The new documentary Barenaked in America (part of the Shooting Gallery Film Series) captures the band at the exact moment when they hit it big in the United States. Director Jason Priestly (yes, that Jason Priestly) captures the frenzy surrounding the release of the CD "Stunt" which contained the smash hit "One Week." Combining interviews, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes access, Priestly has created a film that will delight fans and give new appreciation of the group to others.

Ed Robertson, Tyler Stewart (background) and Steven Page are three-fifths of the Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies are comprised of singer/rhythym guitarist Steven Page, singer/lead guitarist Ed Robertson, drummer Tyler Stewart, bassist Jim Creeggan, and keyboard player Kevin Hearn. Long a popular band in their native country, the Ladies enjoyed only cult success in America with songs like "The Old Apartment" and "Brian Wilson." When they released the uniquely catchy "One Week," everything changed. Their tour suddenly kicked into a higher gear, moving from clubs to stadiums. The single hit #1 and was followed by other hits, such as "Call and Answer" and "It's All Been Done."

As exciting as this breakthrough was, there was a bittersweet quality as well. Hearn was diagnosed with leukemia and had to take a leave of absence. As you can see from watching the film, his illness took a toll on everyone. What should have been the best time of their professional lives was tainted with sadness. Fortunately, Hearn recovered and is now back with the group. His reflections of this difficult time are interesting to hear; you realize that his bandmates are also friends who offered tremendous support.

Barenaked in America also looks at the musical style of Barenaked Ladies. Most of the songs are written by Page and Robertson, two people whose personalities are (in Robertson's words) as "diametrically opposed" as possible. Nevertheless, they share an offbeat sense of humor that comes through in their compositions. Combining rock, rap, and folk, the songwriters like to choose unusual topics about which to write. One of their songs is about a real-life farmer who stalked fellow Canadian Ann Murray. Page and Robertson both come across as very intelligent individuals who find inspiration in unlikely things.

Fans have been enjoying the group's live performances for a long time. The musicianship is first rate, as is the creativity. Barenaked in America shows the band improvising on stage. Stewart and Creeggan make up a rhythm pattern while Page and Robertson create spur-of-the-moment rap lyrics. As Robertson says, many in the audience incorrectly believe their spontaneous creations have been carefully rehearsed. Occasionally, they will also perform someone else's songs just for laughs (hence that Public Enemy cover). Many concert films lose the thrill of seeing a live performance, but not this one. All the energy comes through. After seeing the movie, I am really hoping to now see the band on their next tour.

Offstage, the guys try to act present the image of normal rock stars (for example, they profess to love when fans strip in front of them), although it's clear that Barenaked Ladies are anything but normal. They have an energy and passion that surpasses many of the self-serious musicians of today. They are clever and smart about their sometimes silly lyrics, and they manage to achieve great emotion when they want to. (Ever listened to the words of "Call and Answer?" If not, try it.) They are also very in control of their image, as evidenced by their dissatisfaction on the "It's All Been Done" music video shoot.

Priestly has done a surprisingly good job capturing what this band went through at this crucial moment in their career. He effectively switches from one segment to the next, creating a mixture that keeps the film from getting stale. I like Barenaked Ladies music, but after seeing this film, I like them as individuals too. Each member is articulate and witty, able to talk about the music seriously instead of just spitting out rock and roll platitudes. They give insight into the songwriting process, the touring life, and the dynamics of sharing creative duties (Stewart admits that there is sometimes "friction" between he and Creeggan).

Barenaked in America has been timed to coincide with the release of the group's (excellent) new CD "Maroon." Although none of the songs from the disc are featured in the movie, it serves as a perfect soundtrack. After seeing the film, I did more than listen to the disc; I contemplated the group's insights about their music at the same time. Barenaked in America is to movies what Barenaked Ladies are to music: a joyously entertaining reminder that intelligence and wit are a winning combination.

( 1/2 out of four)

Barenaked in America is unrated but contains adult language and brief nudity. The running time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.