Drive Well, Sleep Carefully: On the Road with Death Cab for Cutie (2005)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Justin Mitchell

Release Date:

26 July 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Plot:

Drive Well, Sleep Carefully joins Death Cab for Cutie on tour in the spring of 2004. Filmmaker Justin...

Cast

Benjamin Gibbard	...	Himself
Nick Harmer	...	Himself
Jason McGerr	...	Himself
Chris Walla	...	Himself

Runtime:

USA:86 min (DVD version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:Not Rated (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Breadcrumb Trail Films

Soundtrack:

Why You'd Want to Live Here

The perfect companion for any self respecting Death Cab fan

After seeing Death Cab for the second time in June last year i finally decided to shell out for this DVD. Before i felt it was a meaningless DVD designed to cash in on the rising popularity of Death Cab after their appearance on The OC and the success of 'Transatlanticism'. However, after witnessing their majestic professionalism and performance live once again, i was intrigued by how well they interact on stage, and whether the same would be shown on the road.

Perhaps the most surprising thing i learnt about the band was how sociable and humorous they are away from the stage. They always struck me as the kind of guys who were so into the technicalities of their music, that their persona away from it bordered on the arrogant. How wrong i was. The documentary is peppered with anecdotes and opinions, as well as an insight into how they write their amazing songs. Bassist Nick Harmer, something of a quiet individual on stage, is the most talkative and funniest members of the band. If anything, this DVD gives a lighter side to a band renowned for their emotionally intense songs.

Also engrossing are the live performances. Shot on 16mm film, what is brilliant is how intense they are live wherever they go. Each venue is a fresh start for them, and one gets the impression that they play their heart out every single show. My personal favourite performance is 'Company Calls' at the Workplay theatre. The slightly out of sync camera work mixed with the shambolic riff of the song gives the viewer the feeling of being there watching them play. Hats off to Justin Mitchell for bringing such a unique way of filming to our attention.

Overall, this DVD is fantastic value for money. If you've seen Death Cab before you'll be reminded of how great they are live, and if you haven't, this film will compel you to book tickets once they roll into your town again.