Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns) (2002)

Documentary about the music group They Might Be Giants.

Director:

AJ Schnack

Stars:

John Flansburgh, John Linnell, Gina Arnold

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
John Flansburgh	...	Self
John Linnell	...	Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Gina Arnold	...	Self
Michael Azerrad	...	Self
Adam Bernstein	...	Self
David Bither	...	Self
Frank Black	...	Self
Linwood Boomer	...	Self
Brian Cohen	...	Self
Patrick Dillett	...	Self (as Pat Dillett)
Sue Drew	...	Self
Dave Eggers	...	Self
Jake Fogelnest	...	Self
Joe Franklin	...	Self
Janeane Garofalo	...	Self

Storyline

Gigantic is the story of They Might Be Giants, a unique musical group centered on John Flansburgh and John Linnell. We're introduced to the duo's lyrical and melodic craft when, for example, well-known actors recite Giants lyrics, underscoring the dark words often coupled with bright tunes. We also catch a glimpse of the band's ideas about performance from the blend of footage from concerts, television, music videos, and other media. Running through the whole film is a portrayal of the Johns' friendship and ultimately, their view of the world, which we see in interviews with the Giants themselves, their colleagues, and their fans.

---

Plot Keywords:

band | interview | music video | six word title | parenthesis in title | 

---

Genres:

Documentary | Music

---

Did You Know?

Trivia

The documentary shows They Might Be Giants holding a release party for their CD "Mink Car" at a New York City Tower Records store. Left unstated is that this party took place at midnight on September 11th, 2001, slightly less than nine hours before the attacks on the World Trade Center several miles away.

---

Quotes

Ira Glass: How sad for them that they're actually in the band. And so for them to hear that sound they actually have to make it themselves.

---

Connections

Features Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

---

Soundtracks

Meet James Ensor
Written by John Linnell and John Flansburgh
Performed by They Might Be Giants

User Reviews

Good, but not great

I am a pretty die-hard TMBG fan. I enjoy this movie for that reason, but as a film it was a little lacking. My main complaint was the story telling. Though it did have the beginnings of a nice little story (which is something many documentaries forget to have), it somehow felt glossed over by the end.

I suppose, in part, this is due to a confidentiality agreement with Elektra, which they probably have. That was where much of the conflict lied.

Still, it was entertaining for TMBG fans, but I personally hope the DVD has the entire concert on it, that'd make the purchase worth it's value, well, immensely.

Details

Official Sites:

They Might Be Giants Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Гиганты: История двух Джонов

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,411, 26 May 2003

Gross USA:

$160,621

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$160,621

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bonfire Films of America

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color