I grew up across the Whitestone Bridge from Kessler, and since we're of the same age, my memories of the 70's and Paul Williams are pretty much in sync.
The five stars I gave this film is because of the achievements of Mr. William's life from an extraordinary entertainer across platforms (music, TV and film)through to his current accomplishments of sobriety, public service, a solid marriage to a good woman, and a continuing demand for his performing from audiences.
I was able to get that much out of the film because of Mr. William's charisma, in spite of the intrusiveness of the director. His omnipresence in the film, his whining about his fear of the Phillipenes before going and through his entire stay was the most cringe worthy part of the movie.
His constant attempts, with the subtlety of a bludgeon to embarrass Mr. Williams- from cutting him off when he started opening up about his childhood, to asking 'how does it feel to go from the heights of fame to the Gong Show', and when as a guest in Mr. William's home taping him as he watched one of the most humiliating moments of his career. I enjoy documentaries; and this was the worst one I've ever seen because Kessler's continuous insinuation into the story. He gets the blank stars.
After I post this review, I'm going to see if I can catch Mr. Williams on 'The View'. I hope it's on You Tube; because I'd enjoy some material about him without having to hear Kessler's whining. Kessler made a great film barely wort the time to watch it.
The five stars I gave this film is because of the achievements of Mr. William's life from an extraordinary entertainer across platforms (music, TV and film)through to his current accomplishments of sobriety, public service, a solid marriage to a good woman, and a continuing demand for his performing from audiences.
I was able to get that much out of the film because of Mr. William's charisma, in spite of the intrusiveness of the director. His omnipresence in the film, his whining about his fear of the Phillipenes before going and through his entire stay was the most cringe worthy part of the movie.
His constant attempts, with the subtlety of a bludgeon to embarrass Mr. Williams- from cutting him off when he started opening up about his childhood, to asking 'how does it feel to go from the heights of fame to the Gong Show', and when as a guest in Mr. William's home taping him as he watched one of the most humiliating moments of his career. I enjoy documentaries; and this was the worst one I've ever seen because Kessler's continuous insinuation into the story. He gets the blank stars.
After I post this review, I'm going to see if I can catch Mr. Williams on 'The View'. I hope it's on You Tube; because I'd enjoy some material about him without having to hear Kessler's whining. Kessler made a great film barely wort the time to watch it.