the world around us. During this edition of the festival, ITA hosts daily screenings of documentaries and special performances.