I am a fan of the Minneapolis music scene of the 80s and saw Husker Du perform back in the day, but would not characterize myself as a huge fan. But I am a fan of Gorman Bechard's work so I was curious about his decision to make a film about Grant Hart, especially after seeing Grant in "Color Me Obsessed". I found every moment of this film absolutely fascinating, interesting, and unpredictable. Bechard managed to combine Grant Hart's musical history along with his personal and artistic history in a manner that brings you into the story, but doesn't dwell on anything so long that it becomes boring. Unlike "Color Me Obsessed," there is music and video of the band; my only complaint is that I don't think that enough of it really gave you the sense of what a maelstrom Husker Du were live. I did not realize that Hart had created all the artwork for Husker Du's albums and singles and the descriptions of that process were absolutely fascinating to me, especially in this day and age of Photoshop and digital files. I could have heard him talk about that for hours. I walked out of the film convinced that I needed to see it again, to make sure I didn't miss anything, which is probably the best compliment I could give it.
11 Reviews
Fascinating snapshot of an American artist
jukeboxgraduate-825-25592223 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Hartfelt & Interesting
paul-wogan6 October 2013
I've been a huge Husker Du fan since 1989 so sadly missed out on getting to see them live but watching this movie about the less celebrated songwriter Grant Hart (who has lived in the shadow of Bob Mould since the band split in 1988) felt special and exciting.
Grant Hart is without doubt a true artist, an intellectual and a great songwriter and musician. In interviews I've read from Hart since Husker split there often seems to be a bitterness towards Mould albeit expressed in a very poetic way but interestingly in the film he seems largely positive about his old hardcore comrade.
The film is lovingly put together and excellently crafted and combines lots of Husker footage with a look right through his career. Hart has an outsiders perspective on life and is a rugged individualist but his sweetness comes through in the film when he expresses sadness at his past drug problems and he beautifully describes how the spirit of his mother lives on and what Patti Smith means to him whom he calls a goddess.
Hart also reaches out to Mould saying lets 'forget 1987' (when things got bad) giving us hope of a Husker reunion one day. I do hope so! I was lucky enough to see the London premiere of this film in Piccadilly today and there was a Q & A with Gorman the director afterwards. A great guy and clearly a big fan of both Husker and the Replacements who has a very warm regard for Grant Hart.
Overall this is an excellent document of the life and times of Grant Hart and redresses the balance in the post-Husker world which has been Mould dominated. More importantly it will stand as a legacy to Hart long after he has gone. Well done Gorman.
Grant Hart is without doubt a true artist, an intellectual and a great songwriter and musician. In interviews I've read from Hart since Husker split there often seems to be a bitterness towards Mould albeit expressed in a very poetic way but interestingly in the film he seems largely positive about his old hardcore comrade.
The film is lovingly put together and excellently crafted and combines lots of Husker footage with a look right through his career. Hart has an outsiders perspective on life and is a rugged individualist but his sweetness comes through in the film when he expresses sadness at his past drug problems and he beautifully describes how the spirit of his mother lives on and what Patti Smith means to him whom he calls a goddess.
Hart also reaches out to Mould saying lets 'forget 1987' (when things got bad) giving us hope of a Husker reunion one day. I do hope so! I was lucky enough to see the London premiere of this film in Piccadilly today and there was a Q & A with Gorman the director afterwards. A great guy and clearly a big fan of both Husker and the Replacements who has a very warm regard for Grant Hart.
Overall this is an excellent document of the life and times of Grant Hart and redresses the balance in the post-Husker world which has been Mould dominated. More importantly it will stand as a legacy to Hart long after he has gone. Well done Gorman.
A Portrait of the Artist
robkell-0158518 November 2015
In this wonderful documentary, Gorman Bechard presents us with an intimate and candid portrait of the inimitable Grant Hart. This film subverts the traditional format of the rock documentary and in doing so gives us a compelling, engaging and at times haunting look at an indie rock legend.
Having Grant as the sole narrator of his own story was a great idea, as he is such an intelligent and articulate storyteller. Having others reflect on his career and influence would only serve to distract from what this film is trying to achieve. His story brims with wit, sadness, honesty and told through that slightly sardonic tongue of his we are given a real glimpse of the man who has given us such achingly gorgeous, rousing music through Husker Du, Nova Mob and his own highly eclectic solo career.
