You’ve likely already heard about the documentary, Mistaken for Strangers. It started out as a standard rock-doc on one of our favorite bands, The National, created and conceived of by frontman Matt Berninger’s younger brother, Tom when he was asked to tour with the band in their crew.
But the story of the film—inextricably wrapped up in the relationship between the two brothers—evolved as it was being created by Tom and (skillfully) co-edited by Matt’s wife, Carin Besser. The end product is less about the Grammy-nominated band and more about the younger Berninger growing up in the shadow of his sibling’s success, from grade-school popularity to indie rock stardom.
We were able to attend the LA premiere last night—followed by a live performance from The National—and have to highly recommend the film. It’s smart, funny, and endearing in the end.
Watch the trailer for Mistaken for Strangers below. The movie can be ordered via the Web and iTunes and continues to hit the big screen around the US. New York—the IFC Center picks the movie up Friday. Check the film’s site for screenings elsewhere.
Above, Tom + Matt in our ‘hood, Beachwood Canyon! To the right, shots from our friend, Maureen Hoban, as Matt + Tom entered the audience during an encore and (awwww) hugged last night.
Below, a recent interview with Berninger the elder from Brian Ives at radio.com on Mistaken for Strangers, indie going mainstream, and the Grateful Dead tribute album the band is curating.
Yes. You read that right.
