Neil Young’s second screen documentary is out with NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD. His first documentary YEAR OF THE HORSE snared well-acclaimed director Jim Jarmusch, and HEART OF GOLD is directed by an equal talent in director Jonathan Demme. The film is almost entirely composed of Young’s concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Most of the music is from Young’s latest release, “Prairie Wind”.
I’ll be the first to tell you that I wasn’t a fan of Neil Young before NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD, and although my tune hasn’t changed that much, I have a much greater appreciation for him as a song writer. Young’s high pitched, shrill falsetto voice still leaves little to be desired, but the lyrics and smooth flowing vibe to his songs are soulful, and serve as a meditation on his life’s journey. His accompaniment is terrific. Fellow country and folk singers, including his wife Peggy and legend Emmy Lou Harris, bring a strong family-like sense to the concert, while Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers, and the 12-piece Nashville String Machine add a diverse and authentic mix to the music. Director Jonathan Demme utilizes eight stagnant cameras to tell Young’s story through music, effectively keeping in tempo with both his soothing and lively hits.
Grade: B
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