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Do you know the story behind "Rite Here Rite Now"? How Ghost combines music and fictional characters into a visual feast?
In 2024, Rite Here Rite Now, an American concert film co-directed by Tobias Forge and Alex Ross Perry, captured the Swedish rock band Ghost performing at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. ’s last two North American concerts. This concert film was shot by Jim Parsons and is based on the band's fictional story. It combines musical performances with fantasy plots to present a visual feast.
Movie overview
This film records two live performances performed by Ghost during the 2023 Re-Imperatour show, specifically on September 11th and 12th. During these two concerts, the orchestra implemented a strict no-video policy to ensure that the audience could fully focus on the live performance and avoid flash distractions. In addition to the wonderful concert performances, "Rite Here Rite Now" also interweaves a plot based on the band's fictional story, in which various characters and myths about the band members unfold.
Ghost's lead singer Tobias Forge appears in the film as "Papa Emeritus IV". He went backstage at many concerts to meet his collaborator Sister Imperator, and was considered to be the lead singer of Ghost in the 1960s. Conversation with Papa Nihil.
Characters and Plot
The film reveals that Sister Imperator and Papa Nihil are the parents of Papa Emeritus IV. After the concert, the death of Sister Imperator promoted Papa Emeritus IV to Frater Imperator, a role that established him as an episcopal overseer waiting to find a new papal successor.
Creative background
Tobias Forge recalls CEO Tom Whalley asking the band when they signed with Loma Vista Recordings. Forge said at the time that if he needed a story, he could come up with one on the fly, and "Rite Here Rite Now" was the culmination of that conversation. Director Alex Ross Perry hinted that the film was inspired by a number of classics, including "The Rock and Roll" and Kiss's "Alive II."
"The creativity of this film stems from our unique understanding of music and background stories. We hope that the audience can not only enjoy the music itself, but also be immersed in the mystery and story behind it."
Video release and soundtrack
The film will be released in theaters around the world on June 20 and 22, 2024, and will be distributed by Trafalgar Releasing. Along with the release of the film, the band released the single "The Future Is a Foreign Land" on June 21, which was played at the end of the film. The film's music soundtrack was released through Loma Vista Recordings on July 26, 2024, and included songs recorded live at the concert.
"Carefully curated audience shots capture the joy of the fans and the intense atmosphere, making you feel like you are part of the ceremony."
Audience response
The film received mixed reviews from critics. Jeff Podoshen of Metal Injection gave the film full marks, praising the film's track arrangement and the delicate capture of the audience, and described it as an immersive experience. Metal Hammer's Merlin Alderslade gave it five stars, calling it "an instant classic, an absolute triumph." In contrast, The Guardian's Catherine Bray gave the film a two-star review, saying it was relatively bland and criticized the film's comedic backstage sequences.
Final Thoughts
"Rite Here Rite Now" is not only a concert film, but also a combination of music and visuals through unique fictional characters and story situations. Ghost is a brand that constantly challenges and redefines the possibilities of performing arts and the stories behind them. Will such attempts influence the creation of more bands in the future?
