272. Muse - Simulation Theory; movie review

MUSE - SIMULATION THEORY
Cert 15
90 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language

For years I have heard that Muse are the best live band in Britain if not the world.

And now I understand why. Their show has as much in common with a Broadway musical as it does with a rock gig.

Its highly choreographed dance routines weave around singer Matt Bellamy, bass guitarist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard.

And there are videos between and even during songs with environmental and political messages shaped as a sci-fi story.

Apparently, Muse took their 2019 Simulation Theory Tour to over 28 countries and played in front of more than a million fans.

I would have enjoyed the gig, filmed at London's O2, in IMAX but in these crazy Covid times, I am avoiding the cinema as much as possible so stuck to the Amazon version.

Directed by Lance Drake, the theme of the concert and video is that a team of scientists are investigating the source of weird occurrences around the world.

It turns out, with amazing coincidence because it was filmed before the pandemic, that this is a virus! 

Thus, we have the double whammy of the spectacular concert with echoes of Pink Floyd's The Wall, combined with a film with similarities to the type of videos Muse have made over the last three years.

As said, I didn't have the advantage of watching Simulation Theory in IMAX and, therefore, wasn't immersed in the full effect of the concert.

But I saw enough to make me realise that watching Muse live would be an experience which I would enjoy.

Ideally, at a future Glastonbury maybe?

Reasons to watch: Reputedly the best live act on the planet
Reasons to avoid: I found it surprisingly samey

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Matt Bellamy smashed 140 guitars on Muse's 2004 tour, setting a Guinness World Record.

The final word. Matt Bellamy: "It’s like our version of The Wall or something. My manager told me I have to emphasise the film was partly made before what’s going on because, obviously, we didn’t know it (would happen), but it has this whole thing about a virus. We didn’t know that when we made the film, but it’ll be interesting cos it’s very much in a fictional world. It’s a bit of fun.” NME

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