I can confidently say that there is no band like The National and on the same note I can confidently say that I have never seen a music documentary like “Mistaken For Strangers“.  Part mockumentary, part autobiography, part musical performance, there are so many pieces to this movie that all fall together to make a heartfelt love story to brothers and family. As The National embark on their new European tour lead singer Matt Berninger, portrayed as a calm and aloof artist, asks his brother, Tom Berninger, portrayed as a loner and a metal head, to be a roadie with them.  Tom takes this opportunity to make a documentary about their travels.  From this point on the brilliance of the band and this project come to fruition as small little cracks start to emerge that this may not all be on the up and up.  By all accounts this is a straight up documentary as interviews are done with incredibly game band members Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Bryan Devendorf and Scott Devendorf (kudos if you also notice the last names and themes here), concert footage is shot and backstage shenanigans but if Tom is doing things all himself how were some of the camera angles achieved?  How are some conversations recorded about him?  All of this is secondary to the movie itself, which is just a joy to watch.

I’m a huge fan of The National so obviously anything I say about this movie needs to be seen in that light but I thought one of the greatest things about “Mistaken For Strangers” is that no fandom is needed to enjoy it because ultimately this movie is less about the band itself than the two brothers at the center of it.  It seems as if the movie is a history of their relationship played out over the course of 2 hours with Matt’s band as a catalyst.  The ending of this movie has to warm your heart and stick around after the initial credit card for a fun, little scene.  Probably the most enjoyable documentary I’ve seen this year and if you’re not a fan of The National I hope it makes you seek them out.

Recommend? Yes, watch it and then go listen to one of the best bands around.