Ryan McNeilMusic documentaries are a funny animal…
Sometimes – often times – they are made for the fans. Other times, they feel like a special made for TV, the same talking heads talking about the same parts of the same old songs.
But sometimes, a film that centres on the music of a legend can make for an engaging watch, even to those who don’t count themselves as fans. Oh, and one other thing? It’s always awesome to hear the music of these films in a theatrical setting.
See you at Hot Docs.
I know what you mean about docs about musicians – unless there’s a controversy behind the legend, the story sometimes drifts. I do like Simone’s music but I very unfamiliar with the actual person. Although, I quite enjoyed the Kings of Leon doc and they haven’t been around that long, it was just interesting to see where they came from, it found an angle. I hope they do this with this doc.
I’m still waiting to get a crack at this film (tomorrow night, if I’m remembering correctly), but I find myself rather anxious since my musical doc quotient is a little low this year.
I usually see at least two or three and so far it’s only been Kurt Cobain.
As for others I’ve seen in the past, I’d highly recommend MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS, SOME KIND OF MONSTER, and 20 FEET FROM STARDOM.