TRIBECA REVIEW: 'Mistaken For Strangers' − Sibling Rivalry Plays Out On The National's Stage

Mistaken for Strangers, a documentary about indie group the National, comes off like an exercise in self-deprecation. As much a diary film as a rockumentary, it almost compulsively veers away from its ostensible subject, the band’s world tour, probing the relationship between lead singer Matt Berninger and his kid brother Tom (who helmed the film) as though worrying a sore tooth.  It remains ambiguous to what extent the director’s screen persona, which raises schlubbiness to an art form, is legit.  But with its wry humor and fantastic mix of music and images, this seemingly odd choice for Tribeca’s opening-nighter could carve out a solid theatrical niche.   more »

WATCH: Tribeca Film Festival Rocks Out On Opening Night With The National & 'Mistaken For Strangers'

For the first time ever, the Tribeca Film Festival has selected a documentary as its opening night film.  And what a unique documentary.  Mistaken for Strangers chronicles the misadventures of Tom Berninger as he works as a roadie for his brother's band, The National.  Lead singer Matt Berninger points out that Tom "was hoping he was going on tour with Mötley Crüe, and it's like, we're not Mötley Crüe.  Like he got a lot of footage of guys on their laptops.  And he got bored, and that led him to sort of some maybe bad behavior, and ultimately getting fired."

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