RTepster
I guess there are a lot of ways one can look at this documentary. It was indeed an excellent overview of one of the most gifted musicians of our generation. There is no doubt that Eric Clapton is a music legend, and in all fairness, he doesn't try to hide his shortcomings as a human being. But maybe, there in lies the problem. Some things are better left unsaid. This documentary gives us an excellent background to the man behind the music, and deals honestly with his life and his career. Despite there being no mention of his work with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, who greatly influenced his direction after leaving Blind Faith, I guess I can accept that- although Bonnie Bramlett I'm sure feels slighted. It was Delaney who encouraged Clapton to write and sing, and greatly influenced his musical direction.The main problem I have with this documentary though, is that it tries to make us feel sympathy for Clapton, and personally- I can't. Yes, he grew up being rejected by his real mother, (who he only met twice and never really knew), but his Grandparents who raised him were sweet and supportive. So why all the self pity? Yet they continually bring up his Grandparents raising him, as opposed to his biological mother, as being such a tremendous trauma that his life went straight downhill as a result. Truth is, he has never taken full responsibility for his own actions except by way of past reflection. For me, that's not enough. This documentary was filled with too many- "I really should have apologized" or "I really wished I hadn't done that" -- for my liking. Actions speak louder than words Eric. You showed us how fame, fortune and self centered behavior can bring out the monster in some people and yet, leave them still looking for sympathy? Sorry. Many of us have gone through hard times in our lives. Few of us use it to justify our actions. Clapton left his original band- the Yardbirds- without notice. He later abandoned the band "Blind Faith" much like the Yardbirds- again, without notice. He stole Delaney and Bonnie's band members away from them in secret to form the "Dominos", and eventually stole a married women away from his best friend- only to abuse her later, (resulting from his battles with Alcohol). His poor judgement led to an accident in which his 5 year old son died- having fallen out of a window - evidently unsupervised by his girlfriend who he knew was mentally unstable at the time- and although he had periods later in life of showing good will towards others with benefit concerts (something almost every artist does in their careers), even his diehard fans were not spared. I was at that concert in Pittsburgh in 1986, and the movie depicts just a glimpse of what happened. It was ugly. Destroying relationships seems to be an ongoing theme here, and in some cases, one has to wonder if there was ever a relationship at all.This movie also gives Clapton credit which was undeserved. They pointed out that he "opened the door" for all the Blues musicians, making it easier for them to get exposure to the general public- but was this a wonderful gesture on his part- or simply the byproduct of playing their music? Big difference. One can actually say without THEIR inspiration- he never would have picked up that guitar in the first place.What really bothered me though was his failure to give credit to those who loved him and even saved him from further self destruction. Pete Townsend dragged him out of bed during his drug addiction, and got him back onstage to help save his life and career. Procol Harum's Gary Brooker befriended him and helped him to kick his alcoholism by sharing his passion for fishing. Patty Boyd? Many people helped him thru his down times, and yet were NEVER mentioned, or given credit for any of their support along the way? For a documentary of such length, there was surely enough time. This Documentary was long, detailed, and above all honest and I give him credit for that, but it also suffered from extreme self indulgence. I think he mentioned at times he felt sick watching his addictions on film. Kind of made the viewer sick too. But this is not a movie or an acting performance- and his obsession with George Harrison's wife? Breaking up their marriage by begging her to leave him, and then when she finally uprooted her life for him - he ignored and abused her? If there is anyone worthy of pity, it was her. While some say "his personal life is his business" fine, but that was not their intention. Show highlights of his career with musical insight but don't manipulate us to pity him. You MADE his personal life "our" business. We didn't ask.Believe it or not, I'm a big fan of Clapton but after seeing this, I'm not so sure anymore. There is a big difference between living the blues and playing it. Clapton's Blues were the results of his own selfish actions- unlike the Blues masters who were TRULY dealt a bad hand in life, and had to express their hardships thru their music because that's all they had. Many today still live in poverty- not in multi million dollar mansions. I wish you the best Eric- sincerely-I'm glad you are happy. I just think dirty laundry does not make for great "entertainment".
vincefontana
Some of this documentary was good; the Blind Faith, Cream, and the Derek and the Dominos areas were quite good.
However, Can someone please tell me how George Harrison was his only 'best' musician friend during the late '60's and early '70's?
It is a glaring omission that Pete Townshend was not interviewed, or even shown in this film.Eric's comeback occurred at the Rainbow Concert, in January of 1973, after two years of inactivity, and was organized by, yes, you guessed it, Pete Townshend.
Oh, and also, Pete was with Eric the first time that he saw Jimi Hendrix perform on stage.
It's completely ridiculous that the producers of this film left Pete out of it, especially since he's alive, and could have easily have been interviewed.
stevebesley-55821
I know I'm supposed to excuse all of Clapton's poor behavior over the years due to his drug and alcohol abuse. But the overall impression one gets from this documentary is that he's a selfish jerk, leaving a wake of destroyed relationships and obligations where ever he went. I've loved his music years, but after seeing this it will be a bit harder to enjoy it quite as much.
jayford-11205
A look at his early life, the sins of his Mother, and the pain it caused leading to his obsession with the blues and subsequent drug and alcohol addictions.Very beautifully and interestingly done.The filmmakers were obviously granted access to so much of his life in his effort to provide a testimony to his substance abuse and recovery in an effort to help others suffering the same problems.
