Neil Young’s, "Greendale" the movie version, was written, directed and filmed by Neil Young, Using a super 8 underwater camera. Based on his concept album "Greendale," which was released in 2003. Following the release of the album he took a stage production of the concept album on a world concert tour with his band "Crazy Horse." All of the actors & actresses were either family or friends of Neil’s Young’s.
I first discovered "Greendale" quite by accident, on a cable on demand channel. I started watching it and became very intrigued with the way in which it had been filmed. I had no clue all of the things I was about to discover about this very unique body of work that is all Neil Young’s for sure. Directed by Neil Young under the pseudonym "Bernard Shaky". The use of the super 8 camera gave the images flowing to the music across the screen an authentic aged look, with a down home feel. As a matter of fact at first I thought I was watching some sort of home movie, put to Neil Young’s music. As the music began to unfold before me I realized there was a story developing here. There is no dialogue, the actors & actresses speak no lines. The dialogue is the lyrics sung by Neil Young and lip synced by the actors. Instead of the music being in the background, the movie is in the background and the focus is on the music. The music tells a story, and in the end there is a message. This falls in line with the whole prepuce behind Classic Rock. The music of that era came about mostly because it had something to say to "The Man," Mr. Establishment. There are some out there that get down right upset about the politics of Neil young. All I can say is at least he sees his music as a way to serve a purpose, If nothing more than to exercise his right as an American to free speech. There is nothing wrong with raising society’s awareness. This is the foundation our nation was built upon, and is as American as it gets.
"Greendale" tells the story of the "Green Family" consisting of; Grandpa, Grandma, Edith and Earl, Jed, and Sun Green. Living in the fictitious Northern California town of "Greendale." A hippie-ish commune like community, whose quiet peaceful, and layed back serenity, suddenly becomes disrupted by media frenzy, caused when Jed Green takes the life of a well liked and respected local police officer, "Carmichael" after being pulled over for speeding & driving with no brake lights that leads to the discovery of drugs and guns. The aftermath and the intrusion by the media onto Grandpas property, ends in his death, as he is attempting to hold onto his rights, Through the lyrics sung By Neil Young, Grandpa tells one TV news reporter he's "fightin' for freedom of silence, and the right to remain anonymous." After her family is torn apart by these events, Sun Green heads out reclaiming Her family’s tradition of activism. As reflected by the lyrics she protests against "Anything unjust and packed with lies." she sets out to Alaska to save its fragile echo system from the tyranny of the corporate "PowerCo." The film concludes on stage With everyone involved singing the electrified "Be the Rain." Inviting its listeners to "Save the planet for another day."
Throughout the film the music bounces back & forth between screaming guitar solos & bluesy harmonic nostalgia. There are ten tracks; each track marks a new episode. Most of the songs are over seven minutes long. Yet the music & the movie flow along in perfect harmony.
This is a one of the most original & uniquely developed films I've ever seen. Along with being entertaining, It is also a thought provoking piece of art. Makes me feel like I can "Keep on Rockin' In the Free World." A little longer.
I Strongly recommend that you see this movie, if you haven't yet.
