This documentary works on many levels and doesn't compare to any other film-making style; including documentary.
For those of us who grew up around Paul Williams music and celebrity, it can't help but be a wonderful ride down memory lane. Far more powerful and important is the recovery from addiction and positive outlook that Mr. Williams has forged for himself.
The critiques many review's make of the directors own nostalgic adventure being self indulgent have missed a lot. This method of story telling wasn't scripted or designed at the start of the project at all. What we got to see was a completely natural, organic development of the relationship that allowed Mr. Williams the level of assurance with which he could trust his life's representation would be accurate, fair and a cautionary tale for the future only possible because he was lucky enough to come through it "still alive".
The only thing even close for comparison to the sobriety struggle might be Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream". This story however, shows a much more human side of a real person that we rarely get to see. Not only is Mr. Williams "still alive", he is actively working and continues to support the recovery of others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film on multiple levels and still enjoy Mr. Williams body of work.
For those of us who grew up around Paul Williams music and celebrity, it can't help but be a wonderful ride down memory lane. Far more powerful and important is the recovery from addiction and positive outlook that Mr. Williams has forged for himself.
The critiques many review's make of the directors own nostalgic adventure being self indulgent have missed a lot. This method of story telling wasn't scripted or designed at the start of the project at all. What we got to see was a completely natural, organic development of the relationship that allowed Mr. Williams the level of assurance with which he could trust his life's representation would be accurate, fair and a cautionary tale for the future only possible because he was lucky enough to come through it "still alive".
The only thing even close for comparison to the sobriety struggle might be Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream". This story however, shows a much more human side of a real person that we rarely get to see. Not only is Mr. Williams "still alive", he is actively working and continues to support the recovery of others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film on multiple levels and still enjoy Mr. Williams body of work.