Film Reviews

Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Emily Robison
• Details: US / 100mins.

Back in 2003, just as the Iraqi war was gaining momentum, best-selling country group Dixie Chicks were at the centre of a maelstrom after making some disparaging comments ("We're ashamed that Bush came from Texas") at a gig in London. Suddenly, their popularity took a nosedive, as radio stations banned their music, there were protests outside their gigs and garbage cans were set up on the streets of Texas for people to dump their CDs into. They also received death threats. That's something to root for, you might say, they stood up for what they believe in. But watching the documentary, it looks like lead singer Maines knew her comment was what the audience wanted to hear and was playing up to them. However, following the outbreak of hatred for the band, they flip-flopped immediately and tried to apologise. The apology was not accepted and the band was forced to continue on taking the protest route. Why? Because they had nowhere else to go. Shut Up and Sing only works when it refers to the furore surrounding the band, but directors Kopple and Peck veer off from time to time to show us pregnancies, kids, husbands etc. This would have been okay if they were showing what effect their careers and comments had on their home life, but they don't and seem to be in there for the sake of it. It doesn't know when to quit either, as the documentary drags on and on and by the end of it I was thinking of an alternative title - Dixie Chicks: Shut Up And Let Me Go Home. A warts 'n' all expose disguised as a 'big-me-up,' The Dixie Chicks might lose some credibility after this.

Review by Gavin Burke