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Deep Dive: Instrument (1999)

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Instrument
Instrument is a documentary directed by Jem Cohen that captures the band Fugazi from 1987 to 1998. The film includes concert footage, interviews with band members, and scenes from their studio recording of the 1995 album Red Medicine. It also features portraits of fans and their interactions at various Fugazi shows across the United States. Notable moments include Fugazi performing for inmates at Lorton Correctional Facility and a unique performance by Guy Picciotto in a Philadelphia college gym in 1988. The documentary aims to address misconceptions about the band and to visually represent the music-making process, as stated by Cohen, who has a long-standing relationship with band member Ian MacKaye.

Why Watch

  • •See Fugazi's unique performance for inmates in Virginia.
  • •Meet Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto in candid interviews.
  • •Find out about the band's recording of Red Medicine.

Did You Know

•The film was shot over 11 years, from 1987 to 1998.
•Cohen edited the film with the band over five years.
•The DVD release in 2001 included 30 minutes of extra footage.
•Fugazi performed for inmates at Lorton Correctional Facility.

Perfect For

Fugazi fansDocumentary enthusiastsMusic production students