OK, I'll tell you the truth: I am a great fan of Radiohead. I find that their songs speak straight to my whole self. And I love the fact that one can always find new elements in them. So, I really wanted to see the documentary. Let's begin...I understand the pressure on their shoulders. But, in this one, they're making such a big issue out of it! Guys, worse things can happen to you than being famous and widely accepted. Stop whining all the time! I also love the artwork in their albums. But they tried to copy it here. Not pleasant! It gets terribly tiring watching everything move, not being able to see colors at times and magazine articles getting into the way the whole time. Apart from all that, it gets boring really soon. It repeats itself. Concerts, articles, comments..."What did you expect?", you'll say. Maybe something different being said in that much time. Of course, you have the opportunity of listening to their songs, watching some parts of their videos, hearing them say interesting things. I won't deny that. I don't want to! Maybe I sounded really bad in this review. I didn't hate it that much. I enjoyed it, for the reasons I told you before. But, if Radiohead are what they are today, it's because they dared say what's into them, and they did not repeat themselves, using cliches. Not really what we have here...Sorry.
41 Reviews
a film for insomniacs.
lego_tank_reduced22 November 2002
a very boring, mundane, lazy film (which made me fall asleep.)--just the way i like it. it's just brilliant choppy edits: thom whining as usual (faking his expressions at times.), some snapshot of plastic chairs, grainy concert cuts--images mostly inspired/ripped off from the OK Computer album artwork. it's not worth watching really. it's not even a documentary if you ask me. it's more of a war film. very "anti"--very--very Radiohead. (a band which is--not the greatest--but merely the embodiment of all the past bands that have passed by, both popular and obscure. strangely intelligent musicians in a film you can completely ignore.)
What a Rocky Road
DrBugSmith18 November 2002
O.k, Radiohead is by far my favorite band. Casts a fair hand over most behind the scenes chaos a group can experience. Admittedly, I haven't seen many docos, but I think this nails it right between the eyes. Note the change in character/temperament as the doco progresses. Can't imagine the 105+ shows in year and a half, not anyone's idea of fun. This rockumentary is almost warning to bands opting to tour heavily... A memorable part(or most terrible)is the million flashes when the band have their photos taken towards the end. Many great songs too like Follow Me Around, Palto Alto and Exit Music; all these in full. Sorry, really a film of interest for fans only... P.S What was that guy thinking at that bar in New York~ "Creep, radio *#*!head" as Thom walks away...? Very weird.
Unique and Thought-Provoking
Kasheen27 July 2001
This is a wonderful thought provoking film. It is not easy to watch and it does not focus on gaining insight into the band in conventional ways. Instead you are more of a companion feeling the alienation and isolation that the band seems to be feeling. Because it deals with alienation in both its subject manner and how it is filmed it isn't easy to swallow. For that the film is much more affecting than other rockumentaries that merely focus on the glitz, glamour, and the roudy but slick production that goes into a major band. Perhaps people don't like to think about how all jobs have their downsides but I think the way Gee juxtaposes the sterility and monotony of the countless environments the band is faced with the human fatigue, frustration, and disconnect the band feels from the world and eachother is fascinating and affecting. The title itself sums up the film well with its ironic and perhaps sarcastic comment on the accessibility of artists with their audience. The film also offers a beautiful selection of very personal moments of the band doing their job and shows how deeply the band feels about their music, not in their talking about it, but in their playing, especially the moments outside of the concerts themselves. It shows both the pain that comes with the peculiar kind of hard work the band is faced with and the moments of happiness and excitement that are possible because of that hard work which makes it all worth it. The almost nightmare environment that the film conveys, for me, humanized these men who have been heralded by so many as music messiahs in an industry that keeps getting more slick and more scary. Stunning.
a good insite beyond the rock n roll lifestyle.
thelittlecheez11 August 2003
This rockumentry is not like most. It is far more honest about the rock and roll lifestyle, showing that, like anything else that pays, it is still a job. The only downside is that it will encourage people who always accuse radiohead of being depressing to continue. It has, however, got a lot to offer radiohead fans, although not so much now. The DVD contains several songs which were, or still are, unreleased. Including 'how to disappear completely' (2000), 'I will' (2003), 'life in a glasshouse' (2001), and songs which are still unreleased such as 'follow me around' and 'big boots (man-o-war)'. another downside with the dvd itself is that the whole dvd is just one scene. however, this is a definate must for radiohead fans.
Intelligent rock doc chronicles Radiohead tour
pooch-823 June 1999
Grant Gee, following Radiohead around with cameras during their international tour to promote OK Computer, does not do much that has not already been done in like documentaries of popular musical artists. But what he does is remarkably involving, despite the fact that the audience will most likely be limited to fans of the group and people interested in non-fiction filmmaking. Meeting People Is Easy recaptures all the trappings of rock superstardom: fawning groupies, jealous journalists, relentless photo shoots, sterile airports, lonely hotel rooms, and above all, the horror of performing once exciting songs over and over, night after night. Gee's greatest strength, however, lies in the editing, as sound and vision constantly overlap and compete. Texts of many of the glowing (even raving) critical responses to OK Computer periodically scroll up or glide across the screen, making a not inconsiderable effort to explain how a galvanized media community can seemingly alter the destinies of a handful of young men who just enjoyed making music. The embrace, Gee seems to suggest, brings fame and fortune -- but also a unique kind of pressure that undeniably alters the world-view of the artists, thereby affecting all future recordings (lead singer Thom Yorke has a number of bitter musings on this very subject). At times self-indulgent, Meeting People Is Easy is more often engaging and hypnotic -- a film that reaches just a bit beyond its immediate milieu to explore a meaningful idea or two.
no alarms and no surprises...
ejh1 June 1999
Like another user said, loyal RADIOHEAD fans will love this documentary. Otherwise, it probably won't interest you. Radio station IDs, TV interviews, photo shoots, city after city... through it all, the band members (particularly Thom Yorke) are bored out of their minds with the endless routine. "It's a mindf**k" and they try to remain sane. This is all a part of the aftermath of the release of the critically hailed OK COMPUTER.
More about the media attention than the music.
lost-in-limbo31 August 2004
"Meeting people is easy" is a pretty good documentary of Radiohead's OK Computer world tour. It abruptly begins with concerts (bits and pieces), photo shoots, behind the scenes and interviews with the media through Europe, USA, Japan, Australia and ends back the UK where you hear them recording music for their next 2 albums (Kid A and Amnesiac).
Its not really a coherent documentary, with scenes cutting back & forth and some arty stuff chucked in for the sake of it, but this DVD shows the media attention and coverage they received, all because of their highly regarded album OK Computer... they were the in band at the time.
From this the stress and tension builds up throughout the world tour and we clearly see them getting emotionally drained.
You get to hear them playing bits of new and unfinished music which would be later added onto there next 2 albums, but don't just expect live performances (as there is hardly any). They're a band that's not afraid to experiment with their music. Though this DVD is more about their experiences throughout the tour, then that of their music.
Some people might have found this boring but I actually quite enjoyed it. It would've been great to get some full length live performances than that of small snippets (though there is good full length performance at the end) but I found the media's attention towards Radiohead and how it was eating them up, very interesting indeed.
4.5/5
Its not really a coherent documentary, with scenes cutting back & forth and some arty stuff chucked in for the sake of it, but this DVD shows the media attention and coverage they received, all because of their highly regarded album OK Computer... they were the in band at the time.
From this the stress and tension builds up throughout the world tour and we clearly see them getting emotionally drained.
You get to hear them playing bits of new and unfinished music which would be later added onto there next 2 albums, but don't just expect live performances (as there is hardly any). They're a band that's not afraid to experiment with their music. Though this DVD is more about their experiences throughout the tour, then that of their music.
Some people might have found this boring but I actually quite enjoyed it. It would've been great to get some full length live performances than that of small snippets (though there is good full length performance at the end) but I found the media's attention towards Radiohead and how it was eating them up, very interesting indeed.
4.5/5
A fun watch for Radiohead or alternative music fans
alternapop30 May 2015
Meeting People Is Easy is an interesting rockumentary but leaves a little to be desired.
It shows how the tribulations of touring, interviews, promotions can wear on you. Constant repetition, unintentionally trite questions by interviewers, or the feeling you're being interrogated or psycho analyzed by a stranger would wear on anyone's patience.
It's a bit hard to understand at times due to the English accents, off camera speaking and music playing over top of the voices so closed captioning would be useful.
alternapop.com
Film Track List:
00:18 Fitter Happier 04:00 Paranoid Android 06:15 Lucky 10:23 Creep 13:26 Climbing Up the Walls (Zero 7 Mix) 15:52 How to Disappear Completely 17:11 Karma Police 19:06 Meeting in the Aisle 21:42 On Your Own Again (song by Scott Walker) 23:48 Airbag 25:47 A Reminder 28:59 Airbag 29:42 Creep 31:37 Paranoid Android 33:32 & 36:30 Life in a Glasshouse 37:16 Exit Music (For a Film) 42:41 Paranoid Android 43:58 Climbing Up the Walls (Fila Brazillia Mix) 44:40 No Surprises 48:42 Unknown song / random jamming 50:08 Climbing Up the Walls 51:09 Street Spirit 53:03 Palo Alto 58:19 Electioneering 1:01:10 Pearly* 1:06:55 Climbing Up the Walls 1:07:06 Paranoid Android 1:07:18 Planet Telex 1:07:52 Follow Me Around 1:13:33 I Will 1:15:48 The Tourist 1:18:16 Sit Down. Stand Up. 1:20:06 Big Boots 1:25:37 Nude 1:29:16 Exit Music (For a Film)
It shows how the tribulations of touring, interviews, promotions can wear on you. Constant repetition, unintentionally trite questions by interviewers, or the feeling you're being interrogated or psycho analyzed by a stranger would wear on anyone's patience.
It's a bit hard to understand at times due to the English accents, off camera speaking and music playing over top of the voices so closed captioning would be useful.
alternapop.com
Film Track List:
00:18 Fitter Happier 04:00 Paranoid Android 06:15 Lucky 10:23 Creep 13:26 Climbing Up the Walls (Zero 7 Mix) 15:52 How to Disappear Completely 17:11 Karma Police 19:06 Meeting in the Aisle 21:42 On Your Own Again (song by Scott Walker) 23:48 Airbag 25:47 A Reminder 28:59 Airbag 29:42 Creep 31:37 Paranoid Android 33:32 & 36:30 Life in a Glasshouse 37:16 Exit Music (For a Film) 42:41 Paranoid Android 43:58 Climbing Up the Walls (Fila Brazillia Mix) 44:40 No Surprises 48:42 Unknown song / random jamming 50:08 Climbing Up the Walls 51:09 Street Spirit 53:03 Palo Alto 58:19 Electioneering 1:01:10 Pearly* 1:06:55 Climbing Up the Walls 1:07:06 Paranoid Android 1:07:18 Planet Telex 1:07:52 Follow Me Around 1:13:33 I Will 1:15:48 The Tourist 1:18:16 Sit Down. Stand Up. 1:20:06 Big Boots 1:25:37 Nude 1:29:16 Exit Music (For a Film)
"Breathtaking" works for me....
Wingo924 March 2001
"Meeting People Is Easy" is an amazing, groundbreaking work. This is not merely a concert video, nor is it, consciously, a short film. It is a visually stunning, aurally exciting piece that twists your head around in wonderful ways.
Don't judge "Meeting People Is Easy" based on whether or not you like the Radiohead that you hear on the radio; nothing could be further from relevant when regarding this film. The concert footage, in conjunction with the searing visual pyrotechnics, brings to light the product of a band of rare quality, skill, and creativeness. Each bandmember is given a moment in the spotlight to show off their individual talents, and the process as a whole is, well, breathtaking.
Several people that I know, some Radiohead fans, some not, have attempted to watch the DVD but not been able to finish it. This, almost invariably, comes not from disinterest or disgust, but rather from the overwhelming emotional roller coaster the film progresses along. This can be an exhausting work to take in. If you feel ready to be challenged, however, and, (especially) if you love Radiohead, this DVD is absolutely essential.
Don't judge "Meeting People Is Easy" based on whether or not you like the Radiohead that you hear on the radio; nothing could be further from relevant when regarding this film. The concert footage, in conjunction with the searing visual pyrotechnics, brings to light the product of a band of rare quality, skill, and creativeness. Each bandmember is given a moment in the spotlight to show off their individual talents, and the process as a whole is, well, breathtaking.
Several people that I know, some Radiohead fans, some not, have attempted to watch the DVD but not been able to finish it. This, almost invariably, comes not from disinterest or disgust, but rather from the overwhelming emotional roller coaster the film progresses along. This can be an exhausting work to take in. If you feel ready to be challenged, however, and, (especially) if you love Radiohead, this DVD is absolutely essential.
Its not as easy as it looks
jmn47 January 2002
This highly cinematic documentary forces one to rethink the way s/he may think of life as a "rock star". Radiohead's unique stardom is portrayed in a dark and highly neurotic light. The pains of dealing with an incessant press, constant live performances, and travel around the nation bear down on these five men and produce tension that borders on nervous breakdown. When watching this film, the intense style transports this tension to the viewer, making it difficult to watch. But it adds insight to the band that has changed Rock music forever, and lets one understand better exactly what they are doing and going through. Well worth the headache and depression experienced afterwards. Meeting people is truly not easy.
Stinks on ice
riddley5 June 1999
I agree with what pnkflyd said. This is standard art-rock documentary at it's most mediocre. Nothing new is done here, and there is little done in the way of documenting anything short of the band's distaste for interviews. My vote: 1.
greatest music video ever
avaler16 June 1999
As said Colin, "we don't learn much about Radiohead in this thing". That's true. Whatever, it's a real pleasure and pain to see and follow a great band on the road, listening to dumb journalists questions. Makes ones think about the fan status and the star status, which one is enviable, who could be ashamed of stalking people. Meeting people is easy, yeah. but you must want it first.
Excellent documentary about some of the worlds most gifted musicians.
Moonbeam-519 June 1999
As a long time Radiohead fan, I was very very excited about the release of Grant Gee's documentary. Needless to say it lived up to all my expectations. It showed the band as people, not huge rock stars or snobs or whatever the public might take them for. It was the daily routine of photo shoots, interviews, and touring that helps us realize what hard work is needed to be a success. New song previews were a plus too. An excellent look at an excellent band.
great
juan pab3 July 1999
a great documentary about one of the best bands of all time (the best in my opinion), Radiohead isn´t a rock band like anyone anymore, there is a group of great artists with a lot of creativity and talent. They are one of the few rock/famous person that really make excellent and "incredible" things.
Richard Kingsmill is a sex god.
ujnpuiz7 June 1999
Having simply looked at the box the video came in, I was addicted. Such a simple box - understated, yet beautiful. This is a film that can be judged by its cover. It didn't take long before I was just as addicted to the film as I was the box.
The choice thing about the film is that you can watch it no matter what your state of mind. If you feel like doing something totally passive, it's comforting just to hear Radiohead noises in the background. On the other hand, you could take a fabulous journey on the emotional rollercoaster of the touring band.
Mr Gee has done a fantastic job in fitting everything together so well. In many ways, it's like a Radiohead song - a complex web of goodness where you'll always find something new.
If for no other reason, watch it to see Richard Kingsmill on TV. I love The King, you love The King, everyone loves The King.
The King loves Radiohead. It is The King's love of Radiohead that makes The King so ace.
If only the chaps hadn't given up on Big Boots...
Watch MPIE NOW!
The choice thing about the film is that you can watch it no matter what your state of mind. If you feel like doing something totally passive, it's comforting just to hear Radiohead noises in the background. On the other hand, you could take a fabulous journey on the emotional rollercoaster of the touring band.
Mr Gee has done a fantastic job in fitting everything together so well. In many ways, it's like a Radiohead song - a complex web of goodness where you'll always find something new.
If for no other reason, watch it to see Richard Kingsmill on TV. I love The King, you love The King, everyone loves The King.
The King loves Radiohead. It is The King's love of Radiohead that makes The King so ace.
If only the chaps hadn't given up on Big Boots...
