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Documentary

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024) movie poster

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat is a 2024 documentary directed by Johan Grimonprez, starring Nikita Khrushchev, Louis Armstrong and Dwight D. Eisenhower. It runs 2 hours 30 minutes and earned $445,181 worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
worldwide gross
$445.2K
award nominations
3
Echo Score
78
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Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 30m (150 min)
Director
Johan Grimonprez
Genre
Documentary
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat About?

The premise of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1960, as the Global South experiences a political upheaval, jazz musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach unexpectedly find themselves at the United Nations Security Council. Amidst Nikita Khrushchev’s dramatic protest against America’s segregation policies, the United States sends jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the Congo, hoping to divert focus from the country's first post-colonial coup.

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • politics documentary
  • music documentary
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Cast & crew

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Cast

Nikita Khrushchev leads the cast, with Louis Armstrong and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Directed by Johan Grimonprez; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (55).

78 /100

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Echo Score Breakdown

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat demonstrates striking visual and auditory design but contends with narrative density and length. Critics praise its formal inventiveness and energetic soundtrack, noting the dynamic interplay of archival footage and music-driven editing. Some viewers, however, cite a frenetic pace and associative structure that can be challenging to follow. The film’s meticulous research and sensory richness offer a vibrant recounting of the Congo’s history, although its extended runtime and complexity may limit its accessibility and repeat appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels through inventive editing and bold formal choices. Critics highlight its collage of archival footage, dynamic cuts, and daring visual experimentation that sustain viewer engagement. Several users noted the jazz-accented editing sequence as particularly striking. These techniques combine into an engaging visual presentation that underpins the documentary’s stylistic impact.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary achieves effective resonance by weaving personal testimonies with its musical framework. Reviewers observe that the soundtrack functions as an emotive through-line, lending depth to interviews and historical reflections. Even viewers who critiqued pacing acknowledged moments of genuine poignancy. Overall, the film maintains a consistent emotional undercurrent that humanizes its subject matter.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the film adopts an associative structure that can feel dense and occasionally disorienting. Several critics mention a frenetic pace and rapid thematic shifts that require active attention. User feedback points to redundant segments and an overlong runtime that undermine narrative clarity. The result is an original but challenging storytelling rhythm that may not suit all audiences.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    In terms of sensory experience, the soundtrack and visual style stand out as core strengths. Critics emphasize the music’s role as a narrative element, describing it as crackling with energy and providing cohesion across varied footage. Users praised the sound design and rhythmic editing, noting the immersive quality of jazz-infused sequences. These elements create a compelling audiovisual landscape throughout the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch factor, the documentary’s exhaustive research and formal inventiveness offer potential appeal for repeat viewings. Its rich archival material and energetic design may reward second impressions. However, the extended runtime and dense, associative structure could deter some viewers from revisiting it. Consequently, the film’s replay value is notable yet somewhat limited by its demanding format.

Plot

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Plot Summary

What happens in Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

On a fateful February morning in 1961, the esteemed singer Abbey Lincoln along with renowned drummer Max Roach audaciously storm the UN Security Council to voice their outrage over the brutal assassination of prime minister Patrice Lumumba, who was leading the newly independent Congo. The scene erupts into chaos as sixty fervent protesters unleash their anger, throwing punches and slamming their stilettos, igniting a confrontation with bewildered guards while diplomats watch in astonishment. This climactic moment encapsulates the dizzying upheaval of decolonization, filling the atmosphere with a tumult of hope and despair.

Full summary

The whole story of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Box Office

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat grossed $445,181 worldwide. $365,318 came from the US and Canada and $79,863 (18%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$445.2K

US & Canada
$365.3K
International
$79.9K
US & Canada 82% Rest of the world 18%
Awards

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Awards & Nominations

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 3 nominations come from 3 ceremonies.

3 nominations3 ceremonies

Videos

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat - Official Trailer
  • Trailer Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat – Official Trailer
  • Featurette A Conversation with SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT Director and Writer Johan Grimonprez
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year did the events of the movie take place?

Details

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Also Known As

16 alternative titles, including “Banda sonora para un golpe de estado” and “Soundtrack to a Coup d'État”.

Also known as
  • Banda sonora para un golpe de estado
  • Soundtrack to a Coup d'État
  • Banda Sonora de um Golpe de Estado
  • Trilha Sonora para um Golpe de Estado
  • Háttérzene államcsínyhez
  • Bande-son pour un coup d'État
  • 爵士樂政變大陰謀
  • Soundtrack für einen Staatsstreich
  • 쿠데타의 사운드트랙
  • Soundtrack státního převratu
  • บทเพลงบรรเลงรัฐประหาร
  • Ścieżka dźwiękowa zamachu stanu
+4 more
  • Colonna sonora per un colpo di stato
  • 政变的配乐
  • Σάουντρακ Για Ένα Πραξικόπημα
  • Саундтрек к государственному перевороту

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FAQ

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat runs 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes).

When was Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat released?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat was released on November 1, 2024.

Who directed Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat was directed by Johan Grimonprez.

More films by Johan Grimonprez

Who is in the cast of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat stars Nikita Khrushchev, Louis Armstrong and Dwight D. Eisenhower, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat make at the box office?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat grossed $445,181 worldwide ($365,318 domestic, $79,863 international).

How is Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat rated?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 91 on Metacritic and 77% on TMDB.

Was Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat nominated for any awards?

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat received 3 nominations across 3 ceremonies.

Does Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat have a post-credit scene?

No. Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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