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plot summary: A gorgeously crafted documentary on the sadly-short life of British folk singer, Nick Drake. Featuring intimate interviews with Nick's sister, Gabrielle and his parents, as well as with his producer, Joe Boyd.
review: Oh, no, Oh, no! Just thinking of writing this review is making me tear up. : ( Just like watching this documentary the other night at the blessed EMP made me cry.
This is the most lovely and touching cinematic tribute I think I've ever had the priviledge to see. Since there was no actual film footage of Nick himself, what the filmmakers did instead was use old photographs, and they shot beautiful footage of the English countryside. This worked surprisingly well: shots of Nick's actual old bedroom in his family's home, of the lone tree that stands outside his window, shots of a train slowly leaving the station. As you watch this, you are left with such an enormous emotional response of sadness and isolation. Soo excellently done!!!
And not only is the film effective visually, but it also affects you through sound. The filmmakers use of sound almost reminded me of David Lynch, and how they both would focus on something everyday and almost "mundane", and use it to create mood: the sound of rain hitting a windowpane, the persistent chugging of the rails, the plaintive cry of the cricket at night.
And then, of course, there was the use of Nick's songs, which can evoke such strong emotions and create such atmosphere in themselves! (As our friends over at Volkswagen no doubt know.)
The film is mostly led by interview clips with Nick's sister, Gabrielle, who I found to be such a striking beauty! (She's actually a renowned actress over in England, from what I understand.) Through old family photos and films, we learn that Nick came from a seemingly affluent and loving home. Both his parents were actually musicians, and when Gabrielle plays an old cassette of their mother Molly's songs, darned if you can't hear the uncanny similarities in Nick's music!
This movie was so sad to me, not because it was about Nick Drake "legendary songwriter" blah blah blah... but because it was a sad glimpse into depression, loneliness, and how it can affect those who are left behind. So sad. Excuse me while I go weep a little more now. (janice.03.02)
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