"We are capable of more untruth than most": Bono reflects on life and U2 hits in 'Stories of Surrender' trailer

U2 lead singer Bono is laying bare his life in a new Apple TV+ movie, Bono: Stories of Surrender. It is based on his 2022 memoir and one-man stage production, Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief…. It will become available to stream on May 30.

He states in the trailer,

"Something to know about performers: In pursuit of truth, we are capable of more untruth than most."

This quote sets the tone for the intimate and truthful anecdotes he might share in the course of the upcoming film. He speaks about his family, his wife, and life with U2 as well.

The film features live performances of U2 songs such as Beautiful Day, City of Blinding Lights, and Where the Streets Have No Name. There is also previously unseen footage from his New York stage shows. A fully immersive version of the show will be accessible on Apple Vision Pro.

What does Bono mean by “more untruth than most”?

He discusses in the trailer how performers tend to seek truth through narration. He adds that while doing so, they tend to distort or alter the truth. To him, performance is a means of connecting with others even when the entire truth is not presented.

He goes on to say that this does not imply that performers lie intentionally. Rather, they employ stories to convey feelings and thoughts. These stories might omit things or alter facts to make a point. Bono posits that this is part of being an artist.

This is a common theme in the stage production and the movie. He blends words, music, and memory to speak about actual occurrences. However, he acknowledges that these moments are interpreted from his own perspective. The movie discusses how memory influences performance and vice versa.

What stories does Bono share in the film?

In the trailer, Bono can be seen alluding to the pivotal moments of his life. One of them includes meeting his wife, Ali. He explains they met the week he joined U2. This indicates how both his personal and professional lives have always gone hand in hand.

He also becomes introspective about his parents. He describes how the early death of his mother influenced him. He speaks of the estrangement he felt from his father. These are painful memories, but he includes them to illustrate how they shaped him.

He also discusses how these childhood experiences continue to influence him to this day. He attempts to demonstrate how family, loss, and love shaped him into the person he is today, both on and off stage.

What songs are featured and why do they matter?

The trailer features popular U2 songs such as Where the Streets Have No Name, City of Blinding Lights, and Beautiful Day. These are major contributors to Bono's narrative; each relates to aspects of his life and the history of the band.

Where the Streets Have No Name is typically associated with hope and escape. In the movie, it complements tales of growing up and questing for purpose. City of Blinding Lights indicates his reflections on stardom and how it affects individuals. Beautiful Day honors life, even in difficulty.

The songs are not mere background music. He sings them on stage to give his narratives meaning. They serve to bring the past and present together. They also demonstrate how his music mirrors life.

How is the film being presented?

How is the show being presented? (Image via Getty)

The original Stories of Surrender was a live theater production. He performed it in various cities, including New York at the Beacon Theatre. The movie contains unseen footage, which was taken during those performances.

The Apple TV+ film is a blend of narrative and music. He stands single on stage, with direct addresses to the viewer. It's intimate and truthful. There are also footage and imagery that contribute to the narration.

There is also an immersive version of the film called Bono: Stories of Surrender (Immersive). This will be found on Apple Vision Pro. It was filmed in 8K with Spatial Audio. It allows the audience to feel like they are sitting in the room with Bono, providing a new method of viewing the film.

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Edited by Deebakar

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