Matt Berninger, frontman of The National, is known not only for his musical career, but also for his diverse creative projects offstage. His participation in movies, musicals and unexpected appearances in various media emphasize his multi-faceted talent and desire for experimentation.
In 2019, Berninger took part in Mike Mills’ short film I Am Easy to Find, where The National’s music became the basis for a narrative about the life of a woman played by Alicia Vikander. The film, with virtually no dialog, explores themes of identity and time, and the collaboration with Mills was the result of mutual inspiration and creative exchange.
Berninger has also proven himself in musical theater, working on the 2018 musical Cyrano with Karin Besser and Aaron and Bryce Dessner. In 2021, he contributed to the film “Cyrano” where he acted as a lyrics writer, highlighting his ability to adapt his style to different art formats.
An unexpected appearance was his appearance in Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019), where he joined Phoebe Bridgers for the song “Walking on a String”. The composition was specifically written for the bar scene and demonstrates his willingness for unconventional musical experimentation.
In 2015, Berninger teamed up with Brent Knopf to form the project EL VY. Their album Return to the Moon is a blend of indie rock and post-punk inspired by a documentary about the band Minutemen. This project allowed Berninger to explore new musical directions and express himself outside of The National.
He also appeared on the Apple TV+ children’s show “Helpsters” where he rapped about long words, an unexpected but memorable moment in his career.
These projects demonstrate Matt Berninger’s willingness to go outside the box and explore new forms of expression, confirming his status not only as a musician but also as a versatile artist.