Review by William Smith
Bill Murray is aware the casual viewer of his new concert documentary, “New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization,” might not be ready for his blend of classical music and narrative book readings.
So, he brings up the alleged awkwardness about 20 minutes into the show, joking how audience members may be staring at each other and wishing they had attended something else.
“This is junk,” he says about the show, tongue planted in cheek. “I promise you, the worst is over.”
That’s Bill Murray’s way of saying things are about to get stranger. A steady stream of expertly read novel excerpts turns into a song. Then some graceful dancing with the violinist.
An hour into the concert, Murray is sitting on the piano keys, sliding across them with his posterior while belting out the Tom Waits song “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” And of course, he has a whiskey in his hand.
As a Bill Murray fan since grade school, I loved every minute. And I’m far from a classical music buff.
The film captures the entirety of a 2018 concert show in Athens, Greece. The concert was part of a sprawling tour Murray embarked on with acclaimed cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez.
They sound spectacular, as does the film that captures their sonic quality. The long strings are absolutely haunting as Murray reads serious prose from heavyweights like James Fenimore Cooper.
They’re even better when Murray starts singing. Far from a professional crooner, Murray’s voice hits a comforting pitch between professional effort and casual comedian. It’s earnest, gruff, and honest — kind of like hearing your dad put some effort into the church hymn.
Hearing Murray sing is an affirmation that the song is for everyone, not just those with perfect pitch and silky voices. I had the same reaction when he sang a karaoke version of “More Than This” in “Lost in Translation.” I used to play it at college parties, just to give my guests a taste of how powerful a melancholy Bill Murray can sound.
Not that he’s afraid to cut it up with the audience, or the musicians.
“It looks like it’s a serious classical concert piece, and it’s frightening,” Murray said in an interview with the New York Daily News. “Terrifying at first, but what isn’t anymore? It’s a little scary, but if you just have faith that, among all of us, there’s a drop of consciousness, it’s going to change, it’s going to get better, it’s going to improve, and it does."
“It comes to be just a rollicking entertainment that’s very joyous and very enjoyable and fills your chest with a big breath of air.”
That earnestness defines this unexpected concert film, which is a movie I likely would have overlooked without an opportunity for an advanced screening at the Capitol Theater.
You won’t find anything quite like it at a multi-screen cineplex, but you will find it in downtown Burlington.
“New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization” will be playing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Capitol Theater.