Movie spotlight
This American Life Live: The Invisible Made Visible
It features all sorts of things that are way too visual to be on the radio: dance, animation, illustration, an interactive musical performance, photographs, a short film, and David Sedaris in clown makeup. Along with Sedaris, there are stories by the now-famous Tig Notaro, Glynn Washington, Ryan Knighton and David Rakoff. Lots of the stories are funny. David Rakoff's is particularly touching. He talks about the abilities he’s lost during his fight with cancer, and then, gracefully, beautifully, does a solo dance onstage. It was the last story Rakoff ever wrote for the radio show. He died three months later, in August. OK Go provides music. Monica Bill Barnes & Company dance. Ira Glass tells a story using things he normally can't: photos. Mike Birbiglia casts Terry Gross in a surprising, hilarious little movie.
Insights
Plot Summary
This American Life Live: The Invisible Made Visible was a one-night-only cinematic broadcast event that brought the popular public radio show to movie theaters across the country. Hosted by Ira Glass, the live show featured stories about things that are usually unseen, whether literally or metaphorically. It included performances, live storytelling, and musical numbers, all centered around the theme of making the invisible visible.
Critical Reception
As a live broadcast event rather than a traditional film or television show, 'This American Life Live: The Invisible Made Visible' received attention primarily through audience reactions and media coverage of the event itself. It was praised for its unique format and the compelling storytelling characteristic of the 'This American Life' brand, allowing theater audiences to experience the show in a communal and engaging way.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for bringing the beloved radio show to a wider audience through a unique live cinematic experience.
Celebrated for its characteristic compelling storytelling and exploration of the 'invisible made visible' theme.
Noted for its engaging format, combining live performance with audience participation in movie theaters.
Google audience: Audience feedback for this live event was generally enthusiastic, with many appreciating the opportunity to experience 'This American Life' in a communal theater setting. Viewers enjoyed the live storytelling and musical performances, finding the theme relatable and well-executed, though direct aggregated reviews are scarce for live broadcast events of this nature.
Fun Fact
This live broadcast event was part of a series of 'This American Life Live!' events that Ira Glass hosted, connecting with audiences in movie theaters nationwide and often incorporating elements of audience interaction.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources