Shut Up and Sing - Documentary of A Conflict

Paying the Price for a Political Stand in Opposition to the War

Oct 3, 2009

What happens when the most popular female country western band in the country opposes the President of the United States? A lot of collateral damage.

Barbara Kopple's documentary of the most popular female singing group of all time reveals what personal responsibility costs. The film opens with the Dixie Chicks breaking every record, climbing the charts. Three beautiful, talented young women from Texas had won the country's hearts. But when the lead singer, Natalie, states that she is ashamed that President Bush is from her home state of Texas, more than records start to shatter. The women's stand in opposition to the War in Iraq puts them at loggerhead with forces which test their mettle. But these women are ready to stand strong for that which they believe.

The Dixie Chicks Have Success on the Tours -- Until they Come Home

In 2000, the Dixie Chicks went across the country on the Fly Tour. They traversed 90 cities and grossed $46 million. In 2003, it was the Top of the World Tour, and the three were flying high. They held the record for the highest one day ticket sales in Ticketmaster history and grossed $62 million. But while in London, Natalie Maines said, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas." They were wildly cheered in London, but back in the breadbasket of America, they were vilified and boycotted. There were even death threats. The DJs would not play their records.

Sisterhood, babies, relationships, freedom of speech, comments from the President of the United States, threats, angry mobs - the years from 2003 through 2006 were a rough ride for the trio. The beauty of this documentary is that it has the feel of intimacy, of seeing firsthand how the women lived, how they protected one another, and what the price was for speaking out about their feelings towards the Iraq War and the president that drew the country into that conflict. The public face of the women is delicately intertwined with backstage drama and real emotions.

Kopple's Documentary: A Looke Behind the 2004 Vote for a Change Tour

By 2004, the women were committed to their political stance. While it was Natalie Maines that made "the incident" happen, both Martie Maguire and Emily Robison supported her fully. They remained united through the years and all the difficulties that followed, including a sudden drop in popularity. President Bush is seen on one clip speaking about the group, stating, "They shouldn't get their feelings hurt." Apparently he was diminishing the significance of their political stand. There was a lot more at stake than the feelings of the singing trio.

No matter where you stand on the politics, the top notch music, great film footage, and poignancy of vulnerability and strength are reason enough to watch this film. It is a quick film that will give the viewer new insights into public life and the demands of celebrity.

The copyright of the article Shut Up and Sing - Documentary of A Conflict in Socio-Political Documentaries is owned by Barbara DeGrande. Permission to republish Shut Up and Sing - Documentary of A Conflict in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.