Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)

2010
7.6| 1h56m| en
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The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.

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Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.
Curt Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.
Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
Dames F This documentary shows Nilsson had a great deal of love in his life. The women whom he loved seem warm and wonderful, and his children to be likable people.It is not the fault of the subjects that this documentary disappoints; It is solely the responsibility of the film maker (s).The questions reveal that the documentary makers have not approached the subject with an open mind ( Nowhere is this more apparent than when Nilsson's 3rd wife,Una, speaks about his crusade for gun control.) and instead feel they need to create, or inject, a synthetic story arc. Whilst so doing, they poor scorn on Harry's attempt to fight the violence of hand guns by editing the answers given to suit their own narrative.The film is itself, as it supposes of much of Nilsson's life, a missed opportunity.
crossbow0106 The best documentaries about music make you want to explore the artist further (two examples: The Band's "The Last Waltz" and "Rush Beyond The Lighted Stage")and intrigue you as to the person and their vision. This is a great documentary about a true American original who had major talent both as a singer and songwriter. Ironically, his two biggest hits "Everybody's Talking" and "Without You" weren't written by him. You get a lot of rare footage, as well as interviews from people who knew him and worked with him. These interviews are excellent, as some are from people whom you rarely see, with the two most insightful comments by songwriter/artist Jimmy Webb and record producer Richard Perry. Nilsson's idiosyncrasies are explored (he never gave a concert and he was an unusual person), as well as his substance abuse. However, you can tell the people who speak about him love him. Rather than this being about a slightly crazed person who couldn't always control his demons, you get a glimpse into his personal life, including interviews with his widow and even his children. I was touched by so many of the comments from his friends and family. The DVD has even more to offer and is very highly recommended. A very good compilation of his hits called Nilsson's Greatest Hits is a great complement to watching this film. Don't miss it.
nv-11 I just happened on this incredible documentary on Netflix. I always loved Harry Nilsson's music but I never knew anything about him. This documentary is really an extensive work of art, compiling all the film footage about Harry and the people who knew him best. Particularly interesting was the recording studio footage and old movies of him performing. For all the music he wrote and performed and for all the famous musicians that he ran with, I just don't ever remember hearing about him, (in the tabloids and the like) only his music. Who knew he lived life on the edge? Too bad this documentary didn't get much publicity, as it is truly excellent. Most of the people that can remember his music will truly never know who is the guy behind all those wonderful songs with that melancholy melodious voice. Thank you for showing some of us who Harry Nilsson was, the guy behind Everybody's Talking but not about Harry.
ctoprefect-2 This tough-to-see little picture played at the Mods & Rockers 2007 festival. It is a wonderful and loving look at Harry Nilsson, using many famous faces who sit for interviews, rarely seen TV performances and behind-the-scenes footage of Nilsson at work. There's even a few shots from "Son Of Dracula". This movie is the final and fitting tribute to one of the finest voices, the most clever songwriter and the funniest man in popular music. It's a crime that this man's name is not as well known as some of the songs he wrote and/or performed. His friends tell incredibly funny stories about this talented hulk with a subconscious wish for self-destruction. As a bonus, you even get Eric Idle performing the song with wrote for Nilsson's final album during the closing credits. It's funny, it's sad. It's not in general release. If this picture plays anywhere near where you live, see it!