Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns) (***1/2)
review by Joe Swanberg

Since it is impossible to review this documentary about the band, They Might Be Giants from the point of view of a non-fan, since, frankly, I can't understand how anyone could not like them, I must point out that your opinion of the film may vary if you dislike They Might Be Giants (weirdo) or have never heard of them (weirdo).

Gigantic, as a film, is very much like a They Might Be Giants song. It is funny, bizarre, heartfelt, and in the end, very satisfying. There are short interludes, quick breakdowns, funny asides, and all the other elements that make TMBG's songs so entertaining and unexpected.

As pure history, Gigantic does a great job profiling the band from East Village performace act to major lable recording artist, mainly through the participation of the two Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell). We are treated to first hand accounts of some of the bands first shows, visuals of the two when they were first getting started, and video footage from some early performances. We learn how Dial-A-Song, a Brooklyn number you could dial to hear a new TMBG song every day, came to be, and how the group went from playing living rooms to bigger venues.

Gigantic is not a rags to riches story, since a large chunk of America has no idea who They Might Be Giants are. It is a trip inside the mind of the collective TMBG fanbase. First person accounts of how the Johns have brightened up days, broken hearts, made people laugh, made people cry, and changed lives. There is nothing funny about that. It is very serious for some.

The film is a testament to the many loyal fans of the group, ranging from celebs like Michael McKean and Janeane Garofalo, to radio personalities like Ira Glass and Sarah Vowell, to the hundreds of teens that pack a record store for a performance. This is a band that people are ready to go on record as saying "These guys rock, and they have had a profound influence on my life," and Gigantic director, AJ Schnack is there to get it all on tape.

Schnack, like TMBG, has a few tricks up his sleeve, and presents an interesting documentary that goes far beyong talking heads. Filled with great animation, perfectly chosen photos, interestingly composed interviews, rocking performances from the band, and hilarious, handheld, direct cinema style footage from the studio and the road, Gigantic is visually interesting from start to finish, and really gives the film a lasting impression. The two Johns seem to be in almost every second of the film, whether they are talking, or being talked about, and it is hard to get their faces out of your head when it ends.

Do see Gigantic if you get a chance. You can check out the official website at www.giganticfilm.com to find out where the film will be playing. If you have never heard of They Might Be Giants, this film is a wonderful introduction, and if you already love the group, you will have a great time seeing the film. It captures the comedy and the drama of TMBG, the band, but more importantly, it captures the intense competitiveness, musical ability, and above all, friendship, of the two Johns.

respond to joe@filmbrats.com

HOME