Pitchfork started streaming this movie for a week today.

All in all the film is an enjoyable look into the mind of the genius behind the band Silver Jews. The film features very few minutes of concert and instead focuses more on just recording the band members experiences, on their first tour ever, while they were in Tel Aviv and then Jerusalem.

One particular scene viewable here (for at least the rest of the week) reminded me of my own experiences during my recent trip to India with my father.

In the scene David Berman breaks down, sobbing while reciting prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Now while I won’t presume to explain all the reason(s) or feelings behind David’s reaction it did remind me of a similar reaction I had while visiting some ancient temples in Vrndavana, India with my father. Throughout the majority of the trip although I was visiting temples and engaging in various pilgrimage-style activities I was not particularly moved, nor did I feel particularly connected with nor inspired by these experiences. However, towards the end of my trip while visiting one particular temple with my father, on the day before I was leaving, I too had a similar experience to David. At the time and even still my initial response is one of skepticism. I can’t explain it or know if it was “genuine”. But then what is “objectively “genuine” mean in the realm of religion and spirituality? All I know is that while visiting the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Mandir and taking darshana of the beautiful forms of their lordships (and reflecting on all the history and generations of worshipers and emotion involved with that worship) i became overwhelmed.. My one hope is that perhaps it was “real” and that I will once again in the future be touched by even a bit of the taste or experience that I had that day.

Editors note: (Wouldn’t you know it this being the 21st century the temple has a website, visit here)

So, personally, not only could I relate to, but i found it touching and inspiring to see David so moved by the history, his life experiences and perhaps faith? I was glad that he left the scene in the movie and didn’t edit it out. I think it added a level of sincerity and humanity to an already touching and “real” documentary!

Read an interview with David Bergman and his wife, where he discusses the scene, the movie, touring and  the music business in general here

Buy the film here and watch the trailer below.