大象传媒

Their music is filed under country-and-western, but the Dixie Chicks turn out to be more than a little bit rock 'n' roll in Shut Up And Sing. While on stage in London in 2003, a throwaway quip about US President George W Bush sparked a media maelstrom, chronicled in this gently inspiring documentary by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck. It speaks indirectly about the erosion of free speech, which has shaken the foundations of American politics post-9/11.

It was at the Shepherd's Bush Empire during the build-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq that lead singer Natalie Maines casually remarked, "We do not want this war... We are ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas." As the crowd cheers, Maines giggles. Obviously she's more concerned with exciting the fans than inciting a rebellion, and admits as much to manager Simon Renshaw when the quote sparks hysteria at home.

"A MELODIC WAKE-UP CALL"

Once ardent groupies turn against the country crooners in vicious protests, some insisting "They're communalists!" and waving placards urging them to "Move to France!" The absurdity of these rallying cries is fertile ground for comedy, and Kopple and Peck certainly take advantage, perhaps angling too much for laughs at the expense of the simpleminded. However, when a death threat is issued, it highlights a more insidious aspect of this blind patriotism. Ultimately what's most compelling is the true grit of these women, who face the music and sing (there are some soothing musical interludes), and particularly Maines, who after some initial back-pedalling, finds the courage of her convictions. A melodic wakeup call; where bluegrass meets grassroots politics.

Shut Up And Sing is out in UK cinemas on 29th June 2007.