The Velvet Underground

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2:15

The Velvet Underground

R

Released Oct 15, 2021

1h 50m

Documentary

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

133 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock 'n' roll's most revered bands. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, "The Velvet Underground" shows just how the group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture. The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band's creative ethos: "how to be elegant and how to be brutal."

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Critics Consensus

The Velvet Underground takes a fittingly idiosyncratic approach to delivering a rock documentary that captures the band as well as its era.

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J. Hoberman

Tablet

Without belaboring the point, The Velvet Underground also makes the case for Warhol’s enduring significance.

Mar 25, 2022

Full Review

Peter Howell

Toronto Star

This bracing collage is pure rock bliss and a poke in the eye to old-style storytelling.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 22, 2021

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Chris Waywell

Time Out

If you already love the Velvet Underground, this is two hours of visual and aural bliss. If you don't, same.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 3, 2021

Full Review

William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Todd Haynes’ The Velvet Underground is everything the band was: experimental, unique, energetic and, above all else, hypnotic.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 18, 2024

Full Review

Christopher Connor

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

The Velvet Underground is a solid and well-made showcase of the group and will surely please diehards and may offer an opportunity for beginners to dive into the group's back catalogue.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 19, 2023

Full Review

Chris Robe

PopMatters

In The Velvet Underground documentary, Todd Haynes shows the music catapulting across time and space to Andy Warhol’s Factory, where the alchemy worked its magic.

Jan 14, 2023

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faith

I love box office man

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/21

Full Review

James B

Incredible documentary. Really gives you an insight into the band

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/19/24

Full Review

Sams K

The best band ever.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/24

Full Review

Torin F

VELVET UNDERGROUND effectively invokes the experimental nature of the band in relating their story and enduring legacy, creating an interesting portrait of both the band and the era that informs and entertains, whether you're a fan or not.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/24

Full Review

Gareth v

A confession first, I'm a huge fan of The Velvet Underground. This movie really focuses closely on the influences, relationships, and musical processes, The Velvet Underground developed in their short and influencial reign. Some great archival footage, and most of the talking heads are amazing, and give us a real feel of the 1960's - 70's NYC art scene. One of 2021's best movies.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/17/23

Full Review

marc a

Todd Haynes deft directorial touch, great raw footage, storytelling and the sublime talent of the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol make for a crowning achievement. The meteoric rise and fall of this pioneering underground band is very interesting and speaks to the torturous genius of Lou Reed. The great candid interviews with stakeholders rounds out film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Todd Haynes

Director

Mary Woronov

Self

Jonathan Richman

Self

John Cale

Self

Maureen Ann Tucker

Actor

Sterling Morrison

Actor

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The Velvet Underground: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock 'n' roll's most revered bands. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, "The Velvet Underground" shows just how the group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture. The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band's creative ethos: "how to be elegant and how to be brutal."

Director: Todd Haynes
Producer: Christopher Clements, Julie Goldman, David Blackman, Carolyn Hepburn, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
Screenwriter: Todd Haynes
Distributor: Apple TV+
Production Co: Motto Pictures, Killer Films, Killer Content
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Nudity|Language|Some Drug Material)
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 15, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 15, 2021
Runtime: 1h 50m

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