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5.9/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Banjoland remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, let's get this out of the way right upfront: Banjoland isn't for everyone. If you’re looking for a plot, or even a hint of a story arc, you’re in the wrong place. Seriously, just skip it. But if you have a soft spot for *old music*, or maybe you play an instrument and want to see some real masters at work, then yeah, give this a quick look. It's a neat little time capsule.
What we've got here is Eddie Peabody on the banjo, with Jimmy Maisel lending a hand. Peabody, man, his fingers just *fly*. It’s a joy to watch, honestly, even if you’re not a huge banjo fan. Just the sheer speed and precision.
They play three tunes. First up, 'On the Bock Row,' which kicks things off with a real energetic, kinda upbeat feel. Then it’s 'Ramona,' which gives things a slightly more melodic, maybe even a little dreamy, vibe. And then a medley: 'Diane/Together/Dream Kisses.' It's a smart choice, shows off their range a bit, you know?
The camera work is pretty straightforward. Mostly it just sits there, focused right on the banjos, on Peabody's hands. You can really appreciate the finger work, the way he plucks and strums. It’s almost hypnotizing, watching him make that instrument sing.
There’s a slight crackle to the audio, you can’t miss it. It’s an old film, after all. But that just adds to the charm, I think. Makes it feel even more like you’re listening to a rare old record, or maybe even in the room with them back when it was filmed. The sound quality isn’t pristine, but it’s *authentic*.
Maisel, he's there, holding down the rhythm, a solid backup. You don't get the same flash as Peabody, but you can tell they're completely in sync. It's a real team effort, even though Peabody clearly takes center stage.
It’s a very simple setup. Just these two guys, their instruments, no big stage dressings or anything fancy. That stripped-down quality? It really works. Nothing to distract from the music itself. No frills, just pure banjo. 🎶
You can almost feel the passion these guys had for their craft. It's a short film, a quick glimpse, but it leaves an impression. For a few minutes, you’re just immersed in this very specific, very joyful sound. And that's kinda cool.
Don't go in expecting anything groundbreaking in terms of filmmaking. It's a performance piece. But for what it is—a straightforward, *energetic showcase* of banjo playing—it really delivers. A nice little treat if you're into that sort of thing.
IMDb —
1917
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