All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

Ugh… I don’t even want to write this review but I guess it’s my job. This one will be personal; I’ll give you the whole story. I went to see this film with two friends who are big fans of the band Califone. The interesting thing about the screening at SXSW is that the band performed the soundtrack to the film live in front of us. And while that was an interesting experience, someone like me, who is not familiar with this particular band, has no place being in that movie theater.

“All My Friends are Funeral Singers,” is a film about a medium and the spirits that inhabit her home. Those spirits include the band Califone. The movie was also directed by a member of the band. I had never heard of this band but I went in with an open mind. Having been a musician, I try to understand music even if it’s not to my particular taste. To me, based on this one performance, Califone seems like a lot of ambient noise and experimental sounds. I was bored out of my skull. The film is so self indulgent. It is essentially a two hour music video. If you’re a fan of this band then you are going to love this film, I’m sure of it. However if you are unfamiliar with the music then you will probably be in the same position I was in, waiting for it to end.

I really can’t say anything else about this film. I really didn’t like it, and my friends loved it. So let that be the guiding factor on whether or not you want to check it out. Also, I’m pretty sure not having the band in the same room as you probably takes away from the movie, so it might be even worse than what I experienced.