W2TCH

American Symphony (2023)

2023 • 1h 44m • Documentary, Music • PG-13
On September 25, 2026
#21288▲ 23729
21288th by Pulse movie online
22.4PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

CinemaSerf on American Symphony

6/10 · Feb 1, 2024

I wasn’t familiar with Jon Batiste beforehand, so I was curious to learn about him and whether this would be something like a modern Aaron Copland – an artist reviving a musical style that seems out of step with what mainstream audiences want. Unfortunately, the film doesn't quite achieve that. Instead, it’s a rather confusing documentary attempting to portray both Batiste and his wife Suleika, who is dealing with intense leukemia treatment, while also showing him composing music. We see some uncomfortable therapy sessions – “this is the path you’re taking!” – but there isn’t much insight into how he operates as a musician. The film doesn't provide nearly enough detail about what drives his creativity or inspires him in his effort to create a modern orchestral piece for Carnegie Hall. The pandemic certainly didn't make things easier, and face masks aren’t ideal for recording dialogue, but the whole project feels scattered, leaving me with the impression that Batiste shifts between being serious and amusing as if someone were flipping a switch. Some of the scenes in the hospital felt overly personal – I was genuinely uncomfortable witnessing some of those consultations. It seems like the ease of making these "behind-the-scenes" documentaries will result in many more, but for them to be successful, they really need a skilled director who can build a story that educates viewers rather than simply highlighting the subject’s personality. It's okay, I guess, but it lacks depth and substance.

Source on TMDB