Watch MPIE NOW!
Touching look at the other side of music... business
fahfooh30 May 2001
I'm not going to tell you that if you don't know who RadioHead are, or if you don't like them, that you should watch this. If I weren't a fan (or if I lived so deep inside a cave I'd never heard of them), I would have gone crazy trying to wrap my head around this movie.
However, since I am a huge fan, I absolutely loved this video. Artfully done, it has more crammed into it than I would have thought possible. The Irony, the Agony, the Frustration, the Fans, the Good Times, the (never-ending) Interviews; and of course the vicarious thrill you get from this rare look into the real back-stage life of a serious rock-n-roll band.
This is not an up-lifting film. It makes you glad you never seriously pursued a career in the popular music industry.
However, since I am a huge fan, I absolutely loved this video. Artfully done, it has more crammed into it than I would have thought possible. The Irony, the Agony, the Frustration, the Fans, the Good Times, the (never-ending) Interviews; and of course the vicarious thrill you get from this rare look into the real back-stage life of a serious rock-n-roll band.
This is not an up-lifting film. It makes you glad you never seriously pursued a career in the popular music industry.
Not as Good as People Will Say...
Mr. Pulse31 October 2000
I'm not a huge fan of Radiohead, but I have an album or two, and I like plenty of their songs. I was interested in seeing their documentary, but I must say that I was sadly disappointed.
While I got the message of the film, the isolation and boredom of the lives of these "rockstars" this film takes way too long to tell it, and through repetition. I guess that, in its own way, that's how it wants you to feel, but I rarely felt I was getting any insight into the band, or a lot of the "life" that I could have just got from someone saying "Being on the road sucks."
For a movie about a band, there sure is little interaction with them. We see the band members, and we hear them talking to reporters occassionally (Done to great effect with a sound montage in the beginning, but then repeated ad naseum), but they almost never interact. Even though the film follows the OK Computer tour, there is no distinct beginning or end. It's begun, and then it flashes "end" when its through. Just when I was muttering aloud "How long is this thing?"
I'm sure fans of the band will like it to a certain extent, although I watched it with a diehard fan who had more fun playing along to the concert scenes than watching the endless repetition for 100 minutes. I think the film could have been much more effective if cut down, hell make it a music video. But for those who are looking for a big Radiohead downer (and a bore), I guess they'll enjoy it.
While I got the message of the film, the isolation and boredom of the lives of these "rockstars" this film takes way too long to tell it, and through repetition. I guess that, in its own way, that's how it wants you to feel, but I rarely felt I was getting any insight into the band, or a lot of the "life" that I could have just got from someone saying "Being on the road sucks."
For a movie about a band, there sure is little interaction with them. We see the band members, and we hear them talking to reporters occassionally (Done to great effect with a sound montage in the beginning, but then repeated ad naseum), but they almost never interact. Even though the film follows the OK Computer tour, there is no distinct beginning or end. It's begun, and then it flashes "end" when its through. Just when I was muttering aloud "How long is this thing?"
I'm sure fans of the band will like it to a certain extent, although I watched it with a diehard fan who had more fun playing along to the concert scenes than watching the endless repetition for 100 minutes. I think the film could have been much more effective if cut down, hell make it a music video. But for those who are looking for a big Radiohead downer (and a bore), I guess they'll enjoy it.
good comments or something
Toom28 April 1999
let's just put it this way, if you like radiohead, you'll love this movie. when you get out of this movie and listen to the radiohead songs you never really cared for again, you have a whole new respect for those songs. "It's a mind F***, that's all it is..is a mind F***" -Thom Yorke. He said it best :)
what a total mind f***
Starla-210 June 1999
Thom says it best. I think it takes a little while to get going, but the concert footage and outtakes are fabulous, and even a non-Radiohead fan can enjoy parts of this. The bit with the audience singing along with 'creep' was great, and thom with the tank thing on his head filming the 'no surprises' video was priceless. Add that with the songs that haven't been officially released, and you have a video that's certainly worth the price of admission.
An audio and visual journey
Sim-930 April 1999
Radiohead are the greatest band in the world. The most inventive. The most beautiful-sounding. The most powerful live experience one could ever see. Although this is not your usual "rockumentary", it puts the sounds of OK Computer to images on screen with ease. Light years ahead.
