Stranger Says:

Produced by David Byrne, Contemporary Color came into being after a team asked him for permission to use one of his songs for a routine in 2008, and the subculture fascinated him. The film features 10 composers—including Byrne, tUnE-yArDs, St. Vincent, Ad Rock, and Money Mark—writing original music for 10 color guards. The routines require phenomenal concentration and coordination. The goal? Create the biggest spectacle possible. Despite the remarkable skills on display, you become numb to the countless flag tosses and fake-rifle twirls by these graceful marchers through sheer repetition. Behind-the-scenes peeks into their preparations and interviews with the performers produce platitudes like, “We'll always have this moment that we'll share together.” It’s an upbeat cinematic experience that will leave you either exhilarated or exhausted. (DAVE SEGAL)