A Lot of Sorrow (2013)
Icelandic artist and musician Ragnar Kjartansson’s often intensely durational performance-based works manifest a rare synthesis of pathos and humor. A Lot of Sorrow is both a music video and an extended concert film, in which Brooklyn-based band the National performs its three-and-a-half minute ballad “Sorrow” on repeat for six hours. The band’s music and lyrics frequently conjure notions of romantic suffering and melancholy—themes common to Kjartansson’s emotive, theatrical work. As the hours pass and fatigue sets in, the musicians subtly alter their song; the original track is always recognizable but is also shown to be elastic and expressive rather than rigid. Kjartansson is sometimes visible in the role of roadie, offering water and food to the performers throughout the concert. Multiple camera angles grant the viewer access to both the perspective of the musicians and that of the audience, as the band and the crowd feed off each other’s energy with every repetition.
Cast
- Matt Berninger - Self
- Aaron Dessner - Self
- Bryce Dessner - Self
- Bryan Devendorf - Self
- Scott Devendorf - Self
- Ragnar Kjartansson - Self
Keywords
sorrow, the national
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is A Lot of Sorrow about?
- Icelandic artist and musician Ragnar Kjartansson’s often intensely durational performance-based works manifest a rare synthesis of pathos and humor. A Lot of Sorrow is both a music video and an extended concert film, in which Brooklyn-based band the National performs its three-and-a-half minute ballad “Sorrow” on repeat for six hours. The band’s music and lyrics frequently conjure notions of romantic suffering and melancholy—themes common to Kjartansson’s emotive, theatrical work. As the hours pass and fatigue sets in, the musicians subtly alter their song; the original track is always recognizable but is also shown to be elastic and expressive rather than rigid. Kjartansson is sometimes visible in the role of roadie, offering water and food to the performers throughout the concert. Multiple camera angles grant the viewer access to both the perspective of the musicians and that of the audience, as the band and the crowd feed off each other’s energy with every repetition.
- Who directed A Lot of Sorrow?
- A Lot of Sorrow was directed by Ragnar Kjartansson.
- Who stars in A Lot of Sorrow?
- A Lot of Sorrow stars Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, Scott Devendorf, Ragnar Kjartansson.
- How long is A Lot of Sorrow?
- A Lot of Sorrow has a runtime of 6h 9m (369 minutes).
- What genre is A Lot of Sorrow?
- A Lot of Sorrow is a Music film.
- Where was A Lot of Sorrow produced?
- A Lot of Sorrow was produced in Iceland.