SLIFF 2014 Review – MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS

MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS screens tonight Friday, November 14 at 7:00 at KDHX as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival

Get ticket information here

Even though MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS may sound like just your standard rock doc about indie darlings The National, the important aspect of this unique film is the man sitting in the director’s chair. Tom Berninger is the brother to singer Matt Berninger. Aside from serving as director and editor he also is one of the main characters in the film. His slacker, bumbling goof persona is as important to the film as the band in question – maybe even more so. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS follows Tom as he attempts to make a film about his brother’s band while on tour through Europe and the US.

The relationship between the two brothers becomes an important aspect to the film. Certain moments give way to the feeling that Tom is trying to escape from his brother’s shadow while simultaneously vying for his attention. As the film begins we learn how often the band is always on tour and that Tom barely sees his brother anymore. Filming this doc is a way to connect with him, but it is through the film process that Tom learns that this might not be the best way to rebuild their relationship.

Tom’s filming constantly gets in the way of the tour manager and other members of the band and crew. He’s hired to be a roadie on the band’s tour and his responsibilities as a roadie often falls second to his film, causing tension among everyone. His amateur filmmaking process gets in the way and when he resorts to drinking as an escape from the ridicule, he is then criticized because he “just wants to have a good time.” The major riff of course is the one between Matt and Tom. Alcohol and Matt’s concern for Tom’s lack of responsibility and direction makes the film feel heavy and downright –  the raw and emotional music of The National is a perfect fit for the proceedings.

Those looking for insight into the band and their relationships as musicians will be disappointed by the film. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS is a film about a man trying to find himself. A story like this is relatable to most audiences regardless of their knowledge of the band. At a swift 75 minutes, MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS feels more like the “making of a documentary” than an actual feature documentary. The tortured life of an artist under pressure to succeed can be a messy and disjointed journey filled with moments of brilliance. You could say Tom’s film captures that feeling for better or for worse.

It’s an interesting experiment, especially considering the relationship between the brothers. Accepting the film for what it is and not what it could have been is important to consider, and in that regard, Tom Berninger may be strange, but this tragic portrait of his life makes him no longer a stranger to the band and its adoring  fans. He’s now a part of the family.