A Deep Dive into Bono: Stories of Surrender – A Review
As Bono himself quips, welcome to "a whole new level of navel-gazing." The film adaptation of his book tour, Bono: Stories of Surrender, emerges on screen bathed in striking monochrome, showcasing the iconic singer as he takes center stage at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. With nothing but a minimalist setting of a table and chairs, accompanied by the Jackknife Lee Ensemble, this performance promises an intimate, raw experience.
The Unveiling of a Rock Icon
Bono has always embraced the grandiose—he basks in the splendor of rock stardom. Yet, in this cinematic voyage, he portrays a refreshingly intimate side that offers a delightful surprise. Bono: Stories of Surrender allows the audience to see him vicariously navigate his life’s triumphs and trials while charming even the most ardent skeptics.
An Engaging Performance
Spanning a concise one-and-a-half hours, Bono’s magnetic presence keeps us entranced as he weaves together stories from his past and sings a selection of his most beloved tunes. While he occasionally slips into the preachy Bono-speak—something that can elicit both cringe and eye-rolling—his self-awareness adds a layer of complexity to his character.
The Duality of Bono
In Andrew Dominik’s masterful direction, Bono emerges as a self-effacing showman and a penitent soul, grappling with the contradictions of his celebrity. This "over-lavished, over-praised, over-fed and over-paid rock star" does not shy away from admitting his ridiculousness. The absence of his bandmates—represented merely by three empty chairs—transforms this performance into a contemplative solo endeavor, albeit one that occasionally hints at the unresolved tensions within U2.
A Journey through Family and Loss
Bono: Stories of Surrender intricately weaves portraits of key figures in Bono’s life, such as his former manager Paul McGuinness, who he affectionately dubs "the Winston Churchill of rock." The emotional anchor of the film revolves around his father, Bob Hewson, following the death of Bono’s mother, Iris. This loss cast a long shadow over his childhood, leading to a "river of silence" in the family home on Cedarwood Road.
When Bono and his father gathered for quiet drinks at Finnegan’s Pub, their limited conversations became poignant exchanges layered with unspoken emotions. A vivid moment of connection unfolds as Bob, a lifelong opera enthusiast, surprises us by breaking his patriotic stance upon meeting Lady Diana. This moment is a testament to the vulnerability hidden beneath Bob’s stoicism.
Buckle Up for a Bonologue
This production is more than just a straightforward narrative; it’s a folk mass infused with the energy of a rock concert. Expect a tapestry of philosophical musings and cleverly crafted one-liners, like comparing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to "religious art meets The Clash." Songs metamorphose under Bono’s storytelling lens, offering fresh interpretations that breathe new life into classics like "Vertigo," "Desire," and "Where The Streets Have No Name."
A Visual Feast
Shot in stylish grayscale, the film propels forward with a quicksilver pace, occasionally shattering the fourth wall. A standout moment captures Bono as he gazes into a mirror—a moment of reflection, both literal and metaphorical. The closing scene, set against the backdrop of Teatro San Carlo in Napoli, features "The Showman," a stunning finale reflecting on the strangeness of being Bono.
Reflection and Anticipation
In recent years, U2 has traversed a nostalgic terrain, recording albums steeped in childhood reveries and celebrating their iconic album Achtung Baby with a Vegas residency. With the murmurs of a new U2 album on the horizon, Bono: Stories of Surrender serves as a bittersweet chapter, perhaps signaling the end of an era.
Final Thoughts: A Captivating Experience
As the film unfolds before an electrified audience, Bono’s charisma knows no bounds, leaving attendees hanging on his every word. Whether you find joy in Bono’s narrative will largely depend on your personal feelings about the rock star himself. However, this film stands as a charming, poignant, and humorous exploration of a life lived in the spotlight.
Bono: Stories of Surrender is now streaming on Apple TV+. Don’t miss out on this rare glimpse into the heart and mind of one of rock music’s most fascinating figures.
