At the Drive in ( 2017 )

At the Drive-In: A Documentary of Reunions, Reflections, and Raw Energy

At the Drive-In: Chaos as Usual, released in 2017, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the tumultuous journey of the iconic post-hardcore band At the Drive-In. More than just a concert film, it's a deeply personal documentary that charts the band's improbable reunion after an eleven-year hiatus, delving into the complex relationships, creative tensions, and personal demons that both fueled their groundbreaking music and ultimately led to their initial dissolution. Directed by Fouad Omar, the film is a potent mix of electrifying live performances, candid backstage moments, and insightful interviews that provide a comprehensive narrative of a band grappling with its past, present, and uncertain future.

A Band Forged in the El Paso Desert

To fully appreciate the documentary, it's crucial to understand the band's origins. At the Drive-In emerged from the vibrant yet isolated music scene of El Paso, Texas, in the mid-1990s. Formed by Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Jim Ward, the band quickly gained a reputation for its frenetic energy, unconventional songwriting, and politically charged lyrics. Their music, a blend of hardcore punk, art rock, and Latin rhythms, defied easy categorization, and their live shows were legendary for their intensity and unpredictability. The band's core lineup solidified with the addition of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar, creating a dynamic and volatile chemistry that propelled them to international acclaim.

Before their implosion, At the Drive-In released three studio albums: Acrobatic Tenement (1996), In/Casino/Out (1998), and the critically acclaimed Relationship of Command (2000). Relationship of Command, produced by Ross Robinson, catapulted them into the mainstream, earning them a dedicated following and critical praise for its complex arrangements, politically charged lyrics, and raw emotional power. Songs like One Armed Scissor and Invalid Litter Dept. became anthems for a generation of disaffected youth. However, the pressures of success, internal conflicts, and differing creative visions ultimately led to the band's sudden and unexpected breakup in 2001, at the peak of their popularity.

Eleven Years of Silence and Separate Paths

The split was abrupt and shrouded in mystery, leaving fans bewildered and heartbroken. Following the breakup, the members of At the Drive-In pursued different musical paths. Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez formed the progressive rock band The Mars Volta, achieving both critical and commercial success with their ambitious and experimental sound. Jim Ward formed Sparta, a more straightforward rock band that explored themes of loss and resilience. Paul Hinojos joined The Mars Volta for a time before later joining Sparta. Tony Hajjar became a highly sought-after session drummer, working with various artists across different genres.

For over a decade, the prospect of an At the Drive-In reunion seemed unlikely, if not impossible. The members were often tight-lipped about the band's breakup, and the wounds from the past appeared too deep to heal. However, rumors of a possible reunion began to circulate in 2011, fueled by cryptic messages and hints from band members. Finally, in 2012, the band officially announced their reunion, sending shockwaves through the music world.

Documenting the Reunion: More Than Just a Concert Film

At the Drive-In: Chaos as Usual doesn't simply chronicle the band's 2012 reunion tour. It goes much deeper, exploring the motivations behind the reunion, the challenges of navigating old wounds, and the complexities of rekindling a creative partnership after years of separation. The film opens with raw, energetic footage of the band performing live, capturing the electrifying atmosphere of their shows and the undeniable chemistry that still existed between them. However, it quickly transitions to more intimate and reflective moments, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the band members as they grapple with their past and present.

The documentary features extensive interviews with all five members of At the Drive-In, providing individual perspectives on the band's history, breakup, and reunion. These interviews are often brutally honest and unflinchingly personal, revealing the deep-seated resentments, creative differences, and personal struggles that plagued the band. We see Cedric and Omar, the band's creative engine, discussing their artistic vision and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive sound. Jim Ward reflects on the emotional toll of the breakup and his desire to move forward. Paul Hinojos and Tony Hajjar offer their insights into the band's dynamic and the pressures of being part of such a intense and creative force.

The film also delves into the band's songwriting process, showcasing their collaborative approach and the creative tensions that often arose. We see them working on new material, rehearsing old songs, and debating the direction of their music. These moments provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the band and the challenges of reconciling individual artistic visions.

Challenges and Triumphs: The Road to in•ter a•li•a

While the 2012 reunion tour was a resounding success, it was also fraught with challenges. The band members had to navigate old tensions, reconcile differing creative visions, and adjust to the pressures of performing after a long hiatus. The documentary captures these struggles, showing the band members arguing, debating, and questioning their own motivations. There are moments of frustration and doubt, but also moments of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Despite the challenges, the band persevered and ultimately decided to record a new album, their first in seventeen years. The making of in•ter a•li•a (2017) forms a significant portion of the documentary, showcasing the band's creative process and the challenges of crafting new music that lived up to their legacy. The film reveals the band's commitment to pushing themselves creatively and their desire to create something that was both true to their roots and relevant to the present.

The release of in•ter a•li•a was met with mixed reviews, but the album solidified the band's commitment to their reunion and paved the way for further touring and creative endeavors. The documentary concludes with a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that At the Drive-In, despite their turbulent history, have found a way to navigate their differences and continue making music together.

Key Themes Explored in the Documentary

At the Drive-In: Chaos as Usual explores several key themes that resonate beyond the specific context of the band's story:

• The complexities of creative collaboration: The film highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive creative vision when multiple individuals with strong opinions and differing artistic styles are involved.
• The impact of success and pressure: The documentary shows how the pressures of success can strain relationships and lead to internal conflicts within a band.
• The challenges of reconciling the past and present: The film explores the difficulty of revisiting past experiences and relationships, especially when those experiences were marked by conflict and pain.
• The power of music to heal and connect: Despite the challenges and conflicts, the documentary ultimately underscores the power of music to bring people together and provide a sense of purpose and connection.
• The importance of artistic integrity: The film showcases the band's commitment to creating music that is true to their artistic vision, even when it means taking risks and challenging expectations.

Critical Reception and Legacy

At the Drive-In: Chaos as Usual received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its intimate and revealing portrayal of the band's story. Reviewers noted the film's honesty, its unflinching look at the band's internal conflicts, and its captivating live performance footage. The documentary was praised for providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of At the Drive-In, going beyond the surface-level narrative of a band reunion to explore the deeper complexities of their relationships and creative process.

The documentary has further cemented At the Drive-In's legacy as one of the most influential and innovative post-hardcore bands of all time. It has provided fans with a deeper appreciation for the band's music and their unique creative dynamic. At the Drive-In: Chaos as Usual is not just a film for fans of the band; it's a compelling and insightful documentary that explores universal themes of creativity, conflict, and reconciliation. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the complexities of human relationships.

Film Credits

At the Drive-In Discography (Studio Albums)

Key Members and Their Post-ATDI Projects

Themes and Motifs in Relationship of Command (Examples)

Notable Quotes from Band Members in the Documentary (Illustrative Examples)