Movies

‘Broadway Idiot’ not very insightful

If Broadway shows had DVD featurettes, the unexceptional documentary “Broadway Idiot” would be perfect for one.

The 2010 Broadway show “American Idiot,” based on the 2004 lite-punk concept album by Green Day, got solid reviews and ran for a year, but the documentary’s efforts to frame it as a groundbreaking show don’t quite stand up. The story about suburban anomie in the age of the Iraq war contains dark material, but contrary to Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s belief that every musical is like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the theater has grappled with dark material for many decades and showcased rock music for more than 40 years.

This making-of doc isn’t particularly surprising or insightful; mostly it consists of the artistic staff and Armstrong explaining their thought processes or congratulating themselves on how revolutionary they are. They aren’t, though you’ll want to see the show.