Documentary,Music
United States of America
The Velvet Underground is a documentary film about the iconic rock band, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes. The film is a kaleidoscopic oral history that combines interviews with band members, friends, collaborators, and fans with never-before-seen archival footage of the band's performances, recordings, and everyday life.
The Velvet Underground was formed in 1964 by Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker. The band's avant-garde music and lyrics, influenced by the art and literary scenes of New York City, shook up the rock and roll establishment of the time. Despite never achieving commercial success during their time together, their influence on music and popular culture has been immense.
The documentary delves into the band's origins, their creative process, and the impact they had on the music industry. Through interviews with surviving band members Lou Reed and Maureen Tucker, as well as collaborators such as David Bowie, Nico, and Andy Warhol, viewers get an intimate look at the band's inner workings and personal relationships.
The Velvet Underground premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021 and was released in select theaters and on Apple TV+ in October of that year. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising its inventive storytelling and use of archival footage to capture the spirit and legacy of the band.
