Who Took the Bomp?, the behind-the-scenes documentary of the 2004-2005 world tour of Le Tigre (JD Samson, Johanna Fateman, and feminist icon/former Riot Grrrl Kathleen Hanna) is a low-budget affair, in faith with its subject matter’s DIY underground roots. But in true “make your limits work for you” form, director Kerthy Fix turns the film into a thrilling celebration of the multiple layers of Le Tigre’s art – a taut melding of feminist, pro-queer politics and electro-punk music – making it clear that it’s all of a single piece. Performance footage collected from twenty performances on venues across the globe demonstrates the trio’s mastery of the concert stage; strategic camera placement and editing underscore the group’s magnetism.
Their fans, a human quilt of outsiders and agitators, roar affection throughout, dancing, clapping and singing along. The high-velocity energy that spills from the viewer’s screen is somewhat bittersweet given that the tour was the group’s curtain call, but the vibe never turns maudlin or sappy. The trio makes sure their messages of affirmation and solidarity remain front and center. To that end, their behind-the-scenes comments on the interlocked, often tense politics of art, gender, sexuality, and cultural representation – delivered with both biting humor and sharp insights – will make you laugh while nodding “Amen.” It also doesn’t hurt that member JD Samson, a groundbreaking non-binary performer, is sexy as fuck.
Le Tigre. Photo courtesy MTV.com
Previously on Art Doc of the Week:
Top photo of JD Samson courtesy Ally Coalition
Art Doc of the Week
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