Best Radiohead documentary there is.
elw-946678 January 2017
If you like Radiohead, watch this movie.
It's got awesome behind the scenes footage of the band, rare footage of early versions of songs, and some hilarious moments with fans. It was shot during their tour after OK Computer and before Kid A. Obviously this was a very pivotal moment for the band. Really cool to see them play some parts of songs that would come out much later. I wish there were more Radiohead documentaries and movies, but this is really the only legit one. As a result, I have seen it many times. Very dank stuff indeed. I'm going to continue to type because I need ten lines for my review, but if you aren't convinced by now I'm not sure what else could make you watch it!
It's got awesome behind the scenes footage of the band, rare footage of early versions of songs, and some hilarious moments with fans. It was shot during their tour after OK Computer and before Kid A. Obviously this was a very pivotal moment for the band. Really cool to see them play some parts of songs that would come out much later. I wish there were more Radiohead documentaries and movies, but this is really the only legit one. As a result, I have seen it many times. Very dank stuff indeed. I'm going to continue to type because I need ten lines for my review, but if you aren't convinced by now I'm not sure what else could make you watch it!
Not for the "Creeps"
spowell6910 November 2004
How ironic that some so-called Radiohead "fans" refer to this stunning documentary with a description like, "how lame." How narrow-minded, more like it.
You'll like love] this doc if you like love] what Radiohead has created with OK Computer (and since then). The ones who refer to it as "lame" are the the same as those in the audience, no doubt, in that memorable snippet where Thom is bored out of his skull, performing Creep for the umpteenth time to an oh-so predictable crowd response.
This documentary is less like the Hollywood-polished concert movie, or fluff-piece, that those same fans desire, and much more a fascinating collage of what could be the cutting-room floor bits from a more predicable piece for the masses. It really drops you into a different perspective and shows you things more like a free-form poem. It ain't MTV, pre-chewed for teen consumption.
In other words, don't believe the words of a disgruntled mass-consumer, who listens to Radiohead 'cause it's cool at a certain moment. This is an underrated piece that will definitely be more fascinating as time goes on.
And, oh yeah, something else the disgruntled mass-consumers fail to mention: the Sound Design in this film is AMAZING. Watch with good headphones.
You'll like love] this doc if you like love] what Radiohead has created with OK Computer (and since then). The ones who refer to it as "lame" are the the same as those in the audience, no doubt, in that memorable snippet where Thom is bored out of his skull, performing Creep for the umpteenth time to an oh-so predictable crowd response.
This documentary is less like the Hollywood-polished concert movie, or fluff-piece, that those same fans desire, and much more a fascinating collage of what could be the cutting-room floor bits from a more predicable piece for the masses. It really drops you into a different perspective and shows you things more like a free-form poem. It ain't MTV, pre-chewed for teen consumption.
In other words, don't believe the words of a disgruntled mass-consumer, who listens to Radiohead 'cause it's cool at a certain moment. This is an underrated piece that will definitely be more fascinating as time goes on.
And, oh yeah, something else the disgruntled mass-consumers fail to mention: the Sound Design in this film is AMAZING. Watch with good headphones.
disappointing
lacrossezombie10 August 2011
I started to really like Radiohead over the past 2 weeks so I decided it would be a good idea to watch this documentary about their OK Computer tour. I went in expecting a normal documentary tracking the band on their journey, but this was far from that. All this is is small clips of songs, clips interviews, and clips the band moving from show to show. not FULL interviews or songs, small CLIPS. This was absolutely horrendous. Nothing felt complete. The clips of songs were only about thirty seconds at most and the interview clips and other clips of the band were more of the band explaining why they don't like interviewing and them complaining and whining every time they mess up then actual informative footage and interviews. After the movie I felt I learned nothing of the band. Everything was mixed up and a complete mess. I know Radiohead is a weird band and they probably did this documentary this way to keep that strange feel, but this was just done terribly. This movie should not be viewed by anyone, even Radiohead fans. Hands down worst documentary, 2/10 stars.
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