ENO

(director: Gary Hustwit; cinematographer: Mary Farbrother; editors: Maya Tippett, Marley McDonald; music: Brian Eno; cast: Brian Eno; Runtime: 100; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Jessica Edwards, Gary Hustwit; A Film First Co., Tigerlily Productions; 2024)

“Intriguing experimental musical biopic.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Intriguing experimental musical biopic on the genius English non-musician musician composer Brian Eno. He was born in 1948 and started his brilliant career in 1972. Among his many accomplishments, he created the start-up sound for Windows PCs and played at age 24 the synthesizer in Roxy music. In 2019, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music.   

It’s slickly directed by Gary Hustwit (“Rams”/”Workplace”), whose novel film uses generative software, which plays anew each time it screens (which is not the first time this was done–Erik Lochens did it in his 1972 Remonstrance).

The compelling film features no talking heads, as it’s all about Eno’s music–which tells you enough about his trip musically. Eno in a casual way narrates by showing us his charm and wit, and how easily he can laugh at himself when he goofs up. But he’s hesitant to tell us too many personal things about himself.

The documentary features many interviews and archival footage. It shines the brightest when Eno performs with David Bowie the recordings of the Berlin trilogy of “Low,” “Heroes,” “Lodger.”

The likeable, common man, is simply known as Eno, who hit it big with his critically acclaimed “ambient” solo albums and also with albums he made with celebrated groups like Talking Heads, Devo, U2, and Coldplay.

It played at the Sundance Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 2/22/2024  GRADE: A