Documentary filmmaker Les Blank turns his attention to the remarkable career and talent of musician, singer, songwriter, producer Leon Russell in this rather scattered and poorly edited doc on his life and career circa mid 70s. Enormously informative on a session player (early pop, Wrecking Crew member) who wrote hits as well as contribute mightily to others with an eclectic array of artists stretching from The Byrds to Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand to The Rolling Stones, the enigmatic Russell was indeed a major player in the music scene over his career.
Leaving The Monkees plus Mad Dogs and Englishmen behind, Russell retreats to his Oklahoma studio to record with Blank camera in tow, not only focusing on Russell but the people and culture surrounding as well. Leon an folk deserve better.
Blank's finished product is a disjointed mess held together by the charismatic Russell. Sloppily edited, the down moments are turgid and self indulgent with Russell escaping to the stage to bring the doc life and energy. There are some precious segments (George Jones warbling a tune with a beer, a young [40?] Willie Nelson on stage) but outside of Leon's stirring performances and his truly "blown away" audiences response the film is a cut and paste unkempt doc. Hopefully the future will present a more conscious effort on a man who influenced, Dylan, The Beates and Elton John.
Leaving The Monkees plus Mad Dogs and Englishmen behind, Russell retreats to his Oklahoma studio to record with Blank camera in tow, not only focusing on Russell but the people and culture surrounding as well. Leon an folk deserve better.
Blank's finished product is a disjointed mess held together by the charismatic Russell. Sloppily edited, the down moments are turgid and self indulgent with Russell escaping to the stage to bring the doc life and energy. There are some precious segments (George Jones warbling a tune with a beer, a young [40?] Willie Nelson on stage) but outside of Leon's stirring performances and his truly "blown away" audiences response the film is a cut and paste unkempt doc. Hopefully the future will present a more conscious effort on a man who influenced, Dylan, The Beates and Elton John.