Down from the Mountain (2001)

This is a film for music lovers. Here we have some of the most talented performers of folk/bluegrass/blues in America today doing some of the most enduring songs ever written. It is the music that is the star, not the performers or the filmmakers. In fact, I think the filmmakers knew that and deliberately played down the cinematic tricks. What you see (and hear) is what you get. The introductory documentary is more a mosaic than a story. It sets the mood of the entire movie, showing the performers as ordinary folk who might as well be gathering for a neighborhood picnic. The performances are all excellent. Standouts include Ralph Stanley, John Hartford and Alison Krauss. If you have even a passing interest in American Roots music this is a film not to be missed.

I am watching this on DVD for the 5th time. I usually don't watch movies over and over again in a stretch, but this is a video album. This is down to earth video, introducing stars as people who become stars on stage but a bunch of talented people who give you a feeling they are you next door neighbors, approachable. The music is superb!I just feel there should have been more music on this though, but heck, it is great. Perhaps we can get more stuff like this. I like listening to CDs but I do like being brought close to the show, which is possible with todays set ups.

As concert films go, "Down from the Mountain" is neither the most stunning nor the most creative. Other filmmakers, surely with more time to prepare and film, have captured musical performances with more flair. Nevertheless, "Down from the Mountain" is an exceptional film, a complete joy for those of us who loved "O Brother Where Art Thou?" and the "old-timey" music it showcased. Without exception, the artists participating in this Nashville concert last year are shown to be kind, good-natured, and incredibly talented. How unusual to see on film a group of artists, characters all of them, who have limitless talent, and yet are not shown to be arrogant or overpaid. Emmylou Harris, Chris Thomas King, and Ralph Stanley in particular shine like the stars they are.

I love O Brother, Where Art Thou?. I love the soundtrack. So when I saw in my local multiplex that a documentary had been made in my town about the music recorded in my town and the subsequent concert in my town, I knew I had to go. As far a filmmaking goes, the film leaves a lot to be desired. There is no structure, no clarity, etc. It lacks the elements that make a documentary a moving chronicle. It does have, however, great footage of great artists playing great music. I have never been a fan of country music, but I love the old timey sounds of bluegrass and mountain music. Ralph Stanley is awesome! If you can find this film (I think it's only playing in Nashville) see it. It's well worth the time just for the music.