Movie trainwreck woodstock 99 netflix review a catastrophic festival fuelled by a catalogue of problems
Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 (2021) - A Catastrophic Festival Fuelled by a Catalogue of Problems
Netflix Review
"Trainwreck: Woodstock '99" is a documentary that chronicles the infamous 1999 Woodstock Music Festival, which descended into chaos and destruction. The film is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, poor planning, and the consequences of a festival gone wrong.
The documentary begins by setting the stage for the festival, which was meant to be a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the original Woodstock Music & Art Fair. The event was expected to draw hundreds of thousands of music lovers to Rome, New York, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
The film highlights a catalogue of problems that contributed to the festival's catastrophic outcome. These include:
- Poor planning: The festival's organizers were inexperienced and underestimated the scale of the event. This led to inadequate infrastructure, including insufficient food, water, and medical facilities.
- Lack of security: The festival's security team was woefully underprepared to handle the large crowd, leading to widespread violence and property damage.
- Overcrowding: The festival grounds were severely overcrowded, causing attendees to become trapped and desperate.
- Heat and humidity: The weather was sweltering, with temperatures reaching over 100°F (38°C) and humidity levels soaring. This led to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health issues.
- Rioting and looting: As the festival descended into chaos, attendees began to riot and loot, causing millions of dollars in damage to the festival grounds and surrounding areas.
The documentary features interviews with attendees, organizers, and emergency responders who witnessed the chaos firsthand. These testimonials provide a harrowing account of the festival's collapse and the devastating consequences that followed.
The film also explores the cultural and social context of the festival, including the rise of alternative rock and the growing tensions between the festival's organizers and attendees. These factors contributed to the sense of disillusionment and frustration that ultimately boiled over into violence.
Verdict
"Trainwreck: Woodstock '99" is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and poor planning. The film is well-researched and features compelling interviews with those who were there. While it may not be an easy watch, it is an important reminder of the consequences of a festival gone wrong.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you're interested in music festivals, cultural history, or are simply looking for a thought-provoking documentary, "Trainwreck: Woodstock '99" is a must-watch. However, be prepared for a harrowing and intense viewing experience.