Live Life Team
This film was directed by Barbara Kopple, who is well-known for her work on other music-type documentaries, such as the one on Harlan County, U.S.A. In this film she features U.S. country music icons “The Dixie Chicks.” They made a dubious name for themselves in 2003 when they made statements that were critical of then President George W. Bush. They then ruined their careers as a result of those comments. Over the three years after their criticism of the President, their careers went from the pinnacle of the country music industry to basically the toilet. Even their fans deserted them because at that time, Bush was a much admired political leader.
This film covers the group’s rise to stardom and how they were the darlings of country and western music. It then depicts what is referred to as “the incident” which occurred in London on the eve of the start of the Iraq war when they made their public comments denouncing Bush’s decision to get involved. It shows how The Dixie Chicks were almost immediately turned into outcasts, having their songs boycotted on the radio, and receiving death threats simply because they voiced their opinions and stood up for everyone’s right to freedom of speech.
The film is filled with good music in the country and western genre – a genre enjoyed the world over, not just in the U.S. But more importantly this film begs the question: Is it a good idea for entertainers to get involved in politics or might it not be a better career move for entertainers like The Dixie Chicks to just “shut up and sing,”
