You might be wondering what the hell this has to do with Mahler, or classical music at all. For that matter, what the hell does it have to do with death?? Well, the answer to the first is that it is music, and great music in my humble opinion. To the later, well this is The Band's last concert. It is probably the most famous music documentary/concert film ever--and not just because it was directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a visual testament to what it looks like when a band euthanizes itself. And this is the way "The Band" decides to go out??
Despite anything Robbie Robertson says in the film about the reasons for imploding The Band, it seems clear since then, looking back at history, Robertson's musical (....and acting) career since, his life in general, that it was really him and only him that wanted to kill this thing off. I personally think that he killed the band to avoid watching the self destruction of band mates, especially Richard Manuel, but also Rick Danko (and this is just my opinion, and I don't know/knew any of the these people personally). Sure, people have speculated that they (he) were influenced by The Beatles decision to go "studio"--but after watching this film over and over again, it really seems that there is something so much more deeply personal going on. Of course, I don't think that Robertson's ambitions in the acting arena where much help here either (anyone remember Carnies?). Still this is very much about death--and a pretty hard one to watch at that!!
Found the trailer from the 1970's for the film below.
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