Split Enz: Spellbound
Sam Neill narrates this documentary plotting the career of one of Aotearoa's most successful bands: from formation by Mike Chunn, Phil Judd and Tim Finn at Auckland University in 1971 to their demise in 1984, when Neil Finn walked away. The major players talk freely about good times and bad — art rock, the wayward genius of Judd (including a rare interview), Noel Crombie’s spoon playing and costume design, hard times in England and the punk backlash, the big pop hits after Neil joined, Tim’s solo album, an obsession with paper darts, and the pre-gig ritual of One For One.
Insights
Plot Summary
Spellbound is a live concert film showcasing the iconic New Zealand band Split Enz during their 1993 reunion tour. The film captures the band's energetic performance, featuring their distinctive blend of art-pop and rock music. It highlights the chemistry between the Finn brothers and the rest of the band as they revisit their most beloved hits.
Critical Reception
As a concert film, Spellbound was primarily appreciated by fans of Split Enz, who lauded its capture of the band's live energy and musical prowess. Critical reviews focused on its effectiveness as a document of a significant reunion tour for a beloved band, noting the strong performances and nostalgic appeal.
What Reviewers Say
- Captures the electrifying live performance of Split Enz.
- A must-see for fans of the band's unique musical style.
- Documents a successful and memorable reunion tour.
Google audience: Audience reception generally highlights the film's success in capturing the live energy and musical talent of Split Enz, with fans expressing satisfaction with the song selection and performance quality.
Fun Fact
The reunion tour documented in 'Spellbound' was initially conceived to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Split Enz's formation, though the band had officially broken up in 1984.
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