Ile Aiye (The House of Life) - A Film by David Byrne

Director: David Byrne
Studio: Plexifilm
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
With the earthy, yet otherworldly Ilé Aiyé (The House of Life), David Byrne (True Stories) explores the spirit cult of Candomblé. Based in the Bahia region of Brazil, the African-originated religion permeates all aspects of the culture. Byrne incorporates music, dance, interviews, and clips from old black-and-white Brazilian movies into his documentary. Narration is kept to a minimum and the visuals do most of the talking--along with the rhythmic, trance-inducing songs, accompanied by translations of their evocative lyrics. As befits a former art student--and Talking Head--Byrne does get a little "arty" at times, as when he places screens within screens (much like Peter Greenaway's Pillow Book). Fortunately, the effect isn't as distracting as it sounds and is only used sporadically. Ilé Aiyé is a must for fans of Byrne's groundbreaking Brazil Classics, Vol. 1 compilation, on which Tropicalia legend Caetano Veloso sings the lovely number of the same name. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Description
ILÉ AIYÉ is David Byrne's breathtaking 1989 documentary on Candomblé, the African-influenced spirit cult of the Bahia region of Brazil.

ILÉ AIYÉ explores the ways in which Candomblé has influenced the daily life and culture of the people of Brazil in music, art, religion, theater, food, dance, poetry and more. ILÉ AIYÉ uses experimental film techniques, music, and cultural observation to express the life and rituals of Candomblé and the symbolic manifestation of the Orishás, the deities which represent the wide range of natural and spiritual forces. The rhythms of the sacred drums and bells, a dance of spiritual ecstasy, offerings and sacrifices, divination and the visitation of the Orishás through trance are all part of the color and life of Candomblé.

Amazon.com

With the earthy, yet otherworldly Ilé Aiyé (The House of Life), David Byrne (True Stories) explores the spirit cult of Candomblé. Based in the Bahia region of Brazil, the African-originated religion permeates all aspects of the culture. Byrne incorporates music, dance, interviews, and clips from old black-and-white Brazilian movies into his documentary. Narration is kept to a minimum and the visuals do most of the talking--along with the rhythmic, trance-inducing songs, accompanied by translations of their evocative lyrics. As befits a former art student--and Talking Head--Byrne does get a little "arty" at times, as when he places screens within screens (much like Peter Greenaway's Pillow Book). Fortunately, the effect isn't as distracting as it sounds and is only used sporadically. Ilé Aiyé is a must for fans of Byrne's groundbreaking Brazil Classics, Vol. 1 compilation, on which Tropicalia legend Caetano Veloso sings the lovely number of the same name. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

ILÉ AIYÉ is David Byrne's breathtaking 1989 documentary on Candomblé, the African-influenced spirit cult of the Bahia region of Brazil.

Customer Reviews:

Let yourself be possessed by the rhythm.......2004-10-30

I remember vaguely seeing this film on PBS back in the mid to late '80s when it first came out. Seeing it now, I obviously didn't remember much. This is a great, great documentary. You will learn about the religion of candomble, which is a blend of catholicism and African rituals in Bahia, Brazil. This was a big influence for David Byrne during the "Rei Momo" period(and probably continues to be). The rhythms and dances these people do are nothing short of the DNA of rock and roll. You will also learn more about what makes David Byrne tick. As an example, it suddenly makes perfect sense why he would choose Whitney Houston's "I just wanna dance with somebody" as a cover song in concert. Finally, I dare say, you'll learn about life.

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