Nov 20 2012 – Friday, November 16 saw the debut of The Tragically Hip in Bobcaygeon at the Bloor Cinema. This is not your typical concert film. There is much more to this movie than simple film footage of the band playing their songs. This is more of a documentary which works at bringing together many different themes that center around the band playing in a location that inspired one of their most popular songs, Bobcaygeon, and how this town of 2,500 became a Mecca for Hip fans on that special day in 2011. First there are the fans, then there are the residents of Bobcaygeon, and then, the band and the people that helped to bring this show to being.
The film begins with the preparation of the farmer’s field for where the band is to host this memorable concert, which took place on June 25th, 2011. The film goes on to provide stories of many of the band’s fans, who discuss when and why they became fans and why they are still fans of the Tragically Hip after so many years. There is no shortage of interesting characters in this film, from the guy saving the prime spot on his rock and roll bookshelf for a book about the Tragically Hip, to a woman (former fan) dealing with the fact that her Bobcaygeon wedding is taking place on the same day as the concert event. All the characters are very different from each other, and each have their own special way of articulating their stories about being Tragically Hip fans for so many years.
There is also discussion with many of the residents of Bobcaygeon, whose town has become a household name thanks to the Tragically Hip’s song of the same name from their 1998 Phantom Power album. Ever since the release of the song, there has always been the idea of how great it would be if The Tragically Hip were to play a concert in this small town someday, and this film captures the anticipation of fans and residents in the weeks leading up to the big event.
While the first half of the documentary flips between fan stories, the Bobcaygeon residents and the band preparing for the event, the latter half of the film blends into the concert event and provides some great footage of the band both on and back stage, pre and post concert. There are also some brief interview moments with the opening acts to the show including discussion with members of The Trews and The Sam Roberts Band, both discussing what an inspiration The Tragically Hip are to both bands.
Verdict: 4 out of 5. For fans who were at the event in the summer of 2011, this documentary is sure to bring back some special memories. For Hip fans who did not attend the event, this must see film provides the fans perspective that all Hip fans can relate to, and captures well, both the show itself and the excitement and anticipation leading up to this special event, as well as some candid behind the scenes footage of the band.
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Nice review, thanks, I am that guy who is saving the space on my bookshelf. It seems a lot of reviews seem to have a negative edge to them, but they totally miss the mark and what it was all about. It started out as a movie about how Hip fans are devoted and how they are all coming together for this special show. Thanks for the positive review, it seems to me that you “get it”
Wesley Crawford
Yes, Wes. I get it alright, and Hip fans get it. Thanks for commenting.
you are an interesting character Wes!
Right on, Wes. This movie was for Hip fans, pure and simple. I don't know what others expect. The Hip have saved lives, but c'mon, they can't be expected to save the world, can they?