Performing Arts - The Last Waltz

Martin Scorseses 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the groups allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the films real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars as they celebrate The Bands historic 1976 farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas), The Last Waltz is not only the most beautiful rock film ever made (New York Times) its one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades (Rolling Stone).