Lou Reed's Berlin (12A)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With characteristic self-esteem, Julian Schnabel personally introduces this concert film of his friend, Lou Reed, performing his Berlin album at a Brooklyn hall in December 2006.
The album flopped on its release in 1973, and at times you can see why. It's not just the depressive material – it narrates the story of a doomed party-girl and mother called Caroline – it's Reed's gruff and tuneless delivery that challenges one's enjoyment. He's not exactly a charismatic frontman, either, and the inserted fragments of Caroline's story (played by Emmanuelle Seigner) don't provide sufficient distraction. But the concert ends strongly with the two best songs ("The Kids" and "Sad Song"), bolstered by a girls' choir, a seven-piece orchestra and Antony (without the Johnsons), whose voice provides pointed contrast to Reed's dismal croak.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments