Review of Taking Woodstock (2009) by Thomas S — 07 Apr 2010

A very enjoyable snapshot of an indelible moment in history seen from some new and illuminating perspectives. If the story meanders or is uneven its made up by the spirited performances of a nuanced ensemble cast and the engaging characters they create.

This, along with Ang Lee's other films of American life in the late 60's and through the 70's (The Ice Storm, Brokeback Mountain) create a very clear picture of who we were as a culture during those hectic times, politically, socially, sexually, idealistically.

Demetri Martin's central performance has been criticized for being rather hollow but his stoic timidty creates a core for the film, as the almost claustrophobic settings of his tiny world grow and warp, overrun by the army of an entire generation.