| Addled Genius? |
|
| written by talltale |
April 7, 2006 - 8:53 AM PDT |
|
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful
|
Among the many documentaries about performing artists, TOWNES VAN ZANDT: BE HERE TO LOVE ME rates pretty damn high. Although I had barely heard of this songwriter/performer, he evidently holds an important place in the minds/hearts of many top musicians from Kris Kristofferson to Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and others who are shown in the documentary--not to mention his many fans. Experiencing this fine film goes far in explaining why. Bearing some resemblance in face and body type to the late actor Tony Perkins, Van Zandt possesses a quiet charisma that he seems to have maintained well into his later years. I found his lyrics and music worth hearing (and hearing again) and his history more bizarre and interesting than that of many other musicians.
While alcohol was the drug of choice, blame for his inability to connect in most ways (to family, friends and the world at large) seems more likely due to a personality disorder for which shock treatment therapy was prescribed early on. His need to create songs comes through as the most important thing is his life, and once he connected with this, he remained true to that need--if not to anything or anyone else. His story grows sadder as it progresses, but I think you'll find it worth sticking with. Director Margaret Brown has done a fine job of assembling bits and pieces into as solid a whole as documentary biography is able to achieve--still leaving open as many questions as she answers. |
|
|
Your cart
© 2006 All Media Guide, LLC. Portions of content provided by All Movie Guide®,
a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.