TITLE: DEVO
Section: Premieres
Director: Chris Smith
Logline: Born in response to the Kent State massacre, new wave band Devo took their concept of “de-evolution” from cult following to near–rock star status with groundbreaking 1980 hit “Whip It” while preaching an urgent social commentary. Filmmaker Chris Smith (American Movie) captures the gloriously radical spirit that is Devo. This high-energy documentary embraces the spectacle of the band reveling in lofi archival footage, swift montage, and a charging rhythm.
Sales agent(s): Cinetic
Panelists: Chris Smith, Anita Greenspan (producer), Danny Gabai (producer), Mark Mothersbaugh (participant), Gerald Casale (participant), Bob Mothersbaugh (participant)
First screening: Sunday, Jan. 21
Key quotes: “The environment in Ohio was definitely anti artistic, anti-intellectual, very kind of right wing, very blue collar place that was hostile to originality and innovation and certainly something subversive like Devo.” (Gerald Casale)
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“There was something about getting people upset in the middle of the country and we thought we’re doing something right. If we get people angry enough, they want to come up and fight with us after three songs.” (Mark Mothersbaugh)
“The hope is just that it introduces the band to more people. I think for me, it was so influential and inspirational as a young person sort of understanding that you could do more with music, film, art, and to think that that can affect a whole new group of people could be great. (Director Chris Smith)
The Deadline Studio at Sundance ran January 19-22 at 608 Main Street, when the cast and creatives behind the best and buzziest titles in this year’s lineup joined Deadline’s festival team to discuss their movies and the paths they took to get to Park City.
Thank you to our sponsors McGee & Co., Final Draft, Portrait Creative Network, and Courser.