Throughout the movie, Hart touches upon his days in Husker Du, his friendship with William S Burroughs , his passion for collage art, his heroin addiction and his family. We are also given a heartbreaking tour of his 'house' that really resonates emotionally when the narrative arrives at the this point in his story. The location settings throughout the interviews are really interesting, and touch upon various points of his life and career.
There is also some wonderful archival footage from the Husker Du/Nova Mob days( the footage of Nova Mob performing 'The Main" is absolute GOLD), as well as 2 hours of extra interview footage on the DVD that is worth the price of admission alone.
An often misunderstood artist, who it seems gets misrepresented in his former songwriter partners more well documented history, 'Every Everything' is a must watch because it attempts to set the record straight without resorting to clichés, resentment and he said/she said bullshit dramatics.
Its hard not to sometimes view Grant as a somewhat tragic and sad figure, but this film is as uncompromising and forward thinking as its subject.
Having Grant as the sole narrator of his own story was a great idea, as he is such an intelligent and articulate storyteller. Having others reflect on his career and influence would only serve to distract from what this film is trying to achieve. His story brims with wit, sadness, honesty and told through that slightly sardonic tongue of his we are given a real glimpse of the man who has given us such achingly gorgeous, rousing music through Husker Du, Nova Mob and his own highly eclectic solo career.
Throughout the movie, Hart touches upon his days in Husker Du, his friendship with William S Burroughs , his passion for collage art, his heroin addiction and his family. We are also given a heartbreaking tour of his 'house' that really resonates emotionally when the narrative arrives at the this point in his story. The location settings throughout the interviews are really interesting, and touch upon various points of his life and career.
There is also some wonderful archival footage from the Husker Du/Nova Mob days( the footage of Nova Mob performing 'The Main" is absolute GOLD), as well as 2 hours of extra interview footage on the DVD that is worth the price of admission alone.
An often misunderstood artist, who it seems gets misrepresented in his former songwriter partners more well documented history, 'Every Everything' is a must watch because it attempts to set the record straight without resorting to clichés, resentment and he said/she said bullshit dramatics.
Its hard not to sometimes view Grant as a somewhat tragic and sad figure, but this film is as uncompromising and forward thinking as its subject.
from the film's director
GormanBechard20 October 2013
Greetings,
A note on the film.
"Every Everything" grew out of my desire to once again, after "Color Me Obsessed, a film about The Replacements," do a different take on the rock doc genre. I am a huge fan of Errol Morris, and love his "Fog Of War" in which he lets one man, and one man only speak for 100 plus minutes. I kept thinking this would be a great format for a rock doc. But what rock star could sustain a 90 minute conversation? What rock star could keep his ego in check, and really open up, really take us on a journey through his life?
Now we had already interviewed Grant Hart for "Color Me Obsessed," so I knew he was a great interview. But it wasn't until Grant and I shared a table for breakfast in Brussels (when both he and "Color Me" were playing the same Minneapolis homage show) that I knew he would be the perfect subject for this format. Not only had he seen and done almost everything in rock and roll, he possesses a brilliant mind, and he's a great freakin' story-teller.
But even I and my co-producer Jan Radder would hardly be prepared for the brilliance Grant brought to the table during our couple of weeks of filming in the Twin Cities. He laid it all on the line, and hopefully I have done his story justice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for hopefully seeking out the film.
Gorman Bechard director/editor
A note on the film.
"Every Everything" grew out of my desire to once again, after "Color Me Obsessed, a film about The Replacements," do a different take on the rock doc genre. I am a huge fan of Errol Morris, and love his "Fog Of War" in which he lets one man, and one man only speak for 100 plus minutes. I kept thinking this would be a great format for a rock doc. But what rock star could sustain a 90 minute conversation? What rock star could keep his ego in check, and really open up, really take us on a journey through his life?
Now we had already interviewed Grant Hart for "Color Me Obsessed," so I knew he was a great interview. But it wasn't until Grant and I shared a table for breakfast in Brussels (when both he and "Color Me" were playing the same Minneapolis homage show) that I knew he would be the perfect subject for this format. Not only had he seen and done almost everything in rock and roll, he possesses a brilliant mind, and he's a great freakin' story-teller.
But even I and my co-producer Jan Radder would hardly be prepared for the brilliance Grant brought to the table during our couple of weeks of filming in the Twin Cities. He laid it all on the line, and hopefully I have done his story justice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for hopefully seeking out the film.
Gorman Bechard director/editor
Great insight into fascinating musician
FolkerUK9 October 2013
This movie gives an amazing insight into the life and mind of ex Husker Du drummer/singer Grant Hart.
Hart is in pretty much every frame of the movie but is never dull or boring. He's a fascinating complex character and his music used shows what an underrated and talented songwriter he is.
Filling a movie with one subject like this could be problematic at times but the director gives us the feel of actually sitting with Grant, you feel a connection with him and at times his honesty really knocks you back.
I would recommend this movie to anyone with a love of great rock music or an interest into the workings of a true artist.
Hart is in pretty much every frame of the movie but is never dull or boring. He's a fascinating complex character and his music used shows what an underrated and talented songwriter he is.
Filling a movie with one subject like this could be problematic at times but the director gives us the feel of actually sitting with Grant, you feel a connection with him and at times his honesty really knocks you back.
I would recommend this movie to anyone with a love of great rock music or an interest into the workings of a true artist.
Quality story of the forgotten man of alternative rock
mem_mehmet5 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Most people with an interest in alternative rock will have heard of Bob Mould, the Hüsker Dü and Sugar singer/guitarist and pioneer but over time the other incredible songwriter in Hüsker Dü has been forgotten. A lot of Hüsker Dü fans would argue that Grant Hart's songs were some of the best songs they ever recorded. Songs like Diane, don't want to know if you are lonely, green eyes etc which have all been successfully covered by other artists such as Therapy?, Green Day etc. This documentary gives a fascinating insight into the story behind Hart and what makes him such an intriguing musician . The documentary itself covers his life and includes music from throughout his career. I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe that even a non Hüsker Dü fan would be taken in by the story of alternative rock's forgotten man.
Awake, Arise! Vivid self portrait of a musical pioneer
cookingwith77 October 2013
If you're looking for your standard paint by numbers documentary format for just another average dull musician, then this movie is NOT for you!
If instead you're interested in a vivid self portrait of one of music's most original and non-compromising artists of the last 30 years, whose pioneering band (Hüsker Dü) laid the foundation of a lot of modern music without much financial award, then I'd heartily recommend you catch up on the life and times of Grant Hart.
The movie is told entirely by Grant, in his own very honest words, but is neither an ego trip nor a score settling exercise. We hear and see Grant today, as well as through a variety of flashback interviews, photographs and concert footage. Where the documentary breaks from convention is in not always conforming to the normal chronological structure when telling its story. By jumping around in time it keeps the viewer engaged on themes, rather than by the over used "album by album" approach. This is after all Grant's story, and not a Hüsker Dü documentary.
The timing of the movie couldn't be better – Grant has just released a magnificent double album in 2013 to strong critical reviews. After many years, seemingly in the wilderness, this movie gives Grant a new day rising day in the sun, and hopefully more people will seek out his music because of it.
If instead you're interested in a vivid self portrait of one of music's most original and non-compromising artists of the last 30 years, whose pioneering band (Hüsker Dü) laid the foundation of a lot of modern music without much financial award, then I'd heartily recommend you catch up on the life and times of Grant Hart.
The movie is told entirely by Grant, in his own very honest words, but is neither an ego trip nor a score settling exercise. We hear and see Grant today, as well as through a variety of flashback interviews, photographs and concert footage. Where the documentary breaks from convention is in not always conforming to the normal chronological structure when telling its story. By jumping around in time it keeps the viewer engaged on themes, rather than by the over used "album by album" approach. This is after all Grant's story, and not a Hüsker Dü documentary.
The timing of the movie couldn't be better – Grant has just released a magnificent double album in 2013 to strong critical reviews. After many years, seemingly in the wilderness, this movie gives Grant a new day rising day in the sun, and hopefully more people will seek out his music because of it.
Every Everything - what an intimate portrait!
cpwarner-959-6579827 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Finally, Grant Hart has an opportunity to tell his story!
One thing that struck me from the start is it's like having a good, long visit with him. He's a wellspring of all sorts of information and interesting anecdotes, and that was so well-captured in this film.
Most poignant for me were the "house tour" segments. I remember the driveway, the table, the kitchen, the cats, and his dear mother. When he spoke to her spirit as he stood on the empty lot, I cried.
Watching him make a collage was fascinating! I wish I had the $250 he said it looked like, so I could buy it from him. Support his art, AND give me something cool to hang up in my studio!
The family photo retrospective was wonderful, and of particular interest was the picture of him with a perm. He told me the story about that once, and I couldn't imagine it. Now I've seen it, and was pleasantly surprised to see how well it suited him, back in the day.
I was also thrilled that at least part of "Flexible Flyer," filmed in New Haven, was included. It was my request from him that night, and I was sitting within six feet of him as he sang. It was a really beautiful rendition.
In the film, as in general conversation, Grant does not shy away from difficult subjects. He is forthright and forthcoming, and at times brutally honest.
This bears watching, and re-watching, and I think I will find something new in it every time. Something I missed in all the previous viewings.
Gorman Bechard has done a splendid job. I'm looking forward to the official DVD release, with all the extras.
One thing that struck me from the start is it's like having a good, long visit with him. He's a wellspring of all sorts of information and interesting anecdotes, and that was so well-captured in this film.
Most poignant for me were the "house tour" segments. I remember the driveway, the table, the kitchen, the cats, and his dear mother. When he spoke to her spirit as he stood on the empty lot, I cried.
Watching him make a collage was fascinating! I wish I had the $250 he said it looked like, so I could buy it from him. Support his art, AND give me something cool to hang up in my studio!
The family photo retrospective was wonderful, and of particular interest was the picture of him with a perm. He told me the story about that once, and I couldn't imagine it. Now I've seen it, and was pleasantly surprised to see how well it suited him, back in the day.
I was also thrilled that at least part of "Flexible Flyer," filmed in New Haven, was included. It was my request from him that night, and I was sitting within six feet of him as he sang. It was a really beautiful rendition.
In the film, as in general conversation, Grant does not shy away from difficult subjects. He is forthright and forthcoming, and at times brutally honest.
This bears watching, and re-watching, and I think I will find something new in it every time. Something I missed in all the previous viewings.
Gorman Bechard has done a splendid job. I'm looking forward to the official DVD release, with all the extras.
Now that you know me
k-j-whitehead3 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Work is a drag! It's some weeks since I made the trip to London, the Raindance Festival and the premiere of this film. A pilgrimage really – not to pay homage, more to pay respect to the songwriter, singer, sometimes maligned drummer for Hüsker Dü and star of this show, Grant Hart.
The film would have worked for me, pretty much regardless. Personal history, band biography, plenty of concert footage and archive interviews (slight overuse of the 'Makes No Sense' recording, but that's fine and great if you're not familiar with it). For a fan, what's not to like?
But it's much more than that. The basic construct of 'just Grant' works (as director Gorman Bechard thought it would) because Grant Hart is interesting, clearly creative and, if I'm honest, a little sad. There are many nice moments: a look at him doing his collage art (and stalking around the second-hand shop to pick up the old magazines he tears up to make them), a bit of insight into the creation of Hüsker's album covers (enough for the film, but would have loved more), Grant talking drum kits and drumming. Funny stuff too: about the collage art Grant's asked 'what would you call that?' – '150 bucks' (I think that was his price); the Husker Du impresses Black Flag story told in a Tarantino-esque animated sequence where the spurting blood red of Kill Bill's manga sequence (or may be the green tide of Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle vomit?) is replaced by the splatter of blue paint arse prints; the 'pumpkin band'!
Grant also brings the necessary pathos to raise the film above the average – a bit like 'The Story of Anvil' but, like their respective musical output, less obvious. So we hear about Bob (of course), the period when he 'invested' in his blood stream, the relationship with his estranged son and the destructive fire at the family home. All have affected him, but it's the tour through his home that isn't there (completely destroyed? too damaged to be filmed?) that is perhaps the most poignant. The motivation for his slightly nutty and initially bewildering narrative is anybody's guess (this was apparently Grant's idea; was it a metaphor for his life, career?), but it's cleverly employed by the film maker, returning to it from time to time to provide a thread that holds the film together.
When Gorman Bechard's Kickstarter fund for a film about Grant Hart was launched, a contribution was a personal opportunity to pay back for everything Grant has given - because as many people know, he deserves more recognition. Gorman's ambition here was brave and his film should do this for Grant because he has delivered something special, and so has Grant - in spades.
And the talk of hours of unused footage means that this package can deliver even more. Something to look forward to I hope.
The film would have worked for me, pretty much regardless. Personal history, band biography, plenty of concert footage and archive interviews (slight overuse of the 'Makes No Sense' recording, but that's fine and great if you're not familiar with it). For a fan, what's not to like?
But it's much more than that. The basic construct of 'just Grant' works (as director Gorman Bechard thought it would) because Grant Hart is interesting, clearly creative and, if I'm honest, a little sad. There are many nice moments: a look at him doing his collage art (and stalking around the second-hand shop to pick up the old magazines he tears up to make them), a bit of insight into the creation of Hüsker's album covers (enough for the film, but would have loved more), Grant talking drum kits and drumming. Funny stuff too: about the collage art Grant's asked 'what would you call that?' – '150 bucks' (I think that was his price); the Husker Du impresses Black Flag story told in a Tarantino-esque animated sequence where the spurting blood red of Kill Bill's manga sequence (or may be the green tide of Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle vomit?) is replaced by the splatter of blue paint arse prints; the 'pumpkin band'!
Grant also brings the necessary pathos to raise the film above the average – a bit like 'The Story of Anvil' but, like their respective musical output, less obvious. So we hear about Bob (of course), the period when he 'invested' in his blood stream, the relationship with his estranged son and the destructive fire at the family home. All have affected him, but it's the tour through his home that isn't there (completely destroyed? too damaged to be filmed?) that is perhaps the most poignant. The motivation for his slightly nutty and initially bewildering narrative is anybody's guess (this was apparently Grant's idea; was it a metaphor for his life, career?), but it's cleverly employed by the film maker, returning to it from time to time to provide a thread that holds the film together.
When Gorman Bechard's Kickstarter fund for a film about Grant Hart was launched, a contribution was a personal opportunity to pay back for everything Grant has given - because as many people know, he deserves more recognition. Gorman's ambition here was brave and his film should do this for Grant because he has delivered something special, and so has Grant - in spades.
And the talk of hours of unused footage means that this package can deliver even more. Something to look forward to I hope.
Subtle Genius
rmfcjr25 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
It is no spoiler who Grant Hart is until you see this film. This film is full of quotable lines from the man - and even if you hate Husker Du the lines are tremendous . If I ever was famous I would want to be just like Grant Hart. That is all I can say without spoiling the film. It is a tremendous look inside the mind of a simple guy who influenced people. I am not some huge fan, but the film made me feel like I knew grant Hart my entire life and as if him and I were just talking. I appreciate the film and it's achievement . This film is genius and as a BioDoc it is what may be the best ever. There was an accompanying record for the films release on Record Store Day 2014 and that was PERFECT. One may not realize how Grant Hart was a the front of a movement he created or how he was so influential and if you watch this film you would never know it. Hart's genius , the film's genius is that the man is not what one would expect. He is not bitter, he is not full of himself - Hart is a humble man with much to say. I almost passed out when he brought up the Smashing Pumpkins . The film is a journey to the center of Hart and most people do not know who he is-and I think he is happy with that
A very good warts and all diary of a person's life and career
chet-6158526 December 2016
A wistful film, although Mr. Hart doesn't allow you to wallow in that. He is above all himself, 'sh*t happens', and he and the director lay it out as honestly as can be done from a single subject's perspective. It certainly gave me more perspective on Husker Du, I did not listen to them very much in their 1980s heyday. I was less interested in the diary of a band breakup aspect, Mr. Hart is refreshingly not bitter about it. Mr. Bechard has a very good feel and sympathy with his interview subjects, I can see that commonality between his Replacements documentary and this one. This film about Grant Hart is a very worthwhile journey to follow along, in my opinion